Things to do in New Caledonia
That the Whole Family can Enjoy!
New Caledonia is an incredibly easy place to travel with children. Anything you need for babies and young kids can be found in Noumea, and there are a variety of activities and sights on offer.
The unique blend of French and Melanesian ensured our fussiest eater even found foods to eat!
Here is a List of Great Things to do in New Caledonia the Whole Family can Enjoy!
Walk Along Anse Vata Beach in Noumea
Anse Vata Beach is a well known stretch of sand in the capital of Noumea for swimming and playing. It’s kind of a hot spot for visitors with plenty of accommodation and restaurant options along it.
Expect to see plenty of bright colored windsurfers if the weather is right.
This is a great free option for things to do in New Caledonia!
Take a Day Trip to Amedee Island and Lighthouse from Noumea
This is one of my top pics for things to do in New Caledonia!
The Amedee Island Lighthouse was first illuminated in 1865 after being built in France and transported in 1,265 pieces via ship.
Amedee Island itself is around 30-40 min via boat from Noumea and is visited as a day trip. For a small island of only 400m long and 270m wide, there is actually quite a bit to do.
Activities include visiting the lighthouse, great snorkelling that may include turtles, SUP-boarding, dance performances, a playground, post a letter from the world’s smallest post office or just relax.
Amedee Island is designated as a special marine reserve and in 2009, the island and surrounding lagoon were listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This makes is pretty special!
Book your memorable day trip to Amedee Island and Lighthouse here!
Visit The Aquarium in Noumea
The Aquarium Des Lagons is a really fantastic, surprisingly modern Aquarium. Little kids will be mesmerised by the floor to ceiling tanks. Adults will too!
The Aquarium is open Tuesdays to Sundays, so don’t plan your visit for a Monday.
Book your visit to the Aquarium Des Lagons here!
Go Shopping at The Le Marche Markets in Noumea
The markets are located beside the Marina, at Port Moselle in Noumea. The market is not particularly large but it’s well worth the visit.
There is an arts and crafts sections as well as a produce section. It gets fairly busy early in the morning. If you have timed your visit with a passing cruise ship, expect the area to be buzzing with excitement.
Go Swimming in The Natural Swimming Pool (Piscine Naturelle) on The Isle of Pines
This is another of my tops pics for things to do in New Caledonia!
This is an absolute must see if you visit The Isle of Pines. Your hotel or resort can organise drop off and pick up.
From the drop off point, you will need to walk across a creek and through some bush for around 15 minutes. It’s a fairly easy walk with no hills and the walking track is mostly obvious.
Young children and toddlers will probably need to be carried for some parts of this walk. We used the Ergo Baby Carrier for this hike. However, these days we also use a Piggy Back Carrier or the Kathmandu Hiking Carrier.
There are no facilities so you will need to take drinks and snacks, and carry your rubbish back out.
Don’t forget your snorkel and goggles as the water is very clear with plenty of fish.
Have an Ice Cream and People Watch at Place Des Cocotiers in Noumea
This is a public green space in the heart of the city. It’s perfect for people watching and giving your legs a rest.
Features include nice gardens, a giant chessboard and band rotunda and bi-monthly street markets. There are vendors selling snacks and plenty of space for the kids to run around.
Hang Out at Kanumera Bay on The Isle of Pines
Kanumera Bay is a stunning one kilometre stretch of beach with white sand and clear blue water. The water is calm and flat, and therefore perfect for little people.
If you time your visit with a cruise ship, expect to be bombarded with visitors loudly complaining when the resorts (who they are not staying with) kindly ask them to pay a small fee to use their chairs and facilities.
If you would like to stay a few days along Kanumera Bay, we loved the Oure Tera Beach Resort for its location and great service.
Explore the Town and Beaches at Your Own Pace with the Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus
Explore the town and beaches on the Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus (HoHo) at your own pace.
The HoHo bus is really convenient and stops at seven popular locations all day long, with a new bus passing every 20 minutes.
Locations include the cruise ship terminal, city market, local morning market, shopping centre, Lemon Bay Anse Vata Bay, Aquarium, Museum and McDonald’s.
I hate to say it, but the McDonald stop is a pretty convenient treat when you want a cheaper meal and have a fussy child!
Get your Hop-Off-Hop-On HOHO Bus Pass here!
Visit Escapade Island on a Day Trip
Escapade Island is a completely stunning little island off the coast of Noumea. Stroll around the island, relax or swim and snorkel alongside fish and turtles.
There is a resort, pool and facilities on the island so you can expect to get a decent lunch!
Book your day trip to Escapade Island here!
Resources for booking your New Caledonia holiday
Flights
Search Trip.com for a great deal on flights.
Accommodation
On the Isle of Pines, we loved the Oure Tera Beach Resort. It was just in a beautiful location with great service.
In Noumea, we loved the Le Méridien Nouméa Resort & Spa. It’s a little out of town but that’s why we loved it. The beach out front was perfectly uncrowded.
Activities
Viator is a great choice when it comes to selecting activities and tours. Just click on the banner below!
Looking for more awesome family holiday inspiration?
For more information on visiting New Caledonia with kids, head on over to our New Caledonia Page. Alternatively, head on back to the home page for inspiration on destinations worldwide.
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