Hikes in New Caledonia
New Caledonia is full of varied hiking trails that will delight amateurs and professionals alike. From family hikes to the Grande Randonnée (GR®) trails, set out on the paths of a preserved territory with diverse and breathtaking landscapes.
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The 10 most beautiful hikes in New Caledonia
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Open the Route PlannerNew Caledonia is a French overseas territory located to the right of Australia, in the heart of the Pacific Ocean! It is composed of the main island "Grande Terre", mountainous and with very diversified landscapes, and of 4 islands with dream beaches: Ouvéa, Lifou, Maré and the Isle of Pines. New Caledonia is a land of contrasts where one never gets bored.
Video: Nouvelle-Calédonie Tourisme
New Caledonia: land of nature and multiple walking adventures
New Caledonia has the advantage of having a pleasant climate all year round, ideal for outdoor sports. Composed of an archipelago with varied landscapes, it offers many parks and nature reserves that are home to a unique and preserved nature.
Grande Terre, the main island, is 400 kilometres long and 50 kilometres wide, more than twice the size of Corsica. It is cut in the middle by a medium-altitude mountain range. Mont Panié, located in the northeast of the island, is the highest peak and culminates at 1628 metres.
There are three characteristic landscapes of Grande Terre: the West Coast with yellow and brown tones (dry forest, niaoulis, etc.), the East Coast, green, dense and tropical, and finally the Great South with earth tinted red from its important nickel resources.
Walks in a land of cultures and diversity
Moving away from the capital Nouméa also allows you to meet local people and dive into the heart of traditions, to discover a simple way of life, in harmony with nature. New Caledonia is an experience. Dare to sleep in a traditional hut, or even attend a local festival or fair to share strong moments of conviviality.
Finally, New Caledonia offers many museums and places of discovery related to the territory's industrial (mainly mining), prison and agricultural heritage, which reflect its past and are also worth visiting.
Hikes and Walks in New Caledonia
New Caledonia is truly an El Dorado for hikers. A multitude of trails are available, all marked by the French Federation of Hiking. The hiker can appreciate a great diversity of landscapes with very aerial ridges suitable for trekking but also superb coastal landscapes more accessible.
New Caledonia is a destination that suits all walkers, whatever their level of practice. We distinguish the Grande Randonnée routes, accessible for average hikers who are looking for day hikes and which satisfy the more experienced and sportive hikers who will do them in their entirety.
The GR® NC1 from Prony to Dumbéa is a more sportive route with some difficult stages. Those who undertake it in autonomy have the sensation of being alone in the world. A real taste of adventure.
The GR® North from Napoepa to Ouanache is more focused on itinerant hiking with encounters and the possibility to be lodged in tribes, an unforgettable experience.
Each route offers a different universe and atmosphere, often with a view of the lagoon.