New Caledonia Weekly - Published 23-03-12 - hot deals

N°135 

FREE 

23 MARCH - 5 APRIL 2012 

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EARTH 

HOUR 2012 

Turn off your lights 

and light up the future 

from 8.30 to 9.30 p.m. 

on Saturday 31 March 

2012. Earth Hour will 

be celebrated as usual at Place des Cocotiers; 

there’ll be stalls, attractions, speeches, debates 

and a great atmosphere, so bring candles and 

solar or dynamo lamps and join the party! 

WWF NC: Tel 27 50 25 

DREAMS 

OF PARADISE 

TAHITI COMES 

TO ANSE VATA 

The monthly Passion Wednesday events organised 

by the New Caledonia Tourist Office always provide 

a delightful early evening attraction for locals and 

visitors alike. 

Tahiti will be taking centre stage at the upcoming 

themed event on 4 April, under the thatched farés 

overlooking superb Anse Vata beach. Arts and crafts 

stalls, traditional dances and delicious Tahitian 

specialities are all part of the show. Don’t miss it! 

Passion Wednesday “Tiaré et Vahiné”, 

Wednesday 4 April under the Anse Vata fare, 

Nouméa, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

NC Tourist Office: Tel 05 75 80 (toll-free phone) 

CONTENTS 

WINING & DINING 

Melanesian feast 

WHERE TO STAY 

Island enchantment 

SHOPPING 

Sugar and spice... 

NATURE SPOT 

Lagoon luxury 

FRESH AIR 

Legendary leap 

for freedom 

p. 2 

p. 7 

p. 2 

p. 2 

p. 4 

The Isle of Pines is 

an oasis of unspoilt 

loveliness, blessed by 

breathtaking scenery 

and home to an island 

people famed for their 

traditional lifestyle and 

legendary hospitality... 

the ultimate dream 

destination! 

Just 25 minutes by plane 

or 2 ¼ hours by boat from 

Nouméa, the Isle of Pines 

is often dubbed “the island 

closest to paradise”. You’ll 

never forget your stay on this 

island where time stands still 

and nature reigns supreme. 

Beaches of 

unparalleled beauty 

Let’s begin with the 

beaches. Fine white sand 

lapped by pure azure water, 

each is equally superb 

and yet uniquely different. 

Marvel at the wide arc 

of Kuto Bay, the tranquil 

charm of Kanuméra Bay just 

around the headland and, of 

course, the famous natural 

swimming pool reached 

via a sea inlet of sparkling 

water fringed by immense 

column pines... quite simply 

sensational! Or how about 

a leisurely glide round 

magnificent Upi Bay in a 

traditional outrigger canoe? 

So much to do 

If you are passionate about 

watersports and activities 

like fishing, snorkelling or 

scuba diving, you’ll adore 

life on the Isle of Pines. 

And if you’re a keen walker, 

an invigorating hike to the 

summit of Pic N’ga offers a 

sublime vista over the island 

and lagoon. The island 

also boasts a fascinating 

historic heritage including 

architectural remains of 

the former penitentiary, the 

Deportees’ Cemetery and 

the Cave of Queen Hortense. 

Style and comfort 

The Isle of Pines 

offers a wide range of 

accommodation and 

whether you choose a luxury 

5 star hotel or a traditional 

homestay or guesthouse, 

you’ll get a hearty welcome 

from the native Kunié people. 

Practical info 

• How to get there 

Air Calédonie: 

www.air-caledonie.nc 

Tel 25 2177 

Betico: www.betico.nc 

Tel 26 01 00 

• Accommodation 

Hotels: Le Méridien 

www.starwoodhotels.com/ 

lemeridien - Tel 46 15 15 

Ouré Tera Beach Resort 

www.tera-hotels-resorts.com 

Tel 43 13 15 

Kou-bugny: Tel 46 18 00 

www.kou-bugny.com 

Hotel Kodjeue: Tel 46 11 42 

Guesthouses 

Gite Nataïwatch: Tel 46 11 13 

Le Kuberka: Tel 46 11 18 

Campsites 

Kou-gny: Tel 43 45 55 

Baie d’Oro: Tel 43 45 55 

Les Rouleaux: Tel 46 11 16 

Kouéney: Tel 78 32 28 

Further information 

www.office-tourisme.nc 

Tel 05 75 80 (toll-free phone) 

• Useful tips 

Advance booking is a 

must for restaurants, car or 

motor scooter rentals and 

activities. Some sites are 

closed to the public; please 

check with hotel staff before 

setting off for local visits. 

Topless & nudist bathing/ 

sunbathing prohibited.

HOT PICKS 

WINING & DINING 

MELANESIAN 

FEAST 

Every Friday in April, 

from 7 p.m., 

“Le Colonaire” 

restaurant offers 

hungry diners an 

ocean seafood buffet 

set off by a thrilling 

show featuring wellknown 

local dance 

ensemble We Ce Ca. 

A sure-fire success! 

Le Surf Hotel, a member 

of the Grands Hôtels de 

Nouvelle-Calédonie Group, 

overlooks the lagoon at 

Rocher à la Voile in central 

Nouméa. The hotel’s popular 

gourmet restaurant, “Le 

Colonaire”, is the venue for 

this sumptuous Melanesian 

dinner & show. Trochus, 

crab, prawns, oysters... 

depending on seasonal 

availability, the chef and his 

team concoct an irresistible 

seafood buffet. Pure heaven! 

SHOPPING 

SUGAR AND SPICE... 

Visit Odile’s 

welcoming and 

gaily colourful store 

“Cœur d’épices” in 

Faubourg-Blanchot 

and plunge into a 

bewitching world 

of fragrant scents 

and exotic spices. 

