House of travel New Caledonia, Niue, Norfolk Island & Tonga Brochu | Page 9

Noumea
The Place des Cocotiers is a perfect place to begin an exploration of the Paris of
the Pacific. While the ornate bandstand and cafés could be straight from France,
towering flame trees and tropical produce at the market add an exotic South
Seas touch. The temptations of boutiques offering fashion straight from Paris will
keep shoppers engrossed but the beaches of Baie des Citrons and Anse Vata are
also irresistible. Getting around is easy, especially if you have all of the hot spots
covered on a city orientation tour. One of Noumea’s star attractions is the Tjibaou
Cultural Centre, a masterpiece inspired by Kanak architecture. Evenings entice
with a host of restaurants, bars and casinos. For a change of pace take a lagoon
boat trip to the 140-year-old Amedee Lighthouse. The island’s underwater world
waits beyond its beaches.
Our favourite things to see and do
Tjibaou Cultural Centre – Discover the unique
architecture of the Tjibaou Centre. These bold, modern yet
elegant buildings have been designed from the inspiration of
traditional Kanak architecture. View fantastic art and artefacts
from all over the South Pacific.
Amedee Lighthouse – Take an excursion further afield
to the Amedee Lighthouse located within a natural marine
reserve and home to a large variety of coloured tropical fish.
This trip is a must-do for those who like snorkelling. Your
excursion includes return catamaran transfers from Noumea,
buffet lunch, cultural dancing and a glass bottom boat ride.
© M. Dosdane/NCTPS
Anse Vata Bay – This is the main area for sea activities. It’s
also pleasant for a walk along the beach fringed by coconut
trees. Numerous hotels, shops, restaurants and night clubs
are also located at Anse Vata Bay.
Dine at Baie des Citrons – Head to Baie des Citrons
where you’ll find restaurants and bars jostling for space with
indoor and outdoor seating and all manner of cuisine on offer.
From fine French fare to seafood, burgers or pizzas, there’s
something for everyone.
Shop at a local supermarket – Noumea’s supermarkets
© Ethnotrack/NCTPS
are a mecca for passionate foodies - so stock up on gooey
(and affordable) French cheeses, foie gras and paté, and get
your freshly baked baguettes, croissants or delicious pain au
chocolat from the bakeries that are dotted everywhere.
Visit Port Moselle Market – Get down to Port Moselle
Market which is open daily from 8am-11am (except Mondays).
It’s where fishermen tie up and drop off their catches of fresh
tuna. You can also get veges, fruit, olives and breads and have
fun perusing the handcrafts, hats, sarongs and jewellery.
To Tontouta
International Airport
Port Moselle
Duck Island – Also called Ile aux Canards - which sounds
City
Centre
much more exotic! It’s a 10 minute water taxi ride from Anse
Vata Beach. Take a picnic or buy your lunch at the restaurant
there. Rent a sun lounger and snorkel gear - or take your own.
Wind and kite surfers dot the waves and colourful fish are
plentiful to keep your little ones amused for hours.
Magenta Airport
(Domestic)
Baie de
la Moselle
NOUMEA
Baie de
l’Orpbelinat
Baie des
Citrons
© John Carter/NCTPS
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Play Petanque with the locals – Wander along Anse
Vata Beach in the evening, where the locals gather to play
petanque. They’ll probably ask you to join them, so be
prepared to lob your best boule.
Baie
Sainte-Marie
5
Anse Vata
Bay
Poindimie
4
Poya
1
6
7
8
Bourail
La Foa
Thio
Boulouparis
Noumea Aquarium – World-famous for its fluorescent
corals and numerous varieties of tropical sea life, the
Aquarium is located between the two main beaches - Anse
Vata and Baie des Citrons.
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NOUMEA
© S. Bédaux/NCTPS
Maitre Island
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