Discover The Islands of New Caledonia – Paradise Awaits | New Caledonia Tourism: The official website for tourism in New Caledonia

From Ouvéa to the Isle of Pines, via Lifou, Tiga, and Maré, the five islands bordering Grande Terre attract visitors in search of wilderness, idyllic beaches, and authenticity. While each has its own character, what the islands of New Caledonia have in common is that they offer travellers a warm welcome in the Kanak tribe, a singular history, and landscapes of incredible beauty, all far removed from mass tourism. A stay on the Loyalty Islands or Isle of Pines will give you an incomparable feeling of disconnection!

To reach the Loyalty Islands and the Isle of Pines, there are two options: by plane or by ferry. From Nouméa, you’ll need to head to the domestic airport for your flight (30 to 50 minutes depending on your destination). Please note that the Nouméa – Magenta domestic airport is located to the south of the city, not next to the international airport. The Betico company offers ferry services to the islands, departing from the Nouméa ferry terminal. While the Isle of Pines can be visited on a day trip by both ferry and plane, we recommend flying to Ouvéa, Lifou, or Maré.

For an immersive experience in the daily life of the locals through authentic interactions, consider booking accommodation with a tribe. If possible, align your travel dates with local events, providing opportunities to share special moments with your hosts in a friendly, festive atmosphere. Package deals are available for these events. To simplify the booking process, reach out to local agencies or the New Caledonia Tourism Office.

Top 5 things to do

in The Islands

©Traditional pirogue on Upi Bay|Little Gypsy

1. Canoeing in Upi BayIsle of Pines

Located in the south-east of the Isle of Pines, Baie d’Upi can be explored by traditional outrigger pirogue, amid turquoise waters and coral reefs. A feast for all the senses!

Customary welcome at Chez Hélène in the Tchamba tribe, Ponérihouen. — ©Chez Hélène, Tchamba tribe, Ponérihouen|Eric Aubry

2. Taking part in the Kanak Customary GestureLifou / Ouvéa / Maré

Stay with a tribe on one of the Loyalty Islands and share some of the highlights of Kanak daily life. When you arrive, the tribal chief will be waiting for you to do the custom, a symbolic ritual essential for entering customary land.

3. Swimming in the turquoise waters of Mouli beachOuvéa

A real postcard setting with its white sand and crystal-clear water, Mouli beach is the epitome of idleness. Before lounging there, make your way to the pont de Mouli, the only bridge between the south and north of the island!

Grotte de la Reine Hortense or Grotte d'Oumagne on Île des Pins in New Caledonia. — ©Grotte de la Reine Hortense, Île des Pins|Sicilia

4. Contemplating the Grotto of Queen HortenseIsle of Pines

During a guided tour, listen to the unique destiny of the daughter of Grand Chief Kaoua, who gave her name to this unusual cave buried in the rainforest of the Isle of Pines. Make your way to the well of light, a mysterious place from which a few bats can be heard in the distance

5. Enjoy the view of Jokin BayLifou

At 40 meters high, the Jokin cliffs plunge into clear, fish-filled waters in which you can swim with ease. Don’t miss the sunset!

1. Canoeing in Upi BayIsle of Pines

Located in the south-east of the Isle of Pines, Baie d’Upi can be explored by traditional outrigger pirogue, amid turquoise waters and coral reefs. A feast for all the senses!

2. Taking part in the Kanak Customary GestureLifou / Ouvéa / Maré

Stay with a tribe on one of the Loyalty Islands and share some of the highlights of Kanak daily life. When you arrive, the tribal chief will be waiting for you to do the custom, a symbolic ritual essential for entering customary land.

3. Swimming in the turquoise waters of Mouli beachOuvéa

A real postcard setting with its white sand and crystal-clear water, Mouli beach is the epitome of idleness. Before lounging there, make your way to the pont de Mouli, the only bridge between the south and north of the island!

4. Contemplating the Grotto of Queen HortenseIsle of Pines

During a guided tour, listen to the unique destiny of the daughter of Grand Chief Kaoua, who gave her name to this unusual cave buried in the rainforest of the Isle of Pines. Make your way to the well of light, a mysterious place from which a few bats can be heard in the distance

5. Enjoy the view of Jokin BayLifou

At 40 meters high, the Jokin cliffs plunge into clear, fish-filled waters in which you can swim with ease. Don’t miss the sunset!

1. Canoeing in Upi BayIsle of Pines

Located in the south-east of the Isle of Pines, Baie d’Upi can be explored by traditional outrigger pirogue, amid turquoise waters and coral reefs. A feast for all the senses!

