New Caledonia’s lagoons are distinguished by an exceptional diversity of coral and fish species. The continuous sequence of habitats is also particularly noteworthy: it ranges from mangroves to seagrass meadows. Two aspects that shape the character of these lagoons can therefore be seen side by side: their biodiversity and the succession of habitats. Those interested in nature will find a concrete starting point here for getting to know New Caledonia beyond individual attractions.
History and contemporary culture
In Moindou, Fort Teremba offers an insight into the history of New Caledonia’s penal colony and the Kanak uprisings. Built in 1871, the fort is a historic monument and an open-air museum. Its permanent exhibition covers both the penal colony and the history of the fort. Interactive terminals, audiovisual presentations, models and figures are among the exhibition’s features. The site thus brings together the history of the building and the broader historical themes presented there.
The Centre culturel Tjibaou in Nouméa focuses on something different. It combines an art center dedicated to Kanak culture with a museum, event venue, library and boutique. The collection includes more than 600 works of contemporary Kanak and Oceanian art, some of which are on permanent display. Visitors who distinguish between the two sites by their thematic focus will encounter the history of the penal colony and the uprisings at Fort Teremba, and contemporary art and Kanak culture at the Centre culturel Tjibaou.
Bougna: ingredients and preparation
Bougna is usually prepared with fish or meat, tubers, poingo bananas and coconut milk. The dish is cooked in banana leaves surrounded by hot stones. The ingredients and cooking method go hand in hand, making the preparation itself an interesting insight into local food culture. At tribal accommodations in La Foa, Bourail, Yaté, Hienghène and on the islands, visitors can take part in preparing bougna in a traditional Kanak earth oven. This allows visitors to learn about the dish not only as a food, but also through the preparation process described here.
Marked trails and freshwater
The Domaine de Deva in Bourail offers 158 kilometers of marked hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking trails. The routes pass through 1,700 hectares of dry forest, home to numerous protected endemic species. The three types of trail offer different ways to explore this forest area: on foot, on horseback or by mountain bike. The dry forest and its protected species provide a shared natural focus, while the marked trails cater to different activities.
In and around Parc des Grandes Fougères, visitors can enjoy a different kind of nature experience: streams and rivers invite you to swim in cool freshwater. This includes Cœur de Farino, set into the rock. While Deva can be explored via marked trails and dry forest, waterways and swimming are the focus here. This contrast can help you choose between the described nature experiences according to your interests, without needing to combine them into a single outing.
History, art, food culture and landscapes thus offer different ways to experience New Caledonia.
Discover more destinations: South Province, North Province, Loyalty Islands Province.
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