The guide to New Caledonia for every type of traveller

Dry forest, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. These can be found at Domaine de Deva, a vast protected area in Bourail in the South Province of New Caledonia. Its efforts towards sustainable tourism are reason enough to visit, but adventure seekers should not miss out on the plethora of activities on offer on this part of the mainland. Horseback ride through golden long grass plains, skydive or paraglide for a bird's eye view of the UNESCO World Heritage Site-listed Gouaro lagoon, mountain bike through Domaine de Deva's many trails, or have a peaceful meander along an ornithological trail to sight migratory and endemic birds. 

New Caledonia has the world's second longest coral reef, stretching 1600 kilometres around the island – forming the world's largest lagoon. To say that it's spectacular for snorkelling and scuba diving is simply an understatement. Expect diverse underwater landscapes here, from gentle slopes with vibrant coral to dramatic drop-offs, as well as a huge diversity of marine life – colourful fish, invertebrates, manta rays, sharks, turtles, and more. Beyond the reefs, you can also go cave and wreck diving, with many points of interest within an hour of Nouméa. To get you started, here are some of the best dive spots: Amédée Island, Dumbea Pass, and the Shark Pit. 

If you're itching for a hike, then a good place to start is at Mont Dore. Standing southeast of Nouméa, the 800-metre-high summit of Mont Dore provides stunning views of the glittering blue sea, the many islands dotting its surface, as well as the great mountains in the South. From Nouméa, it's approximately 30 minutes by bus to the foot of the mountain. From there, you can follow a well-marked trail to the very top, where you can relax and enjoy the surrounding vistas. If you're a sucker for sunrises, then start your hike before dawn to watch the sky make a lovely transition from deep purple to the bright blue of day!

Here's some thrills and spills you can enjoy in Nouméa itself. Anse Vata Bay is a hotspot for water sports enthusiasts because it gets a good dose of prevailing winds. Windsurf or kitesurf across the waters, or get in a kayak for a nice paddle around. When you're tired, you can recline on the sand under shady trees or take a short jaunt to one of the many bars and restaurants at the neighbouring Baie des Citrons (Lemon Bay). 

The Kanak people are indigeneous Malenesian inhabitants of New Caledonia. Kanak culture continues to permeate life in New Caledonia, characterised by warmth, hospitality and a deep respect for others and nature. The best way to get familiar with the rhythms of Kanak life is to live with them – and fortunately, many have opened their doors to visitors and tourists. In Bourail, you may have the privilege of visiting the Pothé tribe, where you can dine with them over a traditional bougna dinner, accompanied by a bonfire and traditional songs. On Lifou Island, learn about the significance of traditional Kanak huts and enjoy local cuisine at Tamanou Beach, or go on tours of vanilla plantations that are the pride of Lifou and New Caledonia at large. 

The Tjibaou Cultural Centre was erected as a celebration of Kanak culture and heritage. Named after Jean-Marie Tjibaou, a political leader who led an independence movement before his assassination, the centre is itself an architectural marvel. Just check out the distinctive slender structures made of Iroko wood and steel that were inspired by Kanak huts. They house the Centre's main offerings – an art centre displaying tribal art, a museum detailing Kanak heritage and Jean-Marie Tjibaou's political life, a library, an outdoor performance space, and the 'Kanak path' that winds through the mangrove, bringing you through the myth of creation of the first man, Teâ Kanaké. Many, if not all, the exhibits are in French, so we do recommend getting a guide to bring you through the centre.  

Breathtaking views with a dash of military history – that's what you get at Ouen Toro. Go on any morning and you'll meet a number of local joggers huffing their way up to the summit, where you get an unclouded view of Nouméa, Duck Island and  Amédée Island spread out below, with smoky mountains in the distance. Eye candy aside, Ouen Toro is also where you can view two large guns that once defended New Caledonia during World War II. 

Visit the Noumea Market on weekend mornings to soak up the convivial atmosphere. This sprawling bazaar features stall after stall of fresh produce, handmade jewelry, traditional New Caledonian dresses, and even funfair games. During our own browse of the market, we picked up some prized vanilla beans and spotted local honey, fresh flowers, and even seafood being sold at the stands. The locals manning the stores are proud of and happy to elaborate on their produce, so strike up a conversation if you're interested – just remember to have cash on hand if you want to make a purchase. 