Delicious! 

Odile’s spices come 

from all over the world, 

with India a key source, 

contributing such 

heady delights as with 

turmeric, cardamom 

seeds and star anise. 

Her delightful little store 

stocks all the classics 

used in fine cuisine and 

many less well known 

spices. However, one of 

Odile’s main priorities is 

the promotion of locally 

produced specialities. 

In cooperation with 

small-scale local 

We Ce Ca 

On the poolside terrace, 

accompanied by guitar and 

drums, the talented We 

Ce Ca dancers perform 

fiery Kanak dance routines 

guaranteed to get your blood 

racing and your feet tapping. 

We Ce Ca’s 12 professional 

male and female dancers 

have been performing to 

rave reviews for 15 years 

and are key players on the 

New Caledonian cultural and 

tourism scene. 

Advance booking 

recommended, cost: 

F 6,900/pers. 

Le Surf Hotel, 

55 promenade Roger 

Laroque, Anse Vata, 

Nouméa. Tel 28 05 37 

producers, she provides 

a retail outlet for quality 

organic honeys and jams 

(wild fig, passion flower, 

guava, pink grapefruit). 

You’ll also find a wide 

choice of typically New 

Caledonian specialities 

such as locally produced 

chilli peppers, pickled 

vegetables (achards), 

coffee and pink 

peppercorns, which 

add appetising zest and 

zing to our local cuisine. 

Odile picks most of the 

produce she sells on a 

seasonal basis and does 

all her own packaging. 

Cœur d’épices, open 

Monday to Friday 9 a.m. 

to midday & 4 p.m. to 

5.30 p.m., Saturday 

9 a.m. to 11.30 a.m., 

2 rue Pelletier, 

Faubourg-Blanchot, 

Nouméa. Tel 76 20 66 

OUT & ABOUT 

INTERNATIONAL MUSIC 

FESTIVAL 

FOCUS ON 

TAKE A TRIP TO KOUMAC 

The northernmost 

town on the West 

Coast, Koumac offers 

all the hospitality and 

traditional lifestyle 

so typical of New 

Caledonia’s bush 

country. 

Koumac, located 360 km 

from Nouméa, is the 

principal town of New 

Caledonia’s Far North and 

ISLAND 

ENCHANTMENT 

Lifou, just 40 minutes 

by air from Nouméa, 

is a sublimely 

beautiful island 

steeped in tradition. 

Drehu Village Hotel 

offers high quality 

accommodation and 

is ideally located for 

exploring Lifou. 

The innate charm and 

hospitality of the people 

of Lifou ensure that 

every visitor immediately 

feels at home. Blessed 

by a wealth of lush 

tropical forest, beaches 

of the purest white 

sand interspersed by 

magnificently rugged 

cliffs and some of 

the world’s most 

breathtaking underwater 

scenery, Lifou is a 

well worth a visit. The town 

nestles close to the lagoon 

and has its own marina, 

while on every other side 

stretches the magnificent 

outback, ideal for trails on 

foot or horseback leading 

to the mysterious caves. 

Koumac also offers great 

rock climbing opportunities, 

with keen climbers coming 

from Nouméa to scale the 

Notre-Dame rocks. The 

WHERE TO STAY 

must-see destination 

for any visitor to New 

Caledonia. 

Drehu Village Hotel 

Lifou’s only 3 star hotel, 

Drehu Village is a charming 

haven overlooking one 

of the island’s loveliest 

beaches at Chateaubriand 

Bay, lapped by clear 

sapphire waters reflecting 

The Tjibaou Cultural 

Centre is hosting 

a major music event 

on 24 March: Mazik 

Festival. 

The festival, organised by 

Pacifica Land Productions, 

is dedicated to reggae and 

designed to bring together 

local and established 

international reggae bands 

and musicians. This is the 

first time an event of this 

kind has been staged in New 

Caledonia and the impressive 

list of guest artists should see 

thousands of local reggae 

fans flocking to the venue. 

Turning up the heat at Mazik 

Festival will be such giants 

of the genre as Anthony 

B, Jah Mason and Tiwony. 

source of local wealth lies 

beneath the soil and nickel 

is currently mined at the 

Tiébaghi site, once a key 

chrome mining centre. 

Tours and 

accommodation 

A stay in Koumac would 

not be complete without 

a visit to the old mining 

village, restored just over 

a decade ago. There are 

several guided tours a 

week, lasting all morning 

(cost: F2,500/person). The 

area also boasts a range 

the brilliant azure of the 

sky... The hotel offers 28 

bungalows and two suites 

facing the lagoon. The 

in-house restaurant is open 

every day. Leisure activities 

include snorkelling, 

kayaking on the lagoon and 

bike rentals. Within easy 

reach of the hotel, you’ll 

Mazik Festival is set to 

deliver 5 solid hours of 

non-stop live music! 

Various other attractions 

will be featured during 

the evening, including a 

firework display and works 

by graffiti artists. 

There will refreshments on 

site and a variety of stalls 

making up a real festival 

village. 

Mazik Festival, 

Saturday 24 March, 

from 6 p.m. 

Tjibaou Cultural Centre 

rue des Accords de 

Matignon, Nouméa. 

www.pacificaland.com 

or Tel 79 13 08 

of quality accommodation 

options, including the 

Passiflore hotel, located 

on the road into Koumac 

town. The hotel has recently 

had a complete makeover 

and offers 16 rooms, with 

rates varying from F9,000 

to F11,000 (AC, WiFi, TV). 

