In the middle of South Pacific, surrounded by green waters and colorful coral riffs, lies New Caledonia, an island interlaced with mystical history, natural beauties and typical French elegance, all waiting for you to discover it.

New Caledonia, in French Nouvelle-Calédonie, also known as Kanaky or Le caillou, full name Territoire de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances, is French overseas territory. It is situated about 1500 km easterly from Australia and apart from New Caledonia itself it consists of several other islands, notably Loyalty Islands. Its landscape is made of dissected mountains and forests as well as green meadows and it is surrounded by the second largest coral reef in the world. Official language is, offcourse, French, currency is franc, most spread religion is Roman Catholic.

People

Kanaks, the original people of New Caledonia, comprise the majority of cca 222,000 inhabitants of New Caledonia, but there are many Europeans too. Although Kanaks are a bit shy at first, they are warm and friendly people, however some of them came to dislike French during their neverending fight for independence. The population is concentrated in Noumea, the capital of New Caledonia, and nearby towns.

Culture

When you arrive in New Caledonia, local culture may breathe on you almost immediately, because Kanaks often perform welcoming dances for visitors. Their music is mainly vocal supported by traditional instruments made of wood, leaves or bamboo. In addition to their music Kanaks are very skilled in handcraft, in New Caledonia you can see their pottery, wood- and stone-carvings if you visit an exhibition or festival. Kanaks were also masters of words, although they had never discovered writing. Some of their stories and legends have been written down recently and are certainly worth reading. But if you prefer hanging around in bar to museum, you will be satisfied too. For its rich nightlife the capital of New Caledonia is often called Paris of the Pacific. And if you are a lover of sports, you will find here plenty opportunities to have a good frolick. Scuba diving, yachting, windsurfing, hiking, kayaking, horseback riding – all is waiting for you in New Caledonia.

Flora & Fauna

As for flora, most of the species in New Caledonia are endemic, they do not appear anywhere else on the Earth, although locals hardly realise it. In the east you can find coconat palms, gum trees, mangrove forests or various flowers, in the west it is savannah and dense forests, while in the south mountains overgrew with pine trees. Among well-known animals living in New Caledonia counts the Cagou, a flightless bird which became the symbol of New Caledonia, flying fox, lagre vegetarian bat and, off course, thousands of species of fish, coral and invertebrates living in the lagoon water.

All in all...

New Caledonia can offer something to everybody who wants to fall in love with exotic nature and collect new, unusual experience or just relax on the beach and have fun. Thanks to its diversity and omnipresent contrast you will never get bored here, whatever it is you seek on your journey.