Nature of New Caledonia - national parks and reserves for active recreation

New Caledonia is a relatively new destination that has become an increasingly popular vacation spot not many years ago. The country’s government understands now that tourism can be very profitable. The major infrastructure appeared during the latest decades. Individual tourism is still not very widespread as only experienced travelers visit New Caledonia alone. The capital area has everything needed for a trouble-free vacation. However, tourists can face such problems as the absence of currency exchange offices, only cash payments in shops, and difficulties with an ambulance outside Noumea. Group tourism in New Caledonia doesn’t have these problems, so tourists can be sure to have a fantastic vacation. However, adventure seekers can change their suitcases to backpacks and explore the most popular tourist routes in the country.

If you plan to explore New Caledonia by bicycle, then you might face more problems than it may seem at a glance. All tourists arrive at the airport near Noumea, so the capital is always a starting point for all foreigners. There is only one road from Noumea – a highway. Even if you plan to fly to another island, you will still need to reach Noumea from the international airport first and then head to the domestic airport. It may sound unusual, but there are no other roads from Noumea except for the highway. Local people use bicycles only when they need to make short rides, so cycling is not very popular in Noumea. When they go to the countryside, they attach their bicycles to the car roof. Having arrived at the destination, they cycle there, then put the bicycle back and return home. These one-day tours are popular in New Caledonia. Locals do not organize long “backpacking tours” in Grande Terre. Foreigners are the only people who plan to cycle many days and sleep in tents.

There is one more serious problem for cycling enthusiasts. Tourist offices notify foreign guests that they are subject to a fine for cycling on a highway. The police will simply stop cyclists. There are also some stories about cyclists injured by cars. There is only one solution in this case – to attach bicycles to a car and drive away from the capital. It is possible to cycle when the road doesn’t have the highway status anymore, but tourists need to drive far to the north for that. There is no roadway network in Grande Terra despite the fact that the island is quite big – its length is 400 km and its width is up to 50 km. There are two main roads on the west and east coasts. There are secondary roads to smaller settlements, but these roads have a dead end. Tourists need to return to the main road in order to go somewhere else. Nevertheless, traveling without a car is a great way to feel and see real New Caledonia. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The absence of a car can be a great reason to spend a night in a small village where tourists can spend an evening talking to locals. That being said, only true adventure seekers can make such journeys because no one guarantees safety in this case. However, there are no venomous snakes and wild animals in New Caledonia, and the Kanakas are, as a rule, friendly people. Still, New Caledonia is not the best choice for cycling travel. Besides everything else, do not forget about the tropical sun that is very active, so it is easy to get sunstroke and become dehydrated. A car journey in New Caledonia is safer and can be a lot more pleasant.

Having rented a car, you can greatly improve your mobility. Go to the northern part of the island – there are good roads in this direction. Visit Le Parc des Grandes Fougères, explore Fort Teremba, and don’t forget about the Turtle Beach. Of course, it is possible to visit many landmarks reaching them by intercity buses. There are horseback riding clubs in New Caledonia that offer teaching courses and interesting horseback riding tours. These clubs are open in Kone and Yala Ranch not far from Noumea. Tourists can visit them once or book several lessons if they want to learn how to ride a horse. It is even possible to stay in an ordinary village house located in the countryside. For this purpose, look for lodging that is marked as «en tribu» or «caldoches».

It is possible to feel like a Robinson Crusoe even on the Isle of Pines. This island is very small, only 15 by 13 kilometers. There are almost no tourists who explore the island individually. It is also not easy to find a suitable area to install a tent. However, there are several small camping areas that tourists are welcome to stay in. Atchu Camping is one of them. Tourists can even try to get permission to install their own tents. In this case, they can use the camping’s kitchen, shower, and toilet but live in own tent. Booking on camping must be done in advance. The Isle of Pines is a popular and upscale destination. Local hotels do not stay empty, and camping offers a cheaper service. Having chosen this accommodation type, travelers can explore local forests and lagoons. Simply ask local guides about precautions and safety measures to enjoy a trouble-free journey.