1. World’s largest lagoon
The coral reef lagoon that skirts New Caledonia measures 24,000 square kilometres, making it the biggest on the planet and a spectacular stage for water based pursuits.
2. World’s second longest barrier reef
The barrier reef extends for 1600 kilometres, making it second to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef which measures 2000 kilometres. The reef is alive with fish and radiant coral, making it a snorkeller’s delight.
3. Matching time zones
New Caledonia runs on the same time as Australian Eastern Daylight Saving Time. At worst, in winter, there is only one hour’s time difference. Unlike a trip to France, jet lag isn’t an issue.
4. Europe in the South Pacific
Noumea has a European mentality in a Pacific setting. Everything is as you would expect to find in France, right down to the round-holed electrical plugs.
5. The best of French and the best of English
The majority of New Caledonians speak French and most speak English to a basic level. Drop in a little French, no matter how bad, and the locals will love you for it.
6. Proximity to Sydney
A mere two and a half hour flight from Sydney, New Caledonia is not taxing on your travel time and even beats New Zealand as our closest foreign neighbour.
7. Home from Home
New Caledonia is a chip off the old block – of Australia. Formerly part of the supercontinent Gondwana, some of the scenery is strangely familiar. Mountains that were part of the Great Dividing Range and eucalypt trees will have you doing a double take.
8. The World’s Only Mangrove Heart
A perfect heart formed by a mangrove forest in Voh, north of the mainland, received worldwide acclaim when it featured as the cover for Yann Arthus-Bertrand’s photography book The Earth From The Air.
9. Best for Biodiversity
The lagoon that skirts New Caledonia made it onto the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2008 for its rich diversity. Three-quarters of the plants are endemic to the islands too.
10. Eternal Spring
The temperature in New Caledonia ranges from 15 to 32 degrees and is kept cool by the trade winds that pass through the country 250 days a year.
