Noumea

Nouméa is the capital city of the French special collectivity of New Caledonia. It is situated on a peninsula in the south of New Caledonia's main island, Grande Terre, in the South Pacific Ocean.

The Place des Cocotiers is the central square, it's focal point is the Fountaine Monumentale. To the left is St Josephe's Cathedral, built in 1893.

The Botanical Gardens and Zoo are located around 3 miles away.

The Amédée lighthouse is an iron lighthouse located on Amédée Island, 24km from Nouméa. At 56m (247 steps) tall, it is one of the tallest lighthouses in the world and it was the first metallic lighthouse constructed in France.

Aquarium des Lagons features sharks, turtles and fish of all kinds with guided tours available.

Ile Aux Canards is a 5 minute taxi boat ride from Anse Vata Beach. The island is within a Marine Reserve and features an "underwater trail" on the northwest side, just off the white sand beach. The water is full of fish and ideal for snorkelers.

Anse Vata Beach is lined with beautiful tropical coconut/palm trees and is very clean.

Tjibaou Cultural Centre contains exhibits, artefacts and archives.

Food in New Caledonia is expensive as most of it is imported.

Restaurants feature delicious French meals, including regional dishes from the Basque Country, Alsace, Brittany, Normandy etc. It is also possible to sample dishes from Indonesia, Vietnam and China.

Cruise ships dock close to the city centre.

Visitors arrive at the ferry terminal where they'll find the Office of Tourism, post office, bank, telephones, tour operators, rental bicycles and market for local crafts and souvenirs.

Taxis can be ordered from here, they generally do not wait at the dock area.