Passiflore Hotel: 

Tel 42 71 71 

Koumac Point i Tourist 

Information Office (guided 

tours to the mine): 

next door to the townhall, 

Tel 42 78 42 

find options for visits to 

tribal villages, guided 

tours of the island and a 

host of watersports. 

Drehu Village Hotel, Baie 

de Chateaubriand, Lifou. 

reservation.drehuvil@canl.nc 

drehuvil@canl.nc 

Tel 45 02 70

WHAT’S UP? 23 MARCH - 5 APRIL 2012 - PAGE 2/3 

Nouméa 

ADDRESS BOOK 

Aquarium 

61 promenade Roger Laroque, 

Anse Vata. Tues. to Sun. 

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tel 26 27 31 

Art Café 

30 rue Paul Duquesnes, 

Quartier Latin. Tel 27 80 03 

Art Centre 

6 boulevard extérieur, 

Downtown. Tel 25 06 50 

Bernheim Library 

41 avenue du Maréchal Foch, 

Downtown. Tues. Thurs. & Fri. 

1 to 5.30 p.m. Wed. 9 a.m. to 

5.30 p.m. & Sat. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Tel 24 20 90 

Best Western 

La Promenade**** 


Anse Vata. Tel 24 46 00 

Botanical and Wildlife Park 

Route T. de Laubarède, Portes 

de Fer. Tues. to Sun. 10.15 a.m. 

to 5.45 p.m. Tel 27 89 51 

Galerie Lec Lec Tic 

La Promenade Complex, 


Galerie Onze & Demi 

11 ter rue du Général Mangin 


Korean Cultural Centre 

4 rue du Dr Lescour 

Quartier Latin. Tel 28 40 03 

Le Méridien Nouméa***** 

Pointe Magnin. 

Tel 26 50 00 

ALL YEAR ROUND 

Guided tours 

Guided tours of the Tjibaou 

Cultural Centre with English 

commentary. 

Tuesday to Sunday 9.30 a.m. 

to 2.30 p.m. English audio 

guides also available for hire. 

Tjibaou Cultural Centre* 

Walkabout show 

Explore the myth of human 

creation, accompanied by 

the drums and songs of the 

We Ce Ca dance company, 

in the unique plant world 

of the Kanak Path. 

Tjibaou Cultural Centre*, 

Tues. & Thurs. 2.30 to 4 p.m. 

Advance booking required. 

Exhibition 

“Nos milieux naturels” 

(Our natural 

environments). 

Explore New 

Caledonia’s dry 

forest, mangrove 

and mining 

scrubland 

ecosystems. 

Botanical and Wildlife Park* 

Le Surf*** 


Laroque, Anse Vata. 

Tel 28 66 88 

Maison Célières 

& Maison du Livre 

21 route du Port-Despointes, 

Faubourg-Blanchot. 

Tues. to Sat. 11 a.m. to 

5.30 p.m. Tel 28 65 10 

Museum of 

New Caledonia 

45 avenue Foch, Quartier 

Latin, 9 to 11.30 a.m. & 12.15 

to 4.30 p.m. 

Closed Tuesdays. 

www.museenouvellecaledonie.nc 

Tel 27 23 42 or 27 06 47 

Nouvata Park*** 

123 promenade Roger 


Tel 26 22 00 

Nouméa City Museum 

Place des Cocotiers, corner 

of avenue Foch and rue Jean 

Jaurès. Mon. to Sat. 9 a.m. 

to midday & 1 to 5 p.m. 

Tel 27 60 62 

Royal Tera*** 



Tel 29 64 00 

Tjibaou Cultural Centre 

Rue des Accords de Matignon, 

Tina. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Closed Mondays. 

Tel 41 45 45 

Heritage 

Guided tours of historic 

penitentiary buildings 

at Nouville. Weds. & Sat. 

at 2 p.m. Tel 26 48 13 

Books & 

papers in 

English 

The Bernheim 

library* 

offers visitors 

a selection 

of English-language papers, 

reviews and works of literature. 

FRI. 23 MARCH 

Live Music 

Acoustic pop-rock band. 

The Loop in a scintillating 

performance of tracks by top 

blues and rock artists: Eagle 

Eye Cherry, Tracy Chapman, 

Amy Winehouse, Oasis, 

Maroon 5 and many more. 

From 7 p.m. Le Lobby bar, 

Le Méridien Nouméa* 

FRI. 23 & 30 MARCH 

Theme dinner 

Enjoy a gourmet meal at 

sophisticated Le Carré d’As, 

the Grand Casino’s very own 

fl agship restaurant. Every 

Thursday, Le Carré d’As 

offers a special wine-tasting 

menu… fi ne food, fi ne wines 

and a unique atmosphere! 

Irresistible. 

Casinos de Nouméa, 

5 promenade Pierre Vernier, 

Val Plaisance. Tel 24 20 29 

Live Music 

Cocktails & live music every 

Friday evening at Art Café. 

30, rue Duquesne, Quartier 

Latin. Tel 27 80 03 

Theme Buffet 

Le Méridien’s expert chefs 

rustle up a sumptuous 

seafood buffet featuring every 

possible delicacy from 

New Caledonia’s lagoon. 

Le Sextant restaurant, 


Buffet & show 

Tahitian evening: Nouvata Nui. 

Seafood buffet and Tahitian 

dance show. Nouvata Park* 

FRI. 23 MARCH TO 

SUN 1 APRIL 

Exhibition 

Exhibition of photographs 

and documents presenting 

the album kept by Sergeant 

Pinçon, a French soldier 

who spent time living in tribal 

villages in the Main Island and 

the Islands at the end of the 

19 th century. 


