Beyond the beach in New Caledonia

With its azure waters and white sands fringed by lofty cocotiers, there’s no denying that New Caledonia is heaven for beach bums looking to bask in the Melanesian sun.

But there’s a lot more to this French archipelago than paradisical geography.

Dig a little deeper and you’ll find that beneath the sand lies a rich and colourful history. For travellers keen to acquaint themselves with New Caledonia’s heritage, check out our top five cultural activities.

Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre

Situated just 8km northeast of Noumea, this centre is a must-see for architecture and history buffs alike. Designed by Renzo Piano (who also designed Paris’ Centre Pompidou), its main buildings are a series of unusual curved wooden structures that look quite at home amidst the surrounding landscape.

Inside, you are apt to lose yourself in the beautiful open-air galleries and displays, which offer insight into indigenous Kanak culture. The carvings and statues peppered throughout the grounds are equally revelatory, with a specific area dedicated to the traditional buildings and icons of the native people.

If you visit at the right time, you’ll be treated to performances of traditional dances and music. There is also a library, café and gift shop.

Festival of the Yams

Of the many festivals that take place throughout the year, those concerning the yam occur most often in New Caledonia.

To the Kanak people in particular, yams have great cultural importance and play a role in all significant events such as births, deaths and marriages. There are several yam festivals that take place across the country between February and April, when each village celebrates the harvest.

The April festival, held in Noumea, is the site of much fanfare, featuring a parade, carnival, exhibitions, concerts, dancing, and tastings. If you’re in New Cal. around this time, get involved.

Noumea Nightlife

A buzzing combination of bars, restaurants and concert venues, there’s something in Noumea even for the night owls. Sip cocktails under the stars at the Bodega Del Mar, dance the summer nights away at Pop Light, or relax at the cosy Muzz’bar, just to name a few.

La Roof restaurant, Anse Vata, Noumea.

Head to the stage of Théâtre de l’île for an acclaimed theatre performance, the music conservatory for any and all lovers of classical music, or one of the many bars lining the coast for a taste of local musical creativity.

Gastronomy

The only thing as diverse as New Caledonia itself, is its cuisine. French, Asian, and Oceanic, New Caledonian menus deliciously reflect the island’s multicultural population.

Cuisine ranges from family dining to gourmet settings, regional French specialties to some of the best wines of Bordeaux. Local brousse, or bush, restaurants offer a taste of traditional cooking, including the traditional kanak dish Bougna. New Caledonian cuisine caters for those daring and not faint of heart, and those who prefer the comfort of familiarly tasty food.

North Geo Tour

Interested in escaping the grind of busy tourist attractions? Join in on the best-kept secrets of the New Caledonian North, using the 20 geocaches hidden around the province.

The Passport for the North Geo Tour is made up to 20 geocaches, which can take anywhere between 7-10 days to complete. It’s a holiday task guaranteed to create memories rich in exploration and filled with adventure.

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