New Caledonia - It's like going to France... but without the jetlag!

Take an Aircalin flight from Auckland to Noumea and in less than 3 hours you’ll be touching down on the beautiful French island of New Caledonia.

Some say that the capital – Noumea- resembles the South of France and that’s a very real description.  A bustling French city with a great range of shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, markets, marina and more. Less than 15 minutes by bus there are the pretty bay areas of Anse Vata and Baie des Citrons where most of the tourist hotels are located. 

Beyond Noumea though there is so much to discover, enjoy and embrace that only a personal visit will validate this.  To tempt you, let us tell you how much there is to see and do.

The mainland (La Grande Terre) is approximately 600kms long and 50kms wide. Then there are the islands:  Isle of Pines, Lifou, Mare, Ouvea and Tiga.  All wrapped up in one delicious destination that is New Caledonia.



It goes without saying that in the South Pacific islands you have beautiful white sand beaches and crystal clear waters and this is very true of New Caledonia.  So, apart from spending lazy days on the beach,  water activities are a must whether it’s wind-surfing kite-surfing, water-skiing, jet-skiing, sailing of all varieties, fishing and diving.  But there’s more to New Caledonia than this.  It is also a haven for lovers of nature and adventure.  Unique and exotic flora and fauna, including the famous ‘columnar’ pines (13 of the 19 species known in the world only exist in New Caledonia) and the national bird – the flightless Cagou.










Country towns and quaint Melanesian villages are never far away, each with its own charm and appeal.  Many also feature regular markets and annual festivals that are well worth a visit.    Hiking is the best way to discover the secret treasures of the New Caledonian countryside.  Bicycle riding and mountain biking are also very popular.  Horse-riding is widely available too as is quad-biking and 4WD adventures - these give you the chance to explore the mainland with a little more horsepower.  Inland lakes and rivers are ideal for canoeing.  Then there’s rock-climbing, canyoning and tree walking.

So, it’s not all about a bustling French city – go there so that you can tell your own story.

Aircalin is a full service carrier regardless of the fare you pay.  During the short flight from Auckland to Noumea you will be offered a hot 3-course lunch complemented with fine French wines. From Noumea back to Auckland we offer a hot breakfast complemented with French pastries. We offer both economy and business class. In fact we are the only airline to offer business class between Auckland and Noumea. The decor of our cabins captures the essence of New Caledonia and our crew, with their charming French accents, are there to make your journey a pleasant one.

w:  www.aircalin.com | p:  09 308 3363

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