New Caledonia
Experience the difference!
TRADE SUPPLEMENT
2012 - 2013
Getting around
It is easy to get around in New Caledonia if you choose to hire a rental car. The roads around the Grande Terre and the islands are in good condition. The cars are left-hand drive and driving is on the right-hand side of the road. A current driver’s licence is required. Car hire is not available to those under 21. Rental cars are available for clients keen to explore the mainland. Most major car rental brands are represented. The mainland of New Caledonia is 500km long and 50km wide, so if visitors want to drive around the entire island they should allow at least four days for a fly/drive itinerary. If clients are staying around Noumea then buses are a good option. Karuia buses (red buses) run every 20 minutes and cost XPF210 for a one-way journey. The Blue Line runs between the Tjibaou Cultural Centre and Place des Cocotiers in the centre of town. The Green Line follows the beach roads. The Noumea Explorer, or hop-on hop-off bus, runs Tuesday to Sunday and stops at all the main Noumea attractions. The cost is XPF1500 per adult and XPF750 per child. The international airport of Tontouta is approximately 45 minutes from downtown Noumea.
Getting to the islands
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The Isle of Pines and Loyalty Islands are accessible by high speed catamaran or by the domestic airline Air Caledonie from Magenta domestic airport, which is a 10-minute drive from Anse Vata. Rental cars and bikes are available on all of the islands.
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New Caledonia | 2012
Isle of Pines The Isle of Pines lies South-East of Noumea and is known for its stunning white beaches, swaying palms and Araucaria pines. Air Caledonie offers a minimum of two return flights a day, morning and afternoon. The Betico catamaran links Noumea to Isle of Pines in two hours and 15 minutes. This operates Saturday, Sunday and Wednesdays. Departures from Noumea are at 0700 and the return service leaves Isle of Pines at 1700.
Loyalty Islands Mare, Lifou and Ouvea are roughly a 40-minute flight from Noumea, with several flights each day on Air Caledonie. The Betico catamaran also runs services from Noumea to Lifou, Mare and Ouvea several times a week.
Time difference
The French Pacific franc is the currency and the current exchange rate gives you XPF75.00 for NZD1.00. You will also see the currency referred to as the CFP (Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique franc). You can purchase francs from banks in New Zealand or at the airport prior to departure or on arrival at Tontouta airport Noumea. Most hotels in New Caledonia will exchange New Zealand dollars. ATM machines are readily available and will accept most New Zealand eftpos cards. Credit cards are widely accepted.
New Caledonia is one hour behind New Zealand. When New Zealand adjusts to daylight savings time this difference increases to two hours.
Health No vaccinations are required for travel to New Caledonia. Clients should be advised to pack mosquito repellent. Noumea has modern medical facilities should these be required. Please be advised that tap water is drinkable.
Nature and culture pass The Nature and Culture pass costs XPF1700 and provides entry into the Aquarium, the New Caledonia, Maritime History and Nouméa City Museums, the Parc Forestier and the Tjibaou Cultural Centre. However, the Maritime History Museum is closed until mid-2012 for renovation, therefore clients are allowed to visit twice either the Nouméa City Museum or the Parc Forestier. The pass is purchased at the first attraction visited. This pass is often bought in conjunction with the Noumea Explorer Bus (see Getting Around).
Airport spruce up
Noumea’s upgrade of Tontouta airport is near completion. April 2011 saw the opening of the new arrivals hall, and new features to date have included improved passenger departure facilities, a new souvenir boutique and new amenities. By August passengers will proceed straight to and from the aircraft via a new airbridge without having to cross the tarmac. Melanesian-inspired architecture and interior gardens, with a focus on New Caledonia’s exotic flora, welcomes arriving travellers and the departure area offers views of mountains. The airport upgrade also includes more car parks as well as a covered walkway that leads in to the terminal. The final stage will see the much needed upgrade of the departure/arrival lounges including immigration, restaurant and duty free/shopping area. There will also be creation of further green spaces.
Weather The climate has been described as semi-tropical. The warm season is September through March with temperatures averaging between 25 – 27 degrees. The cooler season is April to August with temperatures averaging 20 – 23 degrees. January through March are the wetter months.
