Nouméa, New Caledonia

St. Joseph Cathedral

St. Joseph Cathedral is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city, as well as one of the oldest churches in the capital. It is a well-known architectural landmark and a favorite spot for picturesque photos among tourists. The cathedral is located in the city’s historic center, on a beautiful street lined with colonial-style buildings. The majestic Catholic cathedral was built almost immediately after the first settlers arrived here in 1851. It has been beautifully preserved to this day. Recently, restoration work was carried out here.

Pictured Rocks Bluff

Pierced Rock Cliffs (Pircé de Rock) is one of New Caledonia’s most interesting natural attractions. The cliffs are famous above all for the largest monolith of Le Bonhomme that rises from the water and for its caves, where guided excursions are organized. You can explore the cliffs from land or reach them by ferry. The Pierced Rock caves have been studied by geologists and scientists; traces of the oldest rock formations have been found here, and samples are on display in the geological museum. Inside the cliffs’ caves, you can go rock climbing and speleboarding-an experienced guide and modern equipment will help you with that. For those who prefer a more relaxed type of leisure, it’s worth admiring the Le Bonhomme monolith rising from the water like a giant tooth of a fossilized creature. The view of the Pierced Rock cliffs is especially spectacular at sunset.

Aquarium

The Nouméa Aquarium is one of the most exciting and interesting places in the city. Here, representatives of underwater flora and fauna from all over the world are gathered, including unique inhabitants of the marine world-fish that live among coral reefs, as well as in mangroves and lagoons. Natural habitat conditions have been created for the Aquarium’s underwater residents. More than 300 species of marine fauna are featured here, including tiny seahorses, the most ancient cephalopod mollusks, clownfish, moray eels, and many others. There are even an electric ray and a reef shark. The Nouméa Aquarium is open every day except weekends, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. local time.

Beaches of New Caledonia

Anse Vata Beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Here you’ll find the most developed beach and tourist infrastructure, with many bars and restaurants, shops, and beach entertainment. The beach sand is snow-white and clean. It’s a great choice both for lovers of active recreation and for families with children, since the beach has a very convenient and gentle slope into the water. Visiting the beach is free. Baie des Citrons Beach is one of the cleanest and best-kept beaches, with excellent developed tourist infrastructure and plenty of opportunities for an exciting getaway. Entry here is absolutely free.

Madeleine Waterfall

Madeleine Falls - one of the main natural attractions in the country, attracting thousands of tourists. Madeleine Falls is located on a naturally clean, state-protected territory. It is the highest and longest waterfall in New Caledonia, captivating tourists with its grandeur. On the wonderful natural landscapes, guided hikes are organized, and you can even swim in the waterfall itself.

Tjibaou Cultural Center

The Tjibaou Cultural Center is a unique complex covering an area of 7,650 square kilometers, designed by the renowned architect Renzo Piano, who harmoniously combined the latest technologies with traditional local materials. The entire complex consists of ten buildings-large cone-shaped structures with heights ranging from 9 to 24 meters-capable of withstanding the strongest gusts of wind coming from the Pacific Ocean. They are connected to each other by 250 meters of glass-and-wood walkways. Around the buildings there is a garden with local plants. All pavilions are divided into three groups: the first includes cafés and exhibition areas, the second features temporary projects and displays, as well as multimedia exhibitions, and the third includes classrooms for studying the history of New Caledonia.

Cruise through Mangrove Forests

This unique cruise takes you to the very heart of New Caledonia-into the mysterious world of mangrove forests, one of the most remarkable ecosystems on Earth, distinguished by incredible biodiversity of flora and fauna. On the way to the park, you’ll see the most beautiful bays, beaches, and the city’s sights of Nouméa. Then you’ll set off on a walk through the mangrove thickets and enjoy an outstanding panoramic view from the lookout point. On the way back, you’ll be able to see the surroundings of the city, famous bright houses in colonial style, and colorful gardens.

Winery tours in the Aménieu-Pass Valley

In the Amé Pass valley there are extensive vineyard plantations and many wineries. The first Europeans landed on the shores of New Caledonia in the mid-19th century. They were French, who immediately set up colonies here. The local soil was very fertile, and the climate conditions were quite suitable for growing grapes. That is why they quickly established grape cultivation and wine production here. By the way, the wine from the wineries of the Amé Pass valley is much sweeter than wine of the same variety grown in France. This is explained by an abundance of sunshine and the special fertility of the soil. On the excursion through the valley, you can learn all the wine-making technologies and taste this noble beverage.

For a more detailed list of excursions and their prices, you can view them after booking the cruise in your «Client Personal Account».