Last updated: 29 Nov 2023
New Caledonia
About
| Enjoy some superb snorkelling and diving in marine reserves and around sunken shipwrecks. Favourite sites include around Nouméa, the Amédée Lighthouse Reserve (including shark feeding). The coral barrier reef off Nouméa is excellent for underwater spearfishing, as are waters around the Loyalty Islands. Ouvéa Island's lagoon is rich in fish. The main location for freshwater fishing is Yaté Lake, open January to October. Hire a kayak or canoe to explore New Caledonia's network of rivers, streams and lakes. Saddle up and go horse riding. Excursions are organised from Nouméa, Dumbea, La Foa, Bourail, Thio and the Koné villages. These vary from simple rides to major expeditions crossing the mountain range, mustering cattle and camping in the mountains. |
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| Capital: | Nouméa |
| Currency: | Change Franc Pacifique (XPF) |
| Language: | French (about thirty Melanesian dialects). English and Japanese are widely spoken. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 687 |
| Time Zones: | UTC/GMT +11 hours (9 hours ahead of South Africa) |
| Public Holidays 2022: |
Jan 1; Apr 18; May 1, 8; Jun 6; Jul 14; Aug 15; Sep 24; Nov 1, 11; Dec 25 |
| Side of the Road: | Right |
| Best Time to go: | April – November |
| Best For: | Diving |
| Plugs: | 220 volts AC, 50Hz. European-style, two-pin plugs are in use. |
| Drinking Water: | Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink. Outside of the main towns, water may be contaminated. |
| Health: | Comprehensive health insurance is recommended and it should include emergency air evacuation coverage for more serious cases. |
| Customs: | In the rural areas, it is proper to address the clan leader and present him with a gift (1000 Franc) and request permission to access the sea, mountains or pathways. There may be certain taboo areas which visitors will not be allowed to enter. |
| Duty Free: | The following goods may be imported into New Caledonia by travellers aged 17 or over without incurring customs duty: • 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco • 2L of table wine and 1L of spirits over 22% volume, or 2L of fortified wine less than 22% volume • 50ml of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette • 500g of coffee and 100g of tea • Other goods to the value of XPF30,000 (reduced to XPF15,000 for children under 15) |
| Prohibited Imports: | Prohibited items include narcotics and counterfeit goods. Restricted items include plants, animals and their products, endangered species, arms and ammunition, and medicines. |
| Prohibited Exports: | Narcotics and counterfeit goods. |
Issuing Authorities
Visas are required by SA passport holders.
- Applications are made through the French Consulates
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | Yellow Fever (Dependant on Country of Origin/Stopover) |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A&B, Tetanus, Polio |
