House of travel New Caledonia, Niue, Norfolk Island & Tonga Brochu | Page 15

Experience
Ile des Pins
© Ethnotrack/NCTPS
T ropical island fantasies meet reality on the Ile des Pins, a 20 minute flight
from Noumea. Crystal lagoons lap white sand beaches, which in turn are
fringed with the island’s unique combination of flora, palms and stately
Araucaria pines. Both Kanumera and Kuto Bays are well known in the Ile des
Pins. Kanumera is great for snorkelling especially around the Sacred Island
as the bay is rich with sea life. Kuto Bay is your more idyllic, postcard perfect
beach where the water is clear and shallow and the sand is a soft as powder.
While the beaches are almost irresistible, Ile des Pins also has other nooks
and crannies to explore. Like the ever intriguing caves. Don’t miss the
Oumagne Grotto, better known as the Cave of Queen Hortense, steeped
in myth and legend. Or take your camera and visit the remains of a 19th
century convict settlement at Ouro where you can freely walk around the
crumbling walls of the old gaol.
Ile des Pins is only 18 kilometres by 14 kilometres so exploring is easy – rent a
car, bike or scooter and discover your own piece of paradise. We recommend
you plan a stay of at least three days to get the most out of your holiday.
Gadji Bay
2
Queens
Cave
Ouaméo Bay
ILE DES
PINS
Corbeille Bay
Ouro
Kuto Bay
Oro Bay
Upi Bay
1
Kanumera Bay
Vao
Brosse Island
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