Getting there
Travel toolkit
Currency
There are four flights a week to New Caledonia. Air New Zealand (NZ) and Aircalin (SB) have a codeshare Auckland – Noumea – Auckland. NZ flies Tuesdays and Saturdays and SB flies Thursdays and Sundays.
Useful websites New Caledonia Tourism – www.visitnewcaledonia.com Northern Province – www.tourismeprovincenord.nc The Loyalty Islands – www.iles-loyaute.com/en Isle of Pines – www.isle-of-pines.com Noumea Tourism office – www.office-tourisme.nc Aircalin – www.aircalin.com Air New Zealand – www.airnz.co.nz Air Caledonie – www.air-caledonie.nc Caledonia Spirit – www.caledoniaspirit.com
• Ideally located in heart of Anse Vata Bay • 5 min walk to beach • Rooms and Suites most with full kitchen/laundry • Noumea’s only revolving restaurant • Swimming pool bordered by sandy beach • Kids Club
S P E C I A L Stay 4 nights, pay for 3 including breakfast daily in revolving restaurant. Sales to 31 May 2012, travel to 31 October 2012.
Book through your preferred wholesaler
New Zealand representatives
Hogan and Associates T: +64 9 489 7844 E: sales@hoganreps.co.nz www.hoganreps.co.nz
New Caledonia | 2012
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Learn the language
Cost of living NZD = 74.47 XPF French baguette F80 Carton of takeaway food F800 A beer in a bar F500 1.5l bottle of fizzy drink F200 Coffee F300 Cyber café F700/hour 1.5l bottle of mineral water F100
Northern
Hello. Bonjour. Goodbye. Au revoir. Thank you. Merci. Please. S’il vous plait. Yes. Oui. No. Non. What’s your name? Comment vous appelez-vous? I would like a drink. Je voudrais boire. I would like to eat. Je voudrais manger. Where is...? Où est...? Where can I take a taxi? Où est ce que je peux prendre un taxi? Where can I take a bus? Où est ce que je peux prendre un bus? I would like to go to… Je voudrais aller à... Could you show me the way to downtown? Pourriez-vous me montrer le chemin du centre ville? What is it? Qu’est-ce que c’est? How much does this cost? Combien ça coûte? I would like to buy a… Je voudrais acheter… I don’t feel well. Je ne me sens pas bien. I need a doctor. J’ai besoin d’un docteur. Please help me! Aidez-moi s’il vous plaît! I don’t understand. Je ne comprends pas. Please take me to this address. S’il vous plait emmenez-moi à cette adresse. Sorry to bother you. Désolé de vous déranger. Are there rooms available? Avez-vous des chambres disponibles? I’d like to make a reservation. Je voudrais faire une réservation. Where is the bathroom? Où sont les toilettes? Do you accept credit cards? Acceptez-vous les cartes de crédit? Please bring the bill. L’addition, s’il vous plait. What time is it? Quelle heure est-il? Left. À gauche. Right. À droite. Straight on. Tout droit. Today. Aujourd’hui. Tomorrow. Demain. Yesterday. Hier.
Hamburger & fries F1,000 Newspaper F150 Fried mini spring roll F120 Pack of chewing gum F100 Road toll F150 Ham sandwich F300 Cinema ticket F1,150 Bus ticket F210 Stamp for overseas mail F150
New CaledoNia up Close, every fortNight !
Free subscription or contact : weekly@onenparle.nc
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New Caledonia | 2012
■ Kayak around the Hen of Hienghene
The energy is in the North Beyond its magnificent scenery and the warm welcome of its inhabitants, the North is also a land to be explored with passion. A land rich in activities and intense sensations, your heart will beat at a frenetic rate.
Jump into the water and plunge into the heart of the North. On horseback, on foot, by 4WD or by boat, any means is good for exploring the attractions of this unique land. To plunge right in, nothing is better than canyoning. Canala village, which almost became the capital of New Caledonia, will give you all the thrills you desire. Knal Canyon offers a 70-metre descent over the sheer drop of the unavoidable and breathtaking Ciù waterfall. Enjoy the view over this magnificent bay protected from the elements before you push off. Via waterholes and slides you will reach Gélima tribal village. After so much effort, drop by the old La Crouen hot baths so you can dive into the history and legends of these thermal springs with their health-giving properties.
