French connection
Story and photos by Dawna L. Robertson
For years, New Caledonians have used the catch phrase "France In The Pacific" to promote their country, mainly to nearby Aussies and Kiwis but also to increasingly growing markets in Japan, Europe and the U.S. Technically, that French-Pacific tag is stretching it a bit because, despite accurately depicting its culture, New Caledonia is no longer a French colony (although it still has ties to France).
Besides its captivating culture, the destination is especially appealing to vacationers looking for warm tropical weather, inspiring landscapes and water that's as intensely turquoise as it is rich with marine life.
For a little perspective, New Caledonia is about 750 miles east of Australia. It is composed principally of the Isle of Pines, the Loyalty Islands, and a mainland divided into northern and southern provinces. The archipelago is tucked amid a trio of better-known getaways – Fiji, Australia and New Zealand. So it's a perfect stopover destination for travelers heading to any of these more prominent spots.
But for those into diving, there's little need to go elsewhere. The mainland is cocooned in the world's largest lagoon, with water temperatures that range from an inviting 70 to 82 degrees.
Upon arriving at New Caledonia's colorful capital at Noumea – my flight was on Aircalin from Fiji, but most visitors from the U.S. get there via Australia or New Zealand, where they connect to hops to Noumea – I hit the ground running. I took in the Tjibaou Cultural Center, which paid off in trumps since it gave me a solid background on New Caledonia's Kanak people and what I'd be exposed to on the trip.
Armed with local insights, I headed back to Noumea for a hefty dose of diversity fashioned over the years by sailors and missionaries, French colonial governors and the U.S. Army during World War II. Today, Noumea emits a distinctive European feel with its colonial buildings, town square, gardens, markets, designer boutiques, patisseries and sidewalk cafes. For handy sightseeing, a small train makes a scenic circuit that stops at key sites between the city center and the main tourist area of Anse Vata.
Tight on time but determined to explore the Southern Province's interior landscapes, I opted for Caledonia Tours' excursion to Blue River Park. The 22,350-acre forest reserve is home to a plethora of native plants and wildlife, including the territory's rare cagou bird.
While my stay was brief, it was certainly filled with a satisfying taste. Over the years I've enjoyed lots of places around the world including some that I'd go back to in a heartbeat. New Caledonia is one of the latter.
More info: Visit www.nouvellecaledonietourisme-sud.com/en