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New Caledonia, South Pacific - Travel Tips

Noumea is the capital of New Caledonia, where Paris meets the South Pacific. New Caledonia is 1500 km from Australia, 1700 km from New Zealand, and 20000 km away from France. Tourism and mining are the backbone of New Caledonia's economy. The first European to discover New Caledonia was Captain Cook.

Time Zone: GMT plus 11 hours.

Airports:
You will fly to Tontouta International Airport which is 45km North West of Noumea. From there Public buses run into Noumea. They are operated by ‘Carsud’ and they are, by far the cheaper option. Taxis are expensive.

Currency:
Cour de Franc Pacifique (CFP) 1.OO GBP=140.00 CFP
Typical costs:
Filled Baguette: 450 CFP
Cup of Coffee: 300 CFP
Short Taxi Ride: 1100 CFP
Number One beer: 350 CFP
Bus from Airport to Noumea town: 400 CFP
Noumea town buses 200 CFP per trip

Banks:
There are three major banks in Noumea, all of which have ATM services.

Internet:
Extensive wi-fi access in hotels but Internet Cafes are few and far between.

Food:
Always excellent but it comes at a price! Specialising in French and International Cuisine as well as seafood. Many places are closed on Sunday/ Monday. The ‘snacks’ (eateries) and cafes are the gems for finding good food; the flair and flavour is wonderful. Buffetts cost a bomb.

Accommodation:
Hotels in Noumea are best booked in advance on the web where they often have special deals including a free transfer service to/from the airport. For a mid- range hotel you are looking at 10,000 CFP per night.
 

The Lonely Planet Guide to the South Pacific offers a wide range of accommodation options.

www.office-tourisme.nc

Getting there….

V318 New Caledonia - Sydney in 2010

This voyage is great and a lot simpler as you can fly to Sydney and onto Noumea, then use wind power by sailing a square rigger accross the ocean back to your international airport.

Flight prices similar to above i.e. London - Sydney return £1030 plus one single to Noumea at approx £152

FLIGHT QUOTE 21-7-10 on line

 New Caledonia is right out there in French Polynesia 1500km from Austraila so flights from UK to join the ship and back are at least £1500.

For Travel tips on Sydney see next voyage details