FRI. 23 MARCH 

TO THURS. 5 APRIL 

Exhibition 

Show of works by artists 

using a variety of techniques 

and styles. Le Chevalet d’Art 

gallery, 81 route A. Daly, 

Ouémo. www.lechevaletdart.nc 

Tel 24 92 42 

Exhibition 

Permanent exhibition of works 

by all the gallery’s featured 

artists: Caroline Degroiselle, 

Michel Moulimois, Jean 

Pierre Lalubin, Julien Berger, 

Johannes Wahono, Jean 

Michel Duffau, André Gable, 

René Vermande, Francis 

Lôter, Jean Michon, Franck 

Fay, Crocq and many more... 

Open Monday to Friday 

8.30 a.m. to midday & 

1.30 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

Galerie Arte Bello, 30 rue 

Auguste Brun, Quartier Latin. 

Tel 25 31 00 

Exhibition 

Le Corps en 

mouvement. 

The Kanak 

and 

Oceanian 

Contemporary 

Art 

Fund presents an exhibition 

inspired by the theme of an 

ever-changing world. Bérétara 

Room, Tjibaou Cultural 

Centre* (Till April 2012) 

Exhibition 

KnK M’n Vôtre. Show of 

works by artist in residence 

Stéphanie Wamytan. 

Exploring the theme of our 

quest for our own identity, 

the artist affi rms her strongly 

held conviction that “Your 

skin doesn’t need to be black 

for you to feel truly Kanak”. 


(Till 27 May) 

Exhibition 

Dive 

into the 

mysterious 

ocean 

depths and 

explore a 

world of 

secrets 

scientists 

have only 

recently 

begun to 

unlock. 

Step 

aboard the 

aquarium’s bathyscaph and 

discover the weird landscapes 

of the ocean fl oor and the 

strange creatures that dwell 

there... Aquarium des Lagons* 

(Till 3 June 2012) 

Exhibition 

Ko Névâ - Culture in harmony 

with nature. Collective 

exhibition of works by 

New Caledonian artists, 

in collaboration with the 

North, South and Loyalty 

Islands Provinces. This 

multi-disciplinary exhibition 

aims to provide a platform 

where members of the public 

and people involved in the 

cultural scene can meet and 

exchange views and ideas on 

and around a common theme. 

(Till 10 June) 

SAT. 24 MARCH 

Theme Buffet 

Sumptuous seafood buffet 

and an evening of songs 

featuring Ardy Panatte. 

Le Sextant restaurant, 


Live Music 

Enjoy an evening of songs 

performed by talented duo 

Elodie and David (rock, Latin 

and French and international 

pop). From 7 p.m. 

Le Lobby Bar, 


(Till 10 June) 

Live Music 

Rock session with local band 

Crash Test. From 10 p.m. 

Les 3 Brasseurs, 33 

promenade Roger Laroque, 

Baie des Citrons. Tel 24 15 16 

SUN. 25 MARCH 

Live Music 

Live jazz with 

Jinen Jo. 

Enjoy the 

party mood 

and pity 

the poor 

guys who 

have to 

get up 

early the next day… From 

6.30 p.m. Les 3 Brasseurs, 


Laroque, Baie des Citrons. 

Tel 24 15 16 

TUES. 27 MARCH TO 

THURS. 5 APRIL 

Exhibition 

“Idiosyncrasie chromatique” 

Artist Julien Berger presents 

a show of around thirty 

vividly colourful canvases of 

varying sizes, created using 

various techniques: acrylics, 

oils, mixed media and also 

reprographics and collage. 

Galerie Arte Bello, 30 rue 

Auguste Brun, Quartier Latin. 

Tel 25 31 00 (Till 7 April) 

THURS. 28 MARCH 

Live Music 

Vanuella will be performing 

songs from her “Tour 

du monde” (Around the 

world) and “Lounge Music” 

repertoires at a superb 

waterfront venue in Baie des 

Citrons. Sip a cocktail as you 

enjoy the glorious sunset and 

listen to the sweet sounds 

conjured up by talented 

singer/songwriter Vanuella, 

accompanied by Jeannot 

on guitar. From 7 p.m. MV 

lounge, 22 rue Jules Garnier, 


THURS. 29 MARCH 

Live Music 

Great sounds with poprock 

band The Loop. Party 

atmosphere at “Baie des 

Citrons”. From 9.30 p.m. 

Les 3 Brasseurs, 33 

promenade Roger Laroque, 


Live Music 

Acoustic pop-rock band 

The Loop in a scintillating 

performance of tracks by top 

blues and rock artists: Eagle 

Eye Cherry, Tracy Chapman, 

Amy Winehouse, Oasis, 

Maroon 5 and many more. 

From 7 p.m. Le Lobby Bar, 


WEDS. 28, THUR. 29, 

WEDS. 4 & THUR. 5 

APRIL 

Theme lunch or dinner 

New Caledonia’s blue 

prawns are renowned 

for their delicious taste 

and plumpness. Enjoy an 

unlimited feast of them every 

Wednesday and Thursday 

lunchtime and evening 

at La Terrasse restaurant! 

La Terrasse restaurant, 1 st fl oor 

of the Best Western apartment 

hotel, 107 promenade Roger 


Tel 25 39 21 

WEDS. 28 MARCH & 

WEDS. 4 APRIL 

Theme dinner 

Every Wednesday, the Grand 

Casino’s Le Carré d’As 

restaurant holds a special 

“Champagne” evening: starter, 

main dish and dessert from 

a selected menu and as much 

Taittinger bubbly as you like! 

Advance booking strongly 

advised. 

Le Carré d’As, Casinos de 

Nouméa, 5 promenade 

Pierre Vernier, Val Plaisance. 

