Experience tree lined beaches, fascinating history and a unique blend of French and Melanesian culture, all in the world’s largest lagoon.
Soak up the included French lessons, then venture to historic sites including the World War 2 Museum, and the renowned Tjibaou Cultural Centre, a hub of heritage and art. Witness mesmerizing phosphorescent corals at the Aquarium and explore the Botanical Gardens. Pay your respects at the NZ War Cemetery. Uncover the secrets of natural healing at the Niaouli Distillery in Boulouparis. Bask in the beauty of Master Island. Delight in a French wine and cheese tasting, and embrace the art of cooking in a French culinary class. Take an optional day tour to the incredible Isle of Pines.
TUE 20 MAY - AUCKLAND/NOUMEA D
Depart at 9.15am on Air NZ and arrive 11.25am in New Caledonia world-renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed lagoon, islands and coral reef. Get into the spirit with included French lessons this afternoon. Welcome Dinner tonight. Stay at Nouvata Hotel (7 nights).
WED 21 MAY - DISCOVER NOUMEA B,D
Enjoy a sightseeing tour to discover Noumea. Visit the local market and the World War 2 Museum to learn how the war was seen as a liberation. Visit the city Museum to grasp a sense of Nouméa's past., Also a visit to the Aquarium - admire the collection of phosphorescent corals unique in the world. Then a supermarket shop to buy your lunch and picnic at St Marie Park. After lunch a visit to the famous Tjibaou Cultural Centre. A perfect introduction to local Kanak culture. Buffet Dinner at Equilibre Restaurant.
THU 22 MAY - DAY EXCURSION TO BOURAIL B,L,D
Bourail has become a top tourism spot in New Caledonia. The lagoon and its reef, which is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is simply perfection. Visit the NZ War Cemetery and Museum. Visit Fort Teremba the former jail and headquarters of the French army. Take in the Niaouli Distillery at Boulparis where they distill hand-cut niaouli leaves for healing purposes. Lunch is included. Light dinner platters are included tonight as part of a wine and cheese tasting.
FRI 23 MAY - DAY EXCURSION TO ILOT MAITRE B,L
Discover the lovely island of Îlot Maître in the lagoon. Explore the isle or relax and enjoy the resort pool. Buffet Lunch, sun lounger and beach towel on the island are included.
SAT 24 MAY - FRENCH CUISINE B,D
This morning an extended French cooking class with some takeaway dessert delights. Dinner is included tonight.
SUN 25 MAY - DAY AT LEISURE B,D
A free day or choose from an Optional Day Tour* (own expense, please see below), 'Isle of Pines' or a trip to the 'Blue River Provincial Park'. Dinner is included tonight.
MON 26 MAY - BOTANICAL GARDENS B,D
A guided tour of the Botanical Gardens/Zoo and then tonight a Farewell dinner at the celebrated Le Roof overwater restaurant to enjoy a refined menu of French and Caledonian specialities.
TUE 27 MAY- NOUMEA/AUCKLAND B
Transfer to the airport and depart on Air NZ at 12.35pm, and arrive in Auckland at 4.20pm.
*Optional Day tours
1. 'Isle of Pines'. A short domestic flight to paradise”! Its white sandy beaches and its clear turquoise waters will amaze you. It is a unique place with breathtaking scenery and history. On arrival depart on an island tour including the viewpoint Ilot Brosse, Vao village church, St Maurice Bay with religious totems, St Joseph Bay with traditional outriggers, Queen Hortense cave, viewpoint on the northern tip, Baie de la Corbeille on the west coast, penal colony ruins and Kuto and Kanumera Bay. Drop off at the stunning Kuto Bay with a picnic for the afternoon.
2. OR A trip to the 'Blue River Provincial Park'. Sublime landscapes in a haven of peace. The Nature reserve covers 9045 hectares and there are many plant species to discover. Near the Pérignon Bridge, is a wonder of nature: the drowned forest. White trunks stripped of all vegetation pierce the still lake. The reserve is home to the famous symbol of the country the cagou and the notou (birds). Admire the giant 1000-year-old Kaori tree. Enjoy a French picnic beside the Blue River.
