Nouméa
is the capital city of the French territory
of New Caledonia. It is situated on a
peninsula in the south of New Caledonia's
main island, Grande Terre, and is home
to the majority of the island's population.
The city lies on a protected deepwater
harbour which serves as the main port
for New Caledonia.
The population of Nouméa, including
its suburbs, is over 130,000 inhabitants
which makes it the largest city in New
Caledonia. More...
Nouméa
is the capital city of the French territory
of New Caledonia. It is situated on a
peninsula in the south of New Caledonia's
main island, Grande Terre, and is home
to the majority of the island's population.
The city lies on a protected deepwater
harbour which serves as the main port
for New Caledonia.
The population of Nouméa, including
its suburbs, is over 130,000 inhabitants
which makes it the largest city in New
Caledonia.
Although Nouméa has a busy city
traffic, there are few sections of the
metro area where cycling is relatively
safe. This is along the coastline between
Port Despointes and Baie d'Orphelinat.
Frequently on weekends you will see cyclists
pedaling around the bays of Noumea usually
on the circuit between Baie d'Orphelinat
and Anse Vata.
In Nouméa the French culture dominates
the scene with great patisseries and cafés
lining the streets. Less...
The best time to visit Nouméa is during the autumn and winter months (southern hemisphere) when its maritime weather is calmer and the temperatures are comfortable. Regardless of the timing of your visit, it is advisable that you make reservations for lodging ahead of time. Less...
Climate
and Weather
Nouméa has a semi-tropical climate and summer in the southern hemisphere is often hot and humid. However, during the winter (May to August) the daytime temperature is around 22 degrees and it is relatively dry and comfortable, a perfect climate for cycling. Less...
How
to Get There
Several airlines
serve New Caledonia. From Australia and
New Zealand there are several direct flights
per week on Qantas Air, Air New Zealand,
and AirCalin.
For North American cyclists, Air New Zealand
has direct/non-stop flights which operate
several times a week from Los Angeles and
San Francisco to Auckland. From Auckland
there is a direct flight on Air New Zealand
to New Caledonia.
From Europe and from Asia, Air France and
AirCalin fly several flights per week to
New Caledonia.
Tontouta International Airport is located
about 31 miles/50km north of Nouméa. There
are several bus, taxi, and shuttle services
between Tontouta and Noumea. Check the New Caledonia Tourism web site for transportation options between Noumea and Tontouta. Less...
Accommodations
There are plenty of accommodations in Nouméa, ranging from gites (B&B's) and simple motels to upscale hotels and resorts. Although the accommodation choices are generally plentiful, reservations are recommended. Check the New Caledonia Tourism web site for rates and availability. Less...
The
Roads
The roads around Nouméa are all paved and well maintained, and some have a nice shoulder to ride on. There are a few sections of paved bicycle path along Nouméa coastline in Anse Vata and Point Despointes.
Nouméa does have significant traffic; and hence, it is essential to stay alert and be cognizant of the traffic flow. Less...
What
You Need To Know
Nouméa has plenty of attractions. The beautiful Noumea Aquarium offers a superb window into the maritime biological life of the Southern Pacific. The botanical gardens, which is situated at the top of a hill above Nouméa, provides spectacular views of the larger Noumea area and includes a zoological garden with an extensive collection of local and other tropical bird species.
Located near the center of the city is the Museum of New Caledonia, which provides an introduction to the Kanak and Pacific cultures. The Nouméa City Museum on Place des Cocotiers offers information on the history of the city and its settlement.
Situated on the coast on the northern outskirts of the city is the great Tjibaou Cultural Center recognized from a distance for its distinctive architectural design reminiscent of Kanak huts, so typical of New Caledonia and the Kanak culture. The statue of the legendary Jean-Marie Tjibaou, for whom the center was named, stands on top of the hill overlooking the center. The center has permanent and temporary exhibition rooms showing art from New Caledonia and the entire Pacific Region. Less...