Tel 24 20 29 

SAT. 31 MARCH 

Theme Buffet 

Gypsy 

jazz 

duo 

Fuego 

Gitano 

in a fi ery 

song 

and 

guitar 

session 

inspired 

by 

Camargue flamenco. 

Cost: buffet & return taxi boat 

F8,900/pers. 

L’Escapade, Ilot Maître. 

Tel 26 05 12 

South 

Province 

ADDRESS BOOK 

Aventure Pulsion 

Outdoor sports, adventure 

& leisure activities 


Tel 26 27 48 

Auberge Historique 

de Moindou 

Village de Moindou. 

Tel 35 43 28 

Bourail Tourist Office 

Rue Simone Dremon, opposite 

Bourail Townhall. Tel 46 46 12 

Destination Grand Sud 

Shopping centre, La Coulée 

Mont-Dore. Tel 46 06 25 

Kanua Tera Ecolodge*** 

Port-Boisé Bay, route 

Kaa nua, Yaté. Tel 46 90 00 

Madeleine Waterfall 

Netcha camping and leisure 

area. Open daily from 8 a.m. 

to 5 p.m. Tel 46 98 00 

La Foa Tourisme 

La Foa Townhall. 

www.lafoatourime.assoc.nc 

Tel 41 69 11 

Le Méridien IDP***** 

Baie d’Oro, Isle of Pines. 

Tel 26 50 00 

Mont-Dore Cultural 

Centre 

Tel 41 01 73 

Bourail Museum 

Rue Simone Dremon. 

Open Mon. to Sat. 9 a.m. 

to midday and 1 p.m. 

to 5 p.m. Tel 46 69 12 

Ouré Tera**** 

Baie de Kanuméra, 

Isle of Pines. Tel 43 77 15 

Parc de la Rivière Bleue 

nature reserve 

Open Tues. to Sun. 7 a.m. 

to 4 p.m. Tel 43 61 24 

Terraventure 



Advance booking required 

Tel 77 88 19 

terraventure@mls.nc 

Vertikalédonie 




Tel 47 14 85 

*See above “address book”

WHAT’S UP? 

ART & CULTURE 

HISTORY 

AMERICA COMES TO STAY 

PAINTING 

WITH BARK 

Art gallery Naturami 

in Nouméa’s Magenta 

district is dedicated 

to showing works 

by New Caledonian 

artists. Anne-Marie 

d’Anglebermes is one 

of them and her bark 

paintings are quite 

outstanding. 

The artist has always 

sought to express her 

deeply felt identity as 

a New Caledonian artist 

and so turned to a medium 

ideally suited to her 

purpose: niaouli tree bark. 

Niaouli trees, found all over 

New Caledonia, are a key 

feature of local vegetation. 

Anne-Marie gathers their 

bark and uses it to create 

subtle yet striking collages 

and paintings of the New 

Caledonian countryside. 

Using a skilful layering 

technique, she creates 

depth and perspective 

enhanced by the natural 

tints of each overlay of 

bark. She then embellishes 

her artworks by painting 

landscapes in acrylics or 

gouache on the natural 

bark base and adding 

a final coat of varnish. 

She creates paintings 

of various sizes and 

prices vary but remain 

affordable. 

Naturami art gallery, 

open Tuesday to 

Saturday 8.30 a.m. 

to 11.30 a.m. 

and by appointment 

in the afternoon. 

81 rue Charleroi, 

Sainte-Marie, Nouméa. 

Tel 28 25 42 

To mark the 70 th 

anniversary of the 

arrival of American 

troops in New 

Caledonia during 

WW2, the South 

Province is holding 

an exhibition at 

Château Hagen 

from 14 to 30 

March. 

Life in New Caledonia 

underwent a profound 

change when the 

Americans made the 

country one of their 

Pacific bases. Chewing 

gum, Coca Cola, jazz, 

swing and blue jeans... 

almost overnight, the 

New Caledonians 

discovered a new 

way of life. This 

special exhibition is 

designed to highlight 

the many aspects of 

the American impact 

on an old-world 

island nation. The 

far-reaching effects of 

this key WW2 period 

form a significant 

part of contemporary 

New Caledonia’s 

intangible cultural 

heritage and this 

commemorative initiative 

will help to preserve that 

inheritance. 

The exhibition includes no 

less than 40 old American 

Army photographs 

showing Nouméa from 

above or affording 

glimpses of the meeting 

and interaction of two 

different cultures; footage 

from several archive films 

of the period showing 

American troops engaged 

in various activities in New 

Caledonia... The superb 

colonial mansion of 

Château Hagen, a listed 

historic monument, 

provides an elegant 

backdrop for the show. 

Open to the public on 

23 & 24 March 9 a.m. 

to 6 p.m. and 25-28 & 

30 March 1.30 p.m. to 

6 p.m. 

Château Hagen, rue du 

Révérend Père Roman, 

Vallée des Colons, 

Nouméa. NC Tourist 

Office: Tel 05 75 80 

(toll-free call) 

FEEL GOOD 

THE COOLEST AFRO STYLES 

IN TOWN 

Marie-Louise, who runs 

“Top Africa” hair salon 

located in Moana 

Center shopping mall 

in Nouméa, specialises 

in African braiding and 

hair design. 

African braiding and 

cornrow styles may have 

been popular for years but 

they are still right on trend. 

Marie-Louise is skilled at 

creating braiding styles with 

any type of hair - your hair 

just needs to have a little 

length (just below the ears). 

It doesn’t matter whether 

you’re blond or brunette or 

have straight or curly hair: 

African braiding will look 

great on you. There are 

various types of traditional 

or innovative braid and 

twist designs and there are 

many braiding techniques: 

cornrows, twists, weaves... 

with or without extensions. 

