Picnic
on an idyllic islet
An experience not to be missed on the Isle of Pines: access paradisiacal islets during an excursion on the lagoon.
To the south of the island, there are two, which correspond in all respects to the image of a tropical Eden: the
islet Brosse
, uninhabited, surrounded by a superb beach of dazzling white sand, fringed with columnar pines, and the
Moro islet
, another place of the same caliber.
They are surrounded by coral reefs around which a colorful fauna scatters – ideal for swimming.
These excursions are accompanied by a picnic, in the form of a barbecue.
Your choice: grilled fish (freshly caught) or lobster, which you can enjoy casually, in the shade of the trees or with your feet in the water.
During the trip, several snorkeling stops are planned near
Upi Bay
.
Encounters (almost) guaranteed with stingrays, manta rays and turtles.
Lounge on a beach in Kuto Bay and Kanumera
Kanumera Bay, its intense blue waters and its columnar pines.
Francis - stock.adobe.com
A strip of land a few hundred meters long and, on either side, two perfectly curved bays with, as a bonus, sumptuous beaches of fine white sand like talc, shaded by foliage of columnar pines and coconut trees...
By discovering this marvel for the first time, we have only one desire: never to leave again.
The two beaches, bathed by intense turquoise blue waters, invite you to swim, kayak or snorkel.
The road that runs along the two bays is framed by a very photogenic row of
bugny
, tall gnarled trees that form a tunnel.
Read alsoTravel to New Caledonia: Grande Terre, Loyalty Islands, Isle of Pines… Our must-sees
Explore Queen Hortense's Grotto
The cave is in the middle of the island.
Jean-Bernard Carillet
It is a huge cave carved into a limestone cliff, in the middle of the island.
A path leads through lush forest of giant ferns and tropical trees to the entrance at the foot of the cliff.
Why this name?
Queen Hortense, wife of a local chief, would have taken refuge in this cave for several months in 1855 to escape a conflict between the tribes of the island.
The cave features impressive stalactites and stalagmites lined with shimmering quartz, partially illuminated by an opening in the ceiling.
Mysterious atmosphere guaranteed!
Bathe in the natural pool of Oro
This masterpiece of nature is located in the northeast of the island.
Zarnell - stock.adobe.com
To the northeast of the Isle of Pines, imagine a vast body of crystal clear water framed by coral reefs and bordered by elegant columnar pines.
You can't resist the temptation to splash around in this natural pool, sheltered from waves and currents.
At a depth of a few meters dozens of species of multicolored fish swarm.
You can also spread your towel on a thin strip of sand.
Access to this masterpiece of nature is a delicious little adventure: after embarking on a traditional canoe from the Isle of Pines (wooden hull, triangular sail and outrigger), we go up the splendid
bay of Upi
for an hour and a half.
Then, a path cuts through the forest and joins a small channel that leads to the Natural Pool.
Peckish ?
All you have to do is book a meal at
the Kô-Ngé-Âa-Ké restaurant
, a hut that offers excellent fresh lobster, to be enjoyed with your feet in the sand, facing the ocean, or at the Le Méridien hotel restaurant in 5 minute walk.
Dive among a prolific marine fauna
A giant gorgon.
photos-under-lo - stock.adobe.com
Scuba diving is in the spotlight on the Isle of Pines, with sites that are suitable for both beginners and experienced.
The huge lagoon and outer reefs offer great diversity.
Among the highlights: the spectacular architecture of the coral massifs, broken down into faults, caves, canyons and passes, fantastic gorgonians, blooming corals, and the guarantee of observing reef and pelagic species (including several species of sharks) in clear, warm water.
A favorite for the
Gié pass
, ideal for observing schools of trevallies and barracudas, gray sharks and white tip sharks.
The highlight of the show: the electric limes, strange molluscs hidden in the coral, which emit flashes of light.
The island has only one dive center, the
Kunié Scuba Center
(kuniedive.com), which is very well run.
Climb to N'Ga Peak
View from Pic N'ga, the highest point on the Isle of Pines.
Francis - stock.adobe.com
The Isle of Pines is not quite flat.
From
Kuto Bay
, a trail leads to N'Ga Peak (262 m), the highest point on the island.
No need for a guide, the path is well marked out and there is no risk of getting lost.
Allow between 45 and 60 minutes to reach the summit, without great difficulty, despite the absence of shade.
At the top, the 360° panorama of the island and a thousand shades of blue of the lagoon is breathtaking.
Accommodation on the Isle of Pines
Oure Lodge
(ourelodge.nc).
A haven of peace, facing Kanumera Bay.
The 30 wooden bungalows are scattered in a coconut grove that directly overlooks the beach.
Double bungalow from €245.
Nataiwatch gite
(nataiwatch.com).
Small complex ideally located in a forest with direct access to Kanumera beach.
The bungalows are simple but well designed.
Double with breakfast from €108.
Le Meridien
(marriott.fr).
The top-of-the-range address on the island, a stone's throw from Oro Bay.
Stunning setting.
Our preference: the bungalows at the edge of the channel.
Double bungalow from €280.
When to go?
The best time to party in New Caledonia is between July and January.
The climate is pleasant and the months of July and August mark the whale season.
From September to November extends the most pleasant period for the practice of hiking and water sports.
From November to April, the austral summer offers temperatures ranging from 25 to 27°C, but also more frequent rainfall: this is the so-called cyclone season, between mid-February and the end of March.
The east coast, known as the "windward coast", receives twice as much water as the west coast, known as the "leeward coast".
The air is more humid on the east coast, but the sky is just as sunny.
From May to September, the dry season is a little cooler, but overall it is spring weather which reigns permanently from one end of the year to the other: August is the coldest month, with temperatures can drop to 17°C.
[Originally published on 20.11.2020, this article has been updated.]