Wadra Bay InterContinental Hotel on Lifou Island may not be open for booking yet, but when it finally is, we expect that it will be a prime destination for honeymooning lovebirds. Located on a tranquil white sand beach, the resort will have 50 rooms comprising beach villas, forest bungalows, and lagoon bungalows overlooking an artificial lagoon at the heart of the property (we hear that there are plans to rehabilitate injured wild sea turtles in the lagoon too). Tucked away on the south of the island within untouched tropical forest, its the ideal destination for couples who want to enjoy peaceful time together in luxury and nature.

The Isle of Pines is just as magical as it sounds. To best experience it, we recommend an outrigger tour at Upi Bay, which will bring you across the crystalline waters of the island aboard a traditional boat. Enjoy the salty breeze, take a dip into the sea if you like, and keep your eyes peeled for wild turtles. Another major attraction is a natural pool, located at the other end of an easy 45 minute walk through the forest. Here, you can swim, snorkel or free dive – unexpectedly, there's a small coral reef under the calm waters of the pool. Alternatively, you can shack up with your boo at Le Méridien Ile des Pins – it's located just a 10 minute walk from the natural pool, and itself overlooks the scenic Oro Bay. 

If you want to get really romantic, consider a microlight flight over the Heart of Voh. You've probably seen it in a Korean drama somewhere – in a mangrove in the northwest of New Caledonia, the natural clearing somehow formed into the shape of a heart, gaining much interest after it was featured in a book by renowned photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand. Today, you can book a microlight flight to get the best view of it from above with your loved one. Alternatively, you can schedule a hiking date up Mt Kathépaïk to a viewing point at an altitude of 400 metres. 

Back in Nouméa, enjoy a unique dinner at the overwater restaurant Le Roof. By that, we mean that Le Roof sits 100 metres out from shore and over the water on a raised deck. There's even a section of the floor cut out in the main dining area, so that diners can look down into the water and spot colourful fish, small sharks, and even the occassional dolphin. Expect seafood-forward, classic French fare on the menu – including crispy prawns with mint and mango sauce, loach cod in a herbed crust with shellfish and black rice, duck breast with carrot purée, and elegant desserts like poached pear with Lifou vanilla, biscuits, chestnut cream and pear sorbet. 

Sheraton New Caledonia Deva Spa & Golf Resort is a gorgeous property in Bourail with traditional Kanak hut-inspired rooms that's fit for the whole family. What's even better is the private beach that guests have direct access to. Here's where you can set off on a glass bottom boat tour to get a close look at the beautiful corals and small fish of a UNESCO World Heritage Site-listed lagoon. This is especially great for young kids and those who are uncomfortable in the water, but who still don't want to miss out on one of the best things that New Caledonia has to offer. Speak to the hotel staff to arrange a tour, or book directly with Ouest Corail. 

Another way to get a close look at New Caledonia's spectacular marine wildlife is at the Aquarium des Lagons Nouvelle Caledonie. Adults and children alike are sure to love the landscaped tanks showcasing the different marine environments you can find in the country, including freshwater, brackish, mangrove and ocean environments. Gawk at fluorescent corals, lobsters, lionfish, jellyfish, and sea nautilus, and even visit recovering wild turtles at the outdoor rehabilitation pool. It costs about S$18.70 (adults) and S$9.35 (kids) to enter. 

If you're in New Caledonia between July and September, then you're in luck – it's whale season! This is the time when humpack whales swim from the cold waters of Antartica in search of warmer seas. For the best chance to see these gentle giants, head to the southern tip of Grand Terre mainland at Prony Bay, where you can board a catamaran to travel out into the open ocean. Watch the whales swim and frolic, or even approach the boat. It's bound to be an unforgettable experience for the whole family. 

For some family fun within Nouméa itself, head to Magenta Beach. This particular beach is busy on the weekends with families, and it's easy to see why. The sheltered and shallow bay means that parents can let their kids run free without much to worry about. Children can poke about the rocks and run on the sand when the tide is low, or splash safely in ankle-deep water when the tide comes in. There are barbecue pits and picnic tables available if you want to make it a full day out with the family too.