Marie-Louise can also, 

at your request, add 

accessories such as pearls 

or beads. You can drop in 

without an appointment 

but styling can take from 

30 minutes to several 

hours, depending on 

design complexity, so it’s 

best to book ahead. Once 

your braids are in place, 

you can keep them for 

several months; just wash 

once a week with a regular 

shampoo and rinse well. 

Salon Top Africa, please 

make an appointment. 

Galerie Moana Center, 

13 rue Eugène Porcheron, 

Quartier Latin, Nouméa. 

Tel 24 94 84 

MOVE IT 

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS 

WITH NATURE 

Fancy exploring 

the stunning 

natural beauty of 

New Caledonia’s 

Deep South by 

cross-country bike or 

kayak? Nothing could 

be simpler. 

Visitors to magnificent 

Rivière Bleue nature 

reserve, located just 60 km 

from Nouméa, can now 

rent bikes and kayaks from 

Sud Loisirs to get around 

in style, and it’s the perfect 

way to explore this lovely 

region. Cycle along the 

paths or paddle along the 

water courses and get close 

and personal with wonders 

such as the drowned forest, 

rare endemic kagus and 

the amazing Great Kauri... 

There are plenty of places 

to bathe and picnic as 

you go! And you run no risk 

of getting lost or your boat 

overturning. The stretch of 

river set aside for kayaking 

(single or two seater craft) is 

calm and tranquil, so you need 

have no worries about making 

it a family excursion with the 

kids. You can also do the 

outwards trip by XC bike (child 

trailers and electric powered 

pedal assist bikes available) 

and the return trip by kayak. 

Sud Loisirs, open every 

weekend (advance 

booking advised). 

Contact Sud Loisirs 

for weekday bookings. 

www.sudloisirs.nc 

Tel 77 81 43 

THE NATURE SPOT 

LAGOON LUXURY 

Magnificent motor 

yacht TaKA offers New 

Caledonia’s first ever 

luxury charter service. 

This sumptuously 

appointed craft and 

her crew offer you 

a floating idyll for 

a few days (or hours) 

in paradise. 

Welcome aboard. 

TaKA is a pretty impressive 

sight. She is, in fact, 

the biggest and most 

opulent craft for hire at 

Port Moselle and the only 

one to offer made-tomeasure 

charters... a few 

days relaxing in luxury 

with friends as you glide 

between Nouméa and the 

Isle of Pines, a floating 

venue for a day of meetings 

with a prestigious business 

partner or an elegant 

cocktail or dinner with 

friends. 

This 19 metre luxury 

trawler yacht offers sophisticated 

accommodation 

for 3 couples in double 

cabins (one with en suite 

bathroom), a cosy and 

comfortable main cabin 

with home theatre system 

and an immense sun deck. 

Day bookings can include 

up to 14 guests in spacious 

luxury. 

To quote skipper Bruno 

Escavi: “Sailing charters 

are a fantastic concept. 

Customised itinerary, 

gourmet cuisine, 

comfort and total safety 

regardless of weather or 

conditions at sea... Our 

crew is dedicated to 

ensuring that your lagoon 

experience and stay on 

board are absolutely 

unforgettable”. 

Croisières TaKA Prestige 

Port Moselle, 

Pontoon K4, Nouméa. 

abordetaka@hotmail.fr 

Tel 86 66 17 or 83 62 14

WHAT’S UP? 23 MARCH - 5 APRIL 2012 - PAGE 4/5 


Museum 

Explore the fascinating history 

of the Bourail region: the life 

and traditions of the Keku 

and the Orowë tribes, the 

establishment of the convict 

prison farm, the development 

of Bourail village and how 

people lived at the time, the 

New Zealand military base 

during WW2. Bourail Museum* 

Sculpture 

Abraham Gorodite, who 

works from Bourail forged an 

enduring reputation as a highly 

talented sculptor. He sculpts 

all kinds of wood, soapstone... 

and creates works of every 

size. You are welcome to visit 

his fascinating workshop after 

4 p.m. Tel 97 69 05 or 46 25 75 

Sarraméa. Guided trail 

exploring Dogny plateau. 

Follow your qualifi ed guide on 

a glorious hike through virgin 

forest and the New Caledonian 

scrubland up to one of the 

country’s most breathtaking 

panoramic viewpoints. The rare 

shrub Amborella trichopoda, 

endemic to New Caledonia, 

is in fl ower in March: don’t miss 

a chance to see it! 

Please book ahead. 

La Foa Tourisme: Tel 41 69 11 

Theme evening 

Moindou. “1980s” evening 

at Les Nautilus guesthouse. 

Mireille and Gina welcome 

you to a feast at their homecooking 

restaurant famed for 

its wood fi red grill. 

Gîte Les Nautilus: Tel 79 65 69 

SAT. 24 & SUN. 25 

MARCH 

Move It 

produce. Townhall square, 

from 8.30 a.m. 

Tel 43 39 55 

SAT. 31 MARCH 

Theme evening 

Moindou. “Fresh mussels 

& fries” evening at Les Nautilus 

guesthouse. Everything 

cooked on a wood fi re. 

Tel 79 65 69 

Evening 

Païta. The 

main village 

square will be 

the venue for the 

9 th Battle of Païta, 

the fi rst big event of 

the 2012 season at 

the Socio-Cultural 

Centre. The “Battle 

of Païta” is a thrilling hip hop 

jam battle contest, with mixed 

or single sex teams of 8 

dancers fi ghting it out on stage 

for victory. Admission free. 

