Hotels in Noumea

I was born there so know what to expect each time I go back. They build nice things but there's no upkeep. So stay in a reasonably expensive place because even then there will be disappointments. They generally don't cater for wheelchairs. They still smoke in restaurants. The streets are very narrow so great care needed if driving. It's expensive. Baie des Citrons (Lemon Bay) calmer then Anse Vata which is nice but very windy - great for wind sports. Great food but expensive. The bigger supermarkets - eg Geant at Saint Marie - sell ready meals and alcohol (no alcohol sales in supermarkets from midday Saturday until Monday though, bottleshops few and far between). Crystal clear water compensates for amount of litter everywhere. Chinatown in city has cheap souvenirs. The French do not pick up after their dogs. Take some French francs for small payments. Can be unsafe out at night. Have a go speaking French - they will laugh but appreciate it. Tipping not obligatory. Good walking/cycling paths along beach fronts. Public toilets rarity. Level of service has improved over the years.

A day trip to Ile aux Cannard (Duck Island) was great. Pick up the water taxi from Baie des Critron, it's a 5min boat ride. When you arrive avoid the deck chairs ( they are $20 each to hire) we ended up buying a drink and sitting at the tables located near the bar. The snorkelling is very good and lunch is actually very nice if you decide on the bbq. we stayed in Anse Vata which is a great location with a lovely promenade with shops and restaurants. A lovely boulangerie was located up from the Hilton from which we bought croissants for breakfast. Buses into the city are easy to catch from Anse Vata and pretty cheap. A day trip on the Mary D to Amadee Island was a great day out, the water was crystal clear, warm and teaming with fish. If you are looking for a cheap meal we bought crepes from a creperie along the promenade in Anse Vata ( near the Mary D booking office) the owner took $aud and would give you change back in French pacific francs at a very competitive rate. Noumea is a beautiful island, amazing sunsets and snorkelling. The locals English is very good in most instances and they are helpful and friendly. Make sure you pop into Amorino at Baie des Citron for the best ice cream !

Being from European background, it was wonderful to introduce my now grown and adult son, born in Australia, into a new culture, apart from the fact that both he and I needed a holiday. The island of New Caledonia and what we were able to see of it and its maritime surroundings gave both of us a great thrill ---- AND.... the Maritime Museum must be one of the greatest displays in museumology that I have ever seen quite apart from the fact that it was there that light was shed for me and my son on what actually happened when La Perouse left Botany Bay in January 1788... such a mystery for so many years. Onto the World War II Museum... so important for us to take stock of important war years in this region of the world. And last but not least, the exquisite food that we enjoyed both within the hotel complex at the Equilibre, but also outside In a variety of restaurants we visited. Too little time to do it all, but we did go to Duck Island and snorkel and did the Tchou Tchou Train ride to have a bit of a broader look around Noumea.

Noumea is one of our favourite travel destinations. Close to Australia, but very French. The people are very laid-back, genuinely friendly and accepting. You don't have to own the body beautiful (thank heavens!) to feel comfortable here. All of the many and varied restaurants are of a high standard. Would recommend hiring a car to obtain the most from your trip.........if you feel comfortable driving on the other side of the road........particularly entering roundabouts! We particularly enjoyed the aquarium (third visit) and Tjibaou Cultural Centre. In summary, if you want a really relaxing and laid-back holiday, this is the place!

Very friendly and welcoming country, with spectacular views and lots of things to do regardless of age. A highlight was the Mary D tour to Amadee where we paddle boarded, got a tour of the reef, boarded a glass bottom boat and sipped cocktails while we watched and participated in the entertainment. Another stand out was the half day visit to Duck Island where we seen some amazing coral and sea life snorkeling. It only cost around 2500 CFP for return fare for two and was a few minute boat trip. As it was a spontaneous trip, we didn't book accomodation and acitivites in advanced so we missed out on the opportunity to visit The Isle of Pines. We learnt that booking prior is crucial, especially during peak seasons.

Visit Duck Island (5 minute water taxi ride) snorkelling was fantastic. Amedee Island was also very good - we swam with the turtles there - it was a highlight of the trip. Take your own snorkelling gear so you don't need to hire it all the time. Noumea is wonderful. Its not the "cruise ship version" of a place I was expecting, stay at Anse Vata. Overall Noumea is very clean, which surprised me and the people were very friendly. It has a very relaxed vibe running on Island time. Great destination to relax.