Adventure #236

n e w c a l e d o n i a
c a l e d o n i a
NEW CALEDONIA:
ADRENALINE KICKS
New Calendonia is a water lovers paradise
For a destination offering a
range of activities to kick your
adrenaline into overdrive,
look no further than the
heart of the South Pacific,
New Caledonia. As an active
traveller in New Cal, you’ll
have access to a range of
activities, such as skydiving
over the stunning lagoon,
taking part in a series of water
activities, or testing your limits
on a strenuous hike, there is
a hot pick for every type of
adrenaline junkie.
Exploring New Cal on foot
New Caledonia is New
Zealand’s closest neighbour
and is accessible with a short
3-hour flight from Auckland,
making it the perfect
destination for a short active
holiday.
Explore on foot
While hiking may not be the
first thing that comes to mind
for some when considering
New Cal for a holiday, the
range of walking trails from
beginner to expert will be
sure to convince you. Take
on the Mont-Dore trail that
will have your heart racing as
you traverse through a range
of terrains and finish off with
some of the best views of
Noumea. If you want more
of a challenge, tackle the 96
km long GR® NC1 hiking trail
that cuts across the southern
tip of the Grand Terre.
Divided into seven main
stages is estimated to take
a total of 6 days, and you’ll
enjoy the beautiful nature
2,388KMS
Distance from New Zealand
3HOURS
By air from Auckland
22°16'32.8836''S.
166°27'28.7748''E.
GPS Location
285,000
Population
while you hike through the
red landscapes of the Great
South to the lush Dumbéa
rainforest.
Other hot trails include the
mountain that overlooks
Noumea, Pic Malaoui (or
policeman’s hat) or if you’re
looking for a more peaceful
experience the Source trail in
Yaté is another great pick for
a shorter hike.
New Cal surf
Image by Oneye Production
Across the dirt on two wheels
The elevations across the main island
mean that New Caledonia is becoming
a top destination for biking enthusiasts.
Your pulse will be rising as you jump on
a mountain bike to take on the rough
trails of the mainland, known as the
Grand Terre. There are countless tracks
to discover on the west coast, from
Deva in Bourail to the paths traced in
the land of Koné, such as the Grande
Boucle of the Tango plateau.
As with hiking, the Great South is an
ideal spot for biking where there are
7 different bike trails laid out, ranging
from green pats under 5km to daunting
red and black trails extending from 10
to 33km.
Touch the sky
Not just your ordinary flight, the ultralight
aeroplane (ULM) flight is perfect
for those who want to taste the thrill and
enjoy the scenery all wrapped up in one
experience. Float above the heights of
the mountain chains and ranges where
you may even spot a bale of sea turtles
or the jump of a dolphin. Our pick is to
fly above the literal heart of the South
Pacific, the famous naturally formed
Heart of Voh on the North-West side
as you are wowed by the beauty of the
mangroves and the lagoon.
Kayaking at Plage Ouvea
Image by Escape Your Life
Horseriding is a great way to
explore the regions top attractions
Image by JC Robert
New Caledonia is a top location for biking
enthusiasts
A WATER LOVER’S PARADISE
If extreme adrenaline is not
quite your thing, then choose
from the endless selection of
water activities that are set
to provide the rush you are
longing for. New Caledonia
boasts stunning scenery, great
conditions, and an abundance
of spots for water activities to
take place. For beginners try out
kayaking, not only will it get your
heart rate pumping, but you will
find yourself amongst the wild
nature of the lagoons. If you
want to kick things up a notch,
then kitesurfing might be the
activity to participate in. Not only
are the waters ideal for wave
riding but the opportunity to spot
fish, dugongs and other marine
species in the world’s largest
lagoon cannot be missed.
See New Cal on horseback
For an adrenaline rush that isn’t quite the norm,
partake in horseback riding. Horse riding in New
Cal is a great way to explore the region’s top
attractions that are more difficult to get to by car
or foot. Choose from a range of tours to suit the
adventure you would like to enjoy, whether it is
to stride past the wide-open plains where you
might also witness wild horses, gallop along
the water's edge, or indulge in some good oldfashioned
cowboy culture.
Glide above the forest
A top activity that is sure to raise the hairs on
your skin is zipping through the tree line of New
Cal, via a tree climb or zip line – the perfect
opportunity to see the land from a different
angle. Strap yourself in as you are catapulted
through the air with only a harness to support
you, the sense of freedom will be thrilling
enough! Don’t forget to look out for the wildlife
that can be spotted around you and in the lush
greenery you are travelling through.
Dive into your wild side
Those who want to dive deeper and explore
the depths of the lagoon will have an incredible
opportunity in New Caledonia. With abundant
wildlife on the reefs and a steady water
temperature all year round, it is an experience
like no other. A popular activity is free diving,
with many local courses available in the safe
and controlled environment of the Caledonian
lagoon. If diving is a little beyond your limits,
there’s an abundant number of locations that
are ideal for snorkelling. Follow the underwater
path at Ile aux Canards (Duck Island) or take a
dip with the fishes in the natural pool in Oro Bay
on the Ilse of Pines.
Plongee sous-marine - Image by Alize Diving Satosha Masuda
For more experiences to raise the pulse in New Caledonia visit: https://pulse.newcaledonia.travel/nz/top-experiences/
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