From 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Place du 

Centre-Ville, Païta. Tel 35 44 04 

BBQ Lunch 

North 

Province 

ADDRESS BOOK 

Hienghène Cultural 

Centre 

Tel 42 80 74 

Koné Cultural Centre 

Tel 47 72 16 

Le Koniambo*** 

Route provinciale 1, 

Koné. Tel 47 39 40 

La Néa*** 

RT1, Lot 218, Koné. 

Tel 47 30 40 

Malabou Beach** 

Néhoué Bay, Poum. 

Tel 47 60 60 

Tiéti Tera*** 

16 voie urbaine n°1, 

Poindimié. Tel 42 64 00 


Culture 

on site and an evening of live 

music featuring various bands 

and musicians. 

From 8 a.m. to midnight. 

Poindah Tribe, Koné. 

Tel 47 11 06 

SUN. 25 MARCH 

Theme Lunch 

Buffet of Tahitian specialities 

and Tahitian dance show 

performed by Poindimié 

Dance School members. 

Le Barringtonia 

restaurant from midday. 

Cost: F5,000/pers. 

Tieti Tera Hotel* 

Loyalty 

Islands 

LIFOU 

Arts & Crafts 

Exhibition and sale of handcrafted 

items at the Women’s 

Space, Wé townhall courtyard 

Mon. to Thurs. 7.30 to 11.30 a.m. 

& 1 to 3.30 p.m. Tel 45 00 32 

MARÉ 

Arts & Crafts 

Workshops and sale of 

hand-crafted items Maré 

Women’s Space, Yeiwéné 

Yeiwéné Cultural Centre, 

La Roche. Mon. to Fri. 7 a.m. 

to 4 p.m. Tel 45 44 79 

LATER 

Display of artworks 

Bourail Point i tourist 

information offi ce is 

showcasing a new series 

de sculptures by Abraham 

Gorodite (carved using local 

“houp”, sandalwood, bois noir 

(Albizzia lebbeck), tamanu, 

niaouli & gaiac (Acacia 

spirorbis), reproductions of 

paintings by Marnie Morat and 

paintings on banana leaves 

and niaouli bark by Jean-Pierre 

Bochin. Bourail Point i from 

Monday to Saturday morning, 

9 a.m. to midday & 1 p.m. to 

5 p.m. 

SAT. 24 MARCH 

Move It 

Sarraméa. Family fun in the 

trees at Parc des Grandes 

Fougères. Adventure trail 

featuring a combination of 

monkey bridge, hanging 

bamboo bridge and zip line. 

Plenty of thrills and some quiet 

breathers in the scramble nets! 

Bookings: Arbrévolution 

www.arbrevolution.com 

Tel 99 17 84 

SUN. 25 MARCH 

Market 

Sarraméa. Local stallholders 

selling plants and fresh 

Isle of Pines. Eat-your-fi ll BBQ 

starting at noon. A la carte 

starters and desserts extra. 

Le Banian restaurant at Ouré 

Tera Beach Resort hotel. From 

midday, rate: F3,200/pers. 

Ouré Tera Beach Resort 

Tel 43 13 15 

SUN. 1 APRIL 

Market 

Moindou. Fine food 

& speciality market. 

From 8 a.m. Tel 44 33 35 

FRI. 6 APRIL 

Move It 

Deep South. Kayaking 

through the eerie charm of the 

drowned forest by the light 

of the full moon... Glide into a 

world of silence broken only by 

the soft splash of your paddle. 

Aventure Pulsion* 

Guided tour of old Tiébaghi 

village near Koumac. 

Tues. Thurs. & Sat. from 8 a.m. 

Tel 42 78 42 

SAT. 24 MARCH 

Outdoor Event 

Koné. Arts and culture themed 

event to mark International 

Women’s Day. Program 

includes: hands-on workshops 

and demonstrations of 

weaving, dressmaking, 

culinary arts, drawing, painting, 

bamboo engraving and many 

other crafts. Exhibition and 

sale of fresh produce and arts 

& crafts; snacks and drinks 

ADDRESS BOOK 

LIFOU 

Tourist Information 

Office 

“Ne Drehu” Municipal Events 

and Information Centre 

two offices at your service. 

Next to Lifou Townhall and 

at Wanaham aerodrome. 

Tel 45 00 32 or 45 02 80 

MARÉ 

Nengone Tourist 

Information Office 

Located in Maré Townhall 

faré at Tadine. Tel 45 03 49 

OUVÉA 

Iaaï Tourist Information 

Office 

Located at Fayoué. 

Tel 45 10 84 or 94 97 14 

Get ready for the fabulous 

annual Maré Avocado Fair 

scheduled to take place 

from 28 April to 1 st May 

2012! 

Destination Iles Loyauté 

www.iles-loyaute.com 

OUVÉA 

Ouvéa Soap Factory 

Free tours of the Ouvéa 

coconut-based soap factory 

Wadrilla Tribe. Tues. & Thurs. 

8 to 11.30 a.m. 


Tel 45 10 60 

*See above “address book” 

COUNTRY/FARMERS MARKETS 

The editor clearly cannot accept any responsibility for any subsequent changes of program 

All market stallholders 

are local producers 

and fishermen/ 

women selling their 

own produce. Items 

on offer include fruit, 

vegetables, plants, 

flower arrangements, 

home-cooked dishes 

and handmade 

jewellery. 

Early birds get the 

best choice of items on 

display, so aim to get 

there before 9.30 a.m. 

Nouméa 

EVERY DAY 

Papaya, soursop, 

passionfruit, green 

coconuts, vegetables, 

fish, flowers, clothing 

Baie de la Moselle, 

Downtown, from 5 a.m. 

Closed 3 rd Monday 

in the month. 

