New Caledonia Travel Facts
The Basics
Country: New Caledonia
Where is it?: Oceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Australia
Why do people go here?: Ooooh lala, it’s France, pacific style, although the natives may not always want to admit it. Fighting in the 1980s has left its marks, but people are eager to point to the pristine beaches and beautiful diving instead of the bloody past. Close proximity to Australia has made this large island a popular holiday hotspot.
What are the main entry points?: Flights from Australia, France, Japan and other pacific islands are popular. Yachts do have an option of docking in Noumea.
Currency used: Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique franc (XPF)
Country Code: 687
Area codes for Major Cities: No city codes required
Religion: Roman Catholic 60%, Protestant 30%, other 10%
Population: 300,000
Ethnic Breakdown: Melanesian 42.5%, European 37.1%, Wallisian 8.4%, Polynesian 3.8%, Indonesian 3.6%, Vietnamese 1.6%, other 3%
Government: Overseas territory of France
Languages: French (official), 33 Melanesian-Polynesian dialects
Travel Information
Major Cities: Noumea
Attractions: French, Beaches, Diving
Tourism Office locations and links: New Caledonia Tourism 20 rue Anatole France Immeuble Noumia-Centre Place des Cocotiers BP 688 – 98845 Noumea New Caledonia +687 24 20 80;; FAX +687 24 20 70; info@newcaledoniatourism-south.com //www.newcaledoniatourism-south.com/
Health Issues: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over 1 year of age coming from infected areas. Note. In the event of an epidemic threat to the territory, a specific vaccination certificate may be required.
Tips for Visiting
When to go: Weather is nice year-round.
Specific Events/Holidays: Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)
Getting Around: Unless you want to dole out some serious cash to rent a car, the thorough bus system is your best bet.
Good to know: Many New Caledonians are against French rule. Be sensitive to this.
Cheapest airport to fly into: The cheapest airport to fly into New Caledonia is the New Caledonia Airport.
Need more information?: Check out the New Caledonia travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.
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