2. Taking part in the Kanak Customary GestureLifou / Ouvéa / Maré

Stay with a tribe on one of the Loyalty Islands and share some of the highlights of Kanak daily life. When you arrive, the tribal chief will be waiting for you to do the custom, a symbolic ritual essential for entering customary land.

3. Swimming in the turquoise waters of Mouli beachOuvéa

A real postcard setting with its white sand and crystal-clear water, Mouli beach is the epitome of idleness. Before lounging there, make your way to the pont de Mouli, the only bridge between the south and north of the island!

4. Contemplating the Grotto of Queen HortenseIsle of Pines

During a guided tour, listen to the unique destiny of the daughter of Grand Chief Kaoua, who gave her name to this unusual cave buried in the rainforest of the Isle of Pines. Make your way to the well of light, a mysterious place from which a few bats can be heard in the distance

5. Enjoy the view of Jokin BayLifou

At 40 meters high, the Jokin cliffs plunge into clear, fish-filled waters in which you can swim with ease. Don’t miss the sunset!

Discover

Main destinations

Best Experiences

in The Islands

#newcaledoniaThe journey begins here

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“Your future lies before you like a Pather of untrodden sand, be careful how to tread it for every mark will show.” -unknown arrived in paradise. #newcaledonia #ouvea #paradise #holiday #tropicalisland

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The colours here are stunning. #nofilter required. Went for a wander today, the lagoon here is world heritage listed, it’s rich biodiversity, cultural significance have been recognised and protected. In the fast paced world so many of us operate in, it’s comforting that there are places that move at a slower pace. I never want to speed up again… #unesco #unescoworldheritage #ouvea #slowdown #mindfulness #paradise

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I’m obsessed with churches in the pacific, I’m not a religious person but these churches are eerily beautiful, sad and physical representation that a way of life was changed forever. That being said, I’m sure once a week they are filled with song and community. This one so grand seems so out of place here amount the sun and palm trees, it’s a structure that could quite easily be found in squares in Europe. #churches #church #pacific #southpacific #ouvea #islandlife #holiday #roadtrip

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🕯️ Underground wonderland or hidden treasure chest? New Caledonia’s caves are ready to amaze! 🌋🕳️ These caves reveal millions of years of geological history in the heart of the South Pacific. Adventure awaits beneath the surface! 🌍🔦 Awake the Robinson Crusoe within you in New Caledonia! 🌟🕯️ Learn more via link in bio! #NewCaledonia #CaveExploration #GeologicalWonders #UndergroundAdventure #NatureTourism #SpeleoAdventure #NaturalWonders #ExtremeTravel #GeologicalFormations #UndergroundWorld #AdventureTravel #NaturalHistory #ExoticDestinations #TravelGoals #ExplorationTourism #WildernessAdventure #NaturalBeauty #SouthPacificTravel #ResponsibleTourism 📍 Luengöni Cave, Lifou island 📸 © NCT

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Visited a #vanilla plantation to learn all things vanilla; planting, growing, harvesting, drying, etc. Rather than bore you with those details, I’ll just tell you an interesting fact: The grade A vanilla beans here are used in the Coco Chanel no 5 perfume. The more you know 🌈 . . . #lifou #NewCaledonia #loyaltyisland #southpacific #travel #adventure #explore

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Crystal clear waters, lush greenery and #vanilla plantations, #Lifou does slow #island living right. . . . #NewCaledonia #loyaltyislands #travel #explore #adventure

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a year ago

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Piscine naturelle - Île des Pins, Nouvelle Calédonie 🌲🏝️ . . . . #iledespins #baiedoro #baiedoroetpiscinenaturelle #baiedoro🌺 #newcaledonia #piscinenaturelle #piscinenaturelleoro #ocean #pacific #photography #dronestagram #voyage #landscape #globetrotter #igphoto #nature #bestlife #newcal #paradise #naturephotography #igtravel #nouvellecaledonie #djiminipro3 #island #picoftheday #drone #dji #djiglobal #travelphotography #sudtourismenc

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a year ago

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Piscine Naturelle, New Caledonia. My new favourite spot in the world! Just unbelievable 💙 #newcaledonia #piscinenaturelle #nouvellecaledonie #noumea #island #iledespins #isleofpines #visitnewcaledonia #crystalclear #beach #ocean #dronelikeagirl #womenwhodrone #womenwhodroneaustralia

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a year ago

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#ouvea #newcaledonia #bluewater #paradise

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Other regions

Aerial view of the Hienghène rocks — ©Hienghène rocks, East Coast|Ben Thouard - The Explorers / NCT