A bit of hunting… To really understand life in the bush, you have to “péter un gadin”, a colourful local expression meaning to shoot a deer. Hunting is an integral part of New Caledonian culture, regardless of ethnic origin. In each home in the bush you will find a deer skull hung on the wall. The Caillou, or “pebble” as the locals call New Caledonia, has long been considered the main country organising trophies for hunting Rusa deer. Hunting parties are unique occasions for touching the heart of the country and those who live there: authentic meetings with the inhabitants and unforgettable walks across the plains or along the ridge lines. Pouembout, the agricultural breadbasket of the North Province, is the ideal starting point. The rural gîte Paddock de la Boutana offers deer hunting.
...or a bit of fishing Another favourite New Caledonian pastime: fishing. The North is a special area for lovers of fishing rods and reels. Professional fishers, custom authorities and the Province are working together to preserve their fisheries heritage. Charter companies like Voh Fishing will take clients along the coral reef, on the ocean side to catch yellowfin tuna, skipjack, common dolphinfish, wahoo or swordfish. New Caledonia | 2012
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Northern
The world of silence The beauty of the ocean can also be admired underwater. The New Caledonian lagoon is full of incredible treasures. It is a place highly prized by divers as few locations in the world contain so many species. The diverse fauna (parrots, blue groupers, rays, reef sharks, turtles, etc) move amidst lush flora. Dive near these reefs, selected for registration on the UNESCO World Heritage List, accompanied by experienced and accredited instructors. The North will reveal its pristine seabed in crystal-clear water. Whether at Hienghène, with Babou CôtÊ OcÊan, at PoindimiÊ, with TiÊti Diving, or at Koumac with Rêve Bleu CalÊdonie, the underwater world will take your breath away – even with a scuba tank. Imagine yourself suspended in a silent universe, a veritable symphony of colours. The peaks and canyons are carpeted with giant gorgonian and other types of coral. The many caves in the coral reef offer an ideal refuge for the thousands of tropical fish: a true feast for your eyes.
Deer on the West Coast
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The North, a natural Wonderland
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n untamed natural environment, biodiversity and endemic species unique in the world, a mild climate throughout the year, breathtaking reliefs, marine flora and fauna in thousands of colours which have earned it registration on the UNESCO World Heritage List: the
North of New Caledonia is the favourite playing field of extreme sports fans who love unspoilt nature and open space, both on land and sea... Up to you to draw up your own program !
www.tourismeprovincenord.nc 6
New Caledonia | 2012
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Indulge with Royal Tera
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Horse riding in Hien
Walking towards Eden The North has a great number of activities for sport fans. New fields of discovery await them. Mont Panié is an example, accessible after a particularly steep and long climb. But once on top, the view is unforgettable. The highest point on New Caledonia (more than 1600 metres) constitutes a botanical reserve that is exceptionally rich in endemic plants (mountain araucarias, giant kaoris, etc). Stay alert and you may see some of the 90 listed species of butterfly on the mountain. The Dayu Biik association will give you the keys for entering this preserved Eden. The presence of a guide is an undeniable plus: he or she will help clients to recognise the endemic tree species and will tell local legends. If they come from Hienghène, they will pass the La Ouaième river and cross over on the last ferry still in 24-hour operation. To cool down, they may take a detour by the Tao waterfall. The paths in the central mountain chain or its foothills will take them to many other exceptional sites, deep in the still unspoilt New Caledonian natural environment: majestic tropical forests, ridge lines with breathtaking lookouts (and vertical drops), endemic plant species and mysterious legends will punctuate the journey.
