New Caledonia is the answer
Winter is here, that’s unavoidable. But you can avoid some of the cold weather – and you don’t need to travel to the northern hemisphere to do it.
Less than 3 hours from Auckland, the under the radar treasure of New Caledonia boasts summer all year round, with average temperatures of around 22°C between June-August. And it’s so close that you can take off in the afternoon and be barefoot in the sand, sipping cocktails by sunset.
New Zealand’s winter months are considered the dry season for the South Pacific destination, meaning there’s lower humidity, clearer skies, and more sunlight to enjoy than other times of the year. The mild weather means that every type of traveller will be able to create the holiday of their dreams in this little slice of paradise, from road trippers to adventure travellers, and from pleasing food snobs to being the perfect spot for those who want to lie by a pool or on a deserted beach – New Caledonia delivers it all in spades.
The perfect escape from cold weather, dive into a World-Heritage Listed Lagoon (and the largest in the world) for amazing diving and snorkelling opportunities, as the clear blue waters offer up better visibility between June and October - perfect for getting up close and personal with the island’s marine residents including turtles, manta rays, and seahorses. Whilst some beaches on the main island were recently closed to facilitate the installation of shark nets, there are a multitude of beaches around New Caledonia where you can spend your days swimming and enjoying water sports. Peak whale-watching season in New Caledonia also runs from July through to September, making winter the perfect time to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. During winter, humpback whales come to New Caledonia’s waters to rest, recover, and give birth. To appreciate these breathtaking animals in true comfort, take a catamaran to Prony Bay where an encounter with a humpback whale is almost guaranteed.
Those preferring land based activities won’t be disappointed either. New Caledonia has been identified as one of only 35 biodiversity hotspots on the planet, with approximately 80% of endemic species, making it a hiker’s paradise. With over 500km of marker trails labelled by the French Federation of Hiking (FFRP), hiking ranges from a red earth desert in the South to dense tropical forests in the east and dry golden plains in the west. With a more comfortable temperature during the winter months, travellers can enjoy a hike through this beautiful landscape in the warm New Caledonian sun without sweating up a storm. But if walking isn’t your thing either, renting a car is a great way to see the incredible landscapes of the destination. Just two and a half hours out of Noumea towards the north is Bourail, where outdoor activities such as hiking, horse riding and mountain biking can be undertaken, complemented by phenomenal lagoon views. Also worth a stop is the New Zealand Cemetery dedicated to the service men stationed there during the Second World War. A serene place of contemplation that strengthens the sense of connection between our two countries, the cemetery is open to the public and is an easy stop on the way to Deva domain. Of course the numerous islets and additional islands of New Caledonia offer their own unique experiences and many are possible to do in a daytrip, such as Amedee Island, famous for its incredible snorkeling, and its lighthouse and being home to the world’s smallest post office.
If eating and drinking is more your landbased activity preference, gastronomy is certainly not an after-thought in this French island nation. From local markets and a plethora of French patisseries and bakeries to fine dining establishments, New Caledonia offers a gourmet journey that is guaranteed to satisfy. Francophiles will delight in the wine, cheese and specialty produce imported from mainland France, and nocturnal travellers will appreciate the local nightlife. Culturally, New Caledonia is a melting pot of Melanesian and French influences with Polynesian and Asian notes come together in food, language, art and song and this is reflected in almost every aspect of the destination.
Of course one thing many people want to do on holiday is play golf – and the one thing that can completely ruin a golf trip is wet weather. Luckily during the dry season in New Caledonia, rain is the last you have to worry about! Winter in New Caledonia serves up some of the best golfing conditions with low humidity, warm weather, sunshine, clear skies, and little to no wind. New Caledonia’s golf courses are suited to all levels of sporting proficiency, from amateurs to seasoned professionals. The courses also offer beautiful views, from lush green grass hills and Pacific Ocean views on the West Coast to stunning mountain ranges in the background near the capital Noumea. For the most enjoyable game you’ve ever played, New Caledonia in the winter has got everything you need. A Stephen Dye designed 18 hole golf course is attendant to the internationally branded Resort in the domain which also features a world class spa.
Trying to please every type of traveller with one destination is usually impossible – but not if your final destination is New Caledonia.