New Caledonia Self-drive

Day 1: Arrive La Tontouta

You'll be greeted at the airport and taken by shared transfer to your hotel in Noumea.

The rest of the day is yours to explore the capital city of Noumea at your leisure. With its cosmopolitan community, picturesque bays and plenty of restaurants and shops, there will be plenty to explore this afternoon.

Day 2: Drive to Kone (273 km – 3hrs 20 mins)

After breakfast, make your way to the lobby of the hotel where your hire car will be dropped off. Once all the paperwork is sorted jump in the car and get on your way!

Today is the longest driving day and the whole journey will take almost 3 and a half hours, but why rush? This region is the home to the Caledonian farms, managed by the ‘broussards’ (bush locals); with their whips and cowboy hats they wouldn’t look out of place in an Western! These large, open plains are stunning at dusk when the land becomes shaded purple.

Day 3: Kone to Hienghene (122km – 1hr 45 mins)

Today you cross the middle of the country to the east coast of New Caledonia and the village of Hienghene. Hienghene is one of the most famous villages in New Caledonia with its spectacular rock formations, many waterfalls and the highest peak of the Caledonian chain.

Here you can meet the locals and learn about tribal life, or walk the hiking trails to discover breath-taking scenery. Keen divers couls also dive the Great Barrier Reef from here.

Day 4: Hienghene to Poindime (73km – 1 hour)

Today is a short drive down the east coast to Poindimie, considered the 'capital' of the east coast. The humid climate on this coast produces lush vegetation and is a fantastic backdrop for hiking or horse riding and there are also some stunning waterfalls to visit in the valleys of Napoemien.

Day 5: Poindimie to Sarramea (162km – 2hrs 20mins)

Today you can travel further down the east side of the island before heading inland to Sarramea. Set in a valley, Sarramea is the perfect setting for relaxation and a good starting out point for walking or riding in the forest.

Day 6: Sarramea to Port Boise (200km – 2hrs 40mins)

You will travel right down to the southernmost point of New Caledonia today, to Port Boise. From July-September it's possible to see whales off the coast from here.

Day 7: Port Boise

Today is free at leisure.

Day 8: Port Boise to Noumea (91km – 1hr 30 mins)

Today is your last day of driving, as you head back to the capital city of Noumea. Set off early so you can get to Noumea and make the most of a day in this city which is like a slice of France set in the Pacific. Noumea has a French Riviera atmosphere with plenty of luxury boutiques and little restaurants to enjoy.

The afternoon is free at leisure.

Day 9: Depart La Tontouta

Your time in New Caledonia has come to an end and you will be collected from your hotel and taken to the airport for your onward journey.