For the ultimate indulgence, Royal Tera Beach Resort in Noumea has two spa options, the Aqua Royal Spa and the Aquatonic Spa located next to the resort’s pool area right on the beach. Aqua Royal Spa offers treatment rooms for couples (or two friends), specialised water treatments (including the vichy shower), private treatment rooms and one room dedicated to Oriental face and body scrubs. Therapists (many trained in Paris) offer a range of professional services including intensive skin treatments with marine products, anti-ageing treatments, face and body scrubs, slimming, cellulite and contouring treatments plus a full range of waxing and beauty options. The Aquatonic Spa offers circuit training in a labyrinth of 14 sections of a heated pool. “Being in the pool gives a feeling of weightlessness and relieves pressure on the muscles and joints, so is an excellent way to exercise and relax at the same time,” said the resort’s representative Lesley Perrie. Perrie advised booking both beauty appointments and Aquatonic sessions on arrival to ensure a treatment will be available. www.aquaroyalspa.nc
The bush dweller’s best friend The horse is certainly the stockman’s best friend, along, of course, with the blue heeler. A horse ride is an excellent way to admire the niaouli savannah on the great plains or cross the mountain chain and its virgin forest. To have a go at the “tropical western” with New Caledonian cowboys, meet some keen riders. In Koné, capital of the North Province, the stockbreeders will put clients into the saddle with no problem. A three-day trek will take clients to Atéou, the highest tribal village in New Caledonia. In the early morning, the view over valleys filled with mist is stunning. To the clip-clop of horses’ hooves, the mountain chain will surrender its secrets, and in the right season clients may fish for prawns while camping by the edge of the creek.
Royal Tera Bea
ch Resort
New Caledonia | 2012
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Some key fly/drive destinations:
LA FOA Just 110km from Noumea signals the start of cattle country, a good base for the exploration of Dogny Plateau and the village of KoindĂŠ. Between La Foa and Moindou, the ruins of Fort Teremba prison are the setting for an annual sound and light show retracing the convict era. Nearby are the remains of an old military watchtower overlooking the plain.
On the road: self drive Approximately 500km from end to end, New Caledonia’s mainland (La Grande Terre) has good and mainly sealed roads offering decent facilities and accommodation enroute and, most importantly, diverse scenery and experiences. New Caledonia has high mountains, coastal farming and grazing, vegetation, rivers and waterfalls, towns, plantations and a beautiful coastline with a sprinkling of resort hotels. A popular itinerary is to drive up the west coast staying a night or two at Poum, then down the east coast stopping at Hienghène. At about half way down the east coast the road cuts back to the west coast so clients only have 162km of duplicated scenery as they backtrack to Noumea. This itinerary can also be done in reverse. To do justice to the whole circuit it’s advisable to allow five days and for keen climbers, hikers, photographers, fishermen, botanists, horseriders or just plain beachlovers, the longer the better. For shorter fly/drive itineraries, stopping for a stay on the west coast near Bourail followed by a crossover to Hienghène via Kone, a three- or four-day experience, is suggested. Whatever fly/drive itinerary clients go with, there are some excellent driving guides for visitors, which have helpful hints, distances, road rules and good maps to help them along their way.
SARRAMÉA A small picturesque village squeezed in between mountains, SarramÊa is a paradise for nature lovers with a variety of walks and streams for swimming.
BOURAIL 162km north of Noumea is Bourail. Area highlights include a museum, NZ Pacific War Cemetery, Arab Cemetery, Nemeara Cattle Station, caves, forests, plus La Roche PercĂŠe (Pierced Rock), La Baie des Tortues (Turtle Bay) and Poe Beach (located 17km from Bourail). Horseriding treks and diving tours are popular in this region.
POUM Located in the Banara Bay, about 56km from Koumac at the extreme north of the island, the Melanesian village of Poum is under the palm trees and its beaches at Nennon, Ouegoa, Tiabet, Bouarou and Malabou are the most beautiful in New Caledonia. Mount Poum can be reached in one hour by foot.
HIENGHĂˆNE Located on a rocky pit at the mouth of the Hienghène River, Hienghène is considered to be one of the most beautiful spots in New Caledonia and features an interesting cultural centre. Lagoons, valleys, beautiful waterfalls, coconut groves, coffee plantations, Melanesian villages and the highest peak in New Caledonia, Mont Panie (1639m) are all found here. Lying between the Melanesian village and Hienghène itself are two naturally sculptured limestone rocks towering 60m above the bay of Hienghène.
