Island of Pines

In 1774, Captain Cook discovered New Caledonia and now it's my turn.

New Caledonia is idyllic and indulgent, primitive and sophisticated, tropical South Pacific and cosmopolitan European all in the one destination.

New Caledonia is an archipelago of contrasts, splendour and excitement. The 'Land of eternal spring' is blessed with a semi-tropical climate all year round. However, New Caledonia is much more than a beautiful beach holiday, it's a whole new experience - a fascinating melting pot of thousand year old Kanak culture blended with Pacific, European and Asian lifestyles.

Just like Australia and its states, New Caledonia is divided into three provinces.

The Southern Province includes the cosmopolitan capital city of Nouméa and the spectacular Isle of Pines.

The Northern Province includes remote Melanesian villages and unspoilt ranges; and the Loyalty Islands Province includes three remote and pristine palm-fringed islands.

New Caledonia is the perfect destination for ecotourism and adventure holidays. One of the four richest areas on earth in terms of its biodiversity, home to the largest variety of endemic botanical species and one of the richest tropical forests in the world.

The diversity of landscapes is beyond imagination. Panoramic mountains and lush forests. Picturesque lakes and spectacular waterfalls. Bushland and wide open spaces reminiscent of Australia. Quaint Melanesian villages and old convict settlements. Swimming and diving in warm turquoise waters. Walking on the golden sands of long and deserted palm-fringed beaches.