Top sports activities to enjoy on your trip to New Caledonia

Watersports Galore

We are, of course, talking about activities on tropical islands on the South Pacific. Chances are, you will want to immerse your toes, and hopefully more, in the water, which is delightfully warm all year-round.

The main island, Grand Terre, is surrounded by the second largest barrier reef in the world and offers some exceptional scuba diving sites, which can be reached within a 20-minute boat ride. On the outer islands, however, you can enjoy a more intimate experience, where you can just swim from the beach to find pristine coral reefs, perfect for both diving and snorkelling. Expect to see turtles, dugongs, manta rays, nautilus, sunfish and mind-boggling amounts of tropical fish.

If you’d rather stay on top of the water, no problem, just rent a jet ski and off you go to explore the many shimmering lagoons. Then again, if repeated dipping takes your fancy, wind and kite surfing can be readily enjoyed from Noumea. Those who wish to learn the ropes should head to Anse Vata Beach, which offers a protected bay environment, but still gets some good winds in the afternoons. Experienced windsurfers can usually be found at the reliably windy Isle Maitre, only a ten minute boat ride from the harbour.

If you don’t feel like going through diving training, but still want to explore the bottom of the ocean, head for an underwater walk instead: all you need is a lightweight, modern breathing helmet!

Put Your Sail Up

Sailing is a fantastic sport to get into, particularly around the Isle of Pines: after all, it was named the Jewel of the Pacific for a reason. The beautiful River of Sands and the natural swimming pool sites attract visitors from around the world. After you’re done circling all the lagoons and inlets, make sure to get off the boat, go for a walk, and see if you can spot some orchids.

Noumea, of course, also caters to every kind of sailing experience you can imagine, from luxury yachts, charter cruises to Hobie Cat and outrigger canoe rentals, there are plenty of skippered day and overnight sailing tours to many of the offshore uninhabited islands, well worth exploring.

Swing that Bat

You don’t need to be an avid golfer to enjoy an afternoon of golf cart-riding along the lush green hills surrounded by magnificent views. There are several great golf courses surrounding Noumea, so for a break from wet activities, do some swinging instead. No pun intended.

Hike the Jungle

Nature is definitely worth exploring when in New Caledonia, and hiking is one great way to do it. Grand Terre offers many excellent, marked tracks and trails through dense tropical rainforest along the east side of the island, as well as mountain tracks on the west coast – it all depends on your preferences and experience. If you’d like to venture further afield, head to the southern tip of the island, west coast’s Sarramea, or Hienghene on the north-east coast.

Bird watching

Well, I have been repeatedly told that bird watching is, indeed, a sport and if you know any avid birders, it’s best not to argue. New Caledonia is home to 19 endemic bird species, foremost among them the kiwi equivalent and national symbol: the almost flightless Kagu (or Cagou). The traditional birder-favoured spots include the Blue River Provincial Park and Mount Koghi, however if you are hungry for more, make sure to also visit Mount Panié.

If you’re thinking of heading to the South Pacific, New Caledonia is one place that should be on your list.

About the Author

Patricia Bieszk is an Aussie travel writer who admits to a preference for ‘sports’ like yoga and photo safaris.