New Caledonia
where the French Riviera meets the South Pacific
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(09) 977 2238 reservations@aircalin.co.nz
www.aircalin.com
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New Caledonia | 2012
Honeymoon in paradise
From fabulous cuisine to the secluded awe-inspiring white sand beaches, through to hiking, sailing, kite surfing or even hunting - the perfect itinerary would cover a night or two enjoying the vibe of Noumea, then onto the beautiful Loyalty Islands or Isle of Pines, and/or a self drive to enjoy the North. The climate helps with this honeymoon choice. From June to August the temperature sits around 20 to 23 degrees Celsius with tropical summers from December to March when temperatures reach 30 degrees but rarely exceed 32 degrees. The trade winds preserve New Caledonia from excessive heat and result in a bluer than blue sky. In Noumea, enjoy the French Rivera feel with its outdoor cafes and restaurants, the beach, water sports, nearby islands and golf. Explore the historical and cultural heritage by visiting the Tjibaou Cultural Centre. Try some traditional New Caledonian dishes which are made up of French cuisine, Melanesian bougna (fish or chicken cooked in an ground oven with root vegetables in banana leaves flavoured with coconut), delicious Asian dishes and the simple taste of fresh seafood. Discover the magic of snorkelling in a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Loyalty Islands – Mare, Lifou, Ouvea and Tiga - are nestled in translucent bays and breathtaking cliffs.
Isle of Pines are the closest islands to paradise located in the middle of a huge marine reserve. Sail through crystal clear waters along the white sanded coastline and swim in the Oro pool, carved into the coral and lined with sumptuous pines. Then hop in a rental car and explore the North. The mainland (Grande Terre) has a mountain range separating the two coasts. The west coast has deer stations with Rusa deer and ranches breeding Charolais cattle. Meet the authentic New Caledonian stockmen and bushmen. Organise a hunting trip or excursion by horseback and visit a cattle station or nickel mine (the main industry) at Thio or Tiebaghi.
GLP Hotels offers the largest range of accommodation options in New Caledonia
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Relax with Ramada
Sipping a delectable French wine is never hard work. Sipping it whilst dining on gourmet French cuisine is even better. Sipping French wine, dining on gourmet cuisine and admiring Anse Vata Bay, basking in the warm glow of a New Caledonian sunset … well, an evening doesn’t get much better, does it? Sitting atop Noumea’s only revolving restaurant, 360, it’s not hard to see why Noumea’s romance lures travellers back time and time again. Ramada Plaza’s signature restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and offers a la carte and discovery menus, as well as business lunch options making it an ideal dining spot for both corporate and leisure travellers. Ramada Plaza has just introduced a transfer service for those diners staying at Le Meridien or Royal Tera and 10 per cent discount vouchers are available for all guests staying in Noumea. The discount voucher also offers a free drink at the Rendezvous Sports Bar at Ramada Plaza when purchasing another, as well as a 10 per cent discount at Spa Ramada. Ramada Plaza’s signature restaurant, 360
You’re invited to Nouvata Nui If it’s entertainment your clients are looking for, Nouvata Parc Complex on Anse Vata bay is the place to be on a Friday evening. The hotel complex comprising three hotels - Le Pacifique, Le Nouvata and Le Parc - is located around a vast lagoon-style pool with the recently renovated restaurant, Le Parc, opening out onto the deck poolside. It is here that Nouvata Nui takes place, beginning at 7pm with the hotel’s renowned seafood buffet, including oysters, local prawns, Tahitian salad, crab, tuna, salmon and mussels, followed by a selection of hot dishes and a dessert buffet. Lobster can be ordered at extra cost. Guests dine while being entertained by a Tahitian dance show. Cost of the seafood buffet and show is XPF6900 per person, excluding beverages. Guests staying at any hotel in Noumea are welcome but reservations are essential as this evening is also very popular with the locals.
