Travel facts

GETTING THERE

• Aircalin and Qantas fly from several Australian cities to New Caledonia's capital, Noumea. qantas.com.au; aircalin.com

• Noumea is a popular port stop on South Pacific cruises. Compare itineraries at carnival.com.au, pocruises.com.au and princess.com

CULTURE FIX

• Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre, designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, celebrates the indigenous Kanak culture. A permanent collection is supplemented with a lively roster of temporary exhibitions. adck.nc

• Musée Maritime de Nouvelle-Calédonie chronicles the maritime history and early colonial settlement of the islands of New Caledonia. museemaritime.nc

• Musée de la Seconde Guerre Mondiale will appeal to anyone with an interest in the Second World War, in particular as it affected the Pacific nations. mobi.noumea.nc

• Galerie Arte Bello displays and sells the paintings and sculptures of a number of New Caledonian artists. galerieartebello.com

• DZ Galerie is an art gallery featuring works from Pacific

and Australian Aboriginal artists. dz-galerie.com

WHERE TO STAY

• Le Méridien Nouméa is one of the best luxury hotels in the capital, with a prized lagoon-facing location. Tropical design decor lends Instagram-inspiration, while the landscaped pool area offers welcome respite from the hot season temps. Day passes for non-guests are available to the pool, depending on capacity. starwoodhotels.com

• At Hilton Nouméa La Promenade Residences, you’ll find self-catering studios and apartments merely steps from Anse Vata Beach. On-site restaurant, La Terrasse, serves up French/Pacific cuisine, and nearby supermarkets and speciality food stores stock the provisions you’ll need to DIY. hilton.com

WHEN TO GO

Any time is a good time to visit the islands of New Caledonia, though visitors will notice markedly different weather conditions in the hot and cool season. During the warmer months from November to April, temperatures can push 30 degrees Celsius, with high humidity and frequent rainfall. Hurricanes are not uncommon. The dry season, from May to October, is cooler with fewer rain days.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

The local currency is the Pacific franc. Be aware that most museums, shops and restaurants do not accept Australian dollars or other foreign currency, and many do not accept credit cards. Buy Pacific francs before you go or withdraw from an ATM after you land.

FURTHER INFORMATION

New Caledonia Tourism website has information and tools for planning a trip to the islands. newcaledonia.travel/au/