Nouvata Nui at Nouvata Parc 10
New Caledonia | 2012
Complex
Nouvata’s seafood buffet
Exploring the islands The Isle of Pines White sand beaches, nature walks, historic relics and natural pools are just some of the reasons clients should take a trip out of Noumea to the Isle of Pines. Getting around the island is easy with clients able to hire scooters or motorbikes, use hotel shuttle transfers or ride mountain bikes. Must-sees include the beaches of Kuto Bay and Kanumera Beach as well as Roller Bay in the north which features a coral reef. Another popular stop is Oro Bay, home to a natural swimming pool. Clients will find an array of activities to choose from including canoe adventures, scuba-diving trips and fishing excursions. Accommodation options include Hotel Kodjeue, a twostar property with 37 bungalows and a scuba-diving centre. On Kuto Bay, Hotel Kou Bungy has bungalows, suites and rooms. There is also the four-star Oure Tera Beach Resort and, at the luxury end of the market, Le Meridien Isle of Pines has deluxe rooms and bungalows in the five-star bracket.
Oro Bay
Lifou Drehu is the local language in Lifou. The beaches and the Xodre Cliffs in the south are a must-see and clients should check out the Hnathalo grande chefferie (high chieftaincy), the Devil’s Cave and Luengöni Cave. There are three hotels on the island as well as tribal accommodation run by native families.
Maré The local beaches, the Saut du Guerrier (Warrior’s Leap), the natural aquarium, Pethoen and Padawa Caves, and the Trou de Bone (Bone Hole) are key drawcards. Tribal accommodation is available.
Getting there
Ouvéa
Air Caledonie offers two return flights a day, morning and afternoon. The Betico catamaran links Noumea to the Isle of Pines in two hours, 15 minutes and operates most Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Departures from Noumea are at 7am with the return service leaving the Isle of Pines at 5pm.
As well as the Ouvéa lagoon and the beaches of Mouli, Fayaoué and Lekiny Bay, recommend clients visit the Hanawa blue hole and the churches of Saint-Joseph. There is one four-star hotel on Ouvéa, comprised of 10 bungalows and five villas. Tribal accommodation is also available.
Visit: www.isle-of-pines.com
Getting there
Loyal discoveries The Loyalty Islands of Lifou, Maré and Ouvéa feature an array of beaches, caves, vanilla plantations as well as endemic plants. Popular with outdoor lovers, the islands offer boating, diving, fishing and hiking.
Maré, Lifou and Ouvéa are roughly a 40-minute flight from Noumea, with several flights each day on Air Caledonie. The Betico catamaran also runs services from Noumea to Lifou, Maré and Ouvéa several times a week. Visit: www.iles-loyaute.com/en
Tempting your palate Back by popular demand, Le Méridien Nouméa is launching the 2012 edition of the French Cheese Festival, with the contribution and participation of ‘cheese master’ Gerard Poulard. For over 20 years Gérard Poulard has travelled throughout the French countryside to discover its varied history and culture. He has learned much concerning the migration of the population that is at the origin of numerous cheeses. Poulard will offer clients a unique opportunity to savour various cheeses. Behind the cheeseboard and in front of the customer, Poulard knows he has only a few moments to seduce. His
method is the following three steps: impress the customer, arouse his desire, speak about flavour and allow time to look at the cheeseboard. Then, he asks each guest about his cheese palate. Poulard’s knowledge about France and its countryside is so vast that he sometimes also knows the name of the goat or cow from which the precious milk has been drawn. Patrick Lecour will accompany Poulard for this eighth edition of the French Cheese Festival in New Caledonia at Le Meridien Noumea in which more than 130 different cheeses will be presented to local and international guests’ palates.
Gerard Poulard The festival takes place from 19 to 30 June, 2012 (except 24 and 25 June, 2012) at Le Sextant Restaurant from 7pm. New Caledonia | 2012
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Travel to the heart of New Caledonia and experience hotels like no other. Land, Traditions, Roots, Emotions, Cultural Authenticity, Adventure… are the values on which TERA hotels have been based.
Touho Airport
Koné
These delightful properties with a strong Caledonian identity are located on magical spots along a UNESCO World Heritage listed lagoon and integrate perfectly into their natural environment and local community.
Poindimié
Bourail Tontouta International Airport
Nouméa
Port Boisé
photo P. Dancel
cactusstudiographique
Ile des Pins
Chic & sleek, absolute beachfront, Romantic South Seas a brand new apartment «boutique» resort in a stunning style hotel on Anse Vata Bay natural setting
Set between lush tropical rainforest & lagoon, in the dramatic Deep South
Unique design and dream location on the East Coast’s most beautiful beach