EVERY SAT. 

Fresh meat, fruit & 

vegetables. Ducos indoor 

market, Saturday, from 6 a.m. 

EVERY SAT. 

Scents and savours 

market: 25 stallholders 

and tempting displays of 

freshwater prawns, vanilla 

beans, venison charcuterie, 

cheeses, Melanesian coffees, 

Vietnamese teas and spices, 

flowers and Moroccan 

specialities. La Maison 

Ballande, from 7.30 a.m. 

SUN. 18 MARCH 

Organic farmer’s market at 

the Botanical and Wildlife 

Park. Seasonal fruit and 

vegetables, salts, samphire, 

herbs and spices, jams, 

natural cosmetics and skin 

care and essential oils. 

From 8.30 a.m. to midday. 

Botanical and Wildlife Park 

(see map p.8) 

South 

Province 

BOURAIL 

EVERY FRI. & SAT. 

Twenty or so stalls 

selling seasonal fruit and 

vegetables, honey, syrups, 

jams, cakes, cooked dishes, 

cut flowers & plants. Main 

square, from 7.30 a.m. 

Tel 44 13 36 

ISLE OF PINES 

WEDS. & SAT. 

Root vegetables, fruit and 

vegetables, freshly caught 

fish. Vao, from 6 a.m. 

Tel 46 10 27 

LA FOA 

EVERY SAT. 

Twenty or so stalls selling 

plants, fresh fruit and 

vegetables, fish and 

shellfish. Place Georges 

Guermet, from 7.30 a.m. 

Tel 44 31 13 or 41 69 11 

MONT-DORE 

EVERY SAT. 

Twenty or so stalls selling 

home-grown produce, fruit 

and vegetables, jams, arts 

and crafts... 

La Coulée Shopping Centre, 

from 7 a.m. Tel 46 06 25 

EVERY SUN. 

Flea market with fifty or so 

stalls. Pont des Français 

Market, Drive-In carpark, 

from 6 a.m. 

Tel 46 06 25 

SARRAMÉA 

SUN. 1 ST APRIL 

Local stallholders selling 

plants and fresh produce. 


Tel 43 39 55 

North 

Province 

CANALA 

EVERY FRI. 

Around fifteen stalls selling 

fresh fruit and vegetables, 

fish and flowers. 

Town Centre, from 7 a.m. 

Tel 42 31 09 or 42 60 61 

HIENGHÈNE 

TUES. & FRI. 

Twenty or so stallholders from 

neighbouring tribes offering 

shoppers home-grown fruit 

and vegetables and fresh 

meat and fish. Town centre, 


Tel 42 43 57 

KONÉ 

EVERY SAT. 

15 stalls selling seasonal 

fruit and vegetables, plants, 

flowers, fish and cakes. 

Town centre, from 7 a.m. 

Tel 47 30 86 

KOUMAC 

EVERY SAT. 

15 stalls selling seasonal 

fruit and vegetables, flowers, 

crabs, local pickles, jams 

and arts and crafts items. 

Beside the townhall 

(North entrance), from 7 a.m. 

Tel 42 78 42 

POINDIMIÉ 

EVERY SAT. 

Town centre (except 2 nd 

Sunday of each month: 

held at La Tchamba), 

from 7 a.m. 

Tel 47 89 00 or 42 60 10 

Loyalty 

Islands 

LIFOU 

FRI. & WEDS. 

Cut flower bouquets, fresh 

vegetables and tropical fruit. 

In Wé, from 6 a.m. 

Tel 45 50 00 

MARÉ 

FRI. & TUES. 

In Tadine, opposite the Town 

Hall Shelter, from 7 a.m. 

Tel 45 49 08 

OUVÉA 

EVERY WEDS. 

Hnyimëhë market by the 

sea (between Banoutr and 

Wadrilla), from 7 a.m. 

Tel 45 71 11

NOUMÉA IN A DAY… 

A COUPLE OF HOURS 

IN NOUMÉA 

TOURISM ROUTE 

MUSEUM OF 

NEW CALEDONIA* 

Exploring Melanesian culture 

Open every day except 

Tuesdays and public holidays 

9 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. 

& 12.15 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. 

Admission: Adults F200 - 

Children under 12 free. 

Tel 27 23 42 

5 minutes’ walk from Place 

des Cocotiers 

NOUMÉA CITY 

MUSEUM* 

A fascinating insight into 

various periods of New 

Caledonian history 

Open Monday to Friday, 

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. & Saturday 

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. 

to 5 p.m. 

Closed Sundays and public 

holidays - Admission: Adults 

F200 - Children under 12 free 

39 rue Jean Jaurès, 


Two blocks up from the 

Tourist Office, on the left 

LAGOON AQUARIUM* 

A magical window onto 

New Caledonia’s lagoon 

Open Tuesday to Sunday 

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Admission: Adults F1,000 

Children under 12 F500 



Tel 26 27 31 No. 1 bus from 

Place des Cocotiers, get off at 

Le Surf hotel stop 

TJIBAOU CULTURAL 

CENTRE 

An inspired blend of contemporary 

and traditional Kanak 

architecture showcasing the 

enduring creative power of 

Oceanian cultural traditions 


9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Closed Mondays 


Under 18s free 

Rue des accords de 

Matignon, Tina Blue line 

No. 2 bus (bus stop between 

cinema and fire station) 

BOTANICAL AND 

WILDLIFE PARK* 

Magnificent botanical gardens 

and wildlife park 


from 10.15 a.m. to 5.45 p.m. 

(from 1 st September to 

30 April) and from 10.15 a.m. 

to 5 p.m. (from 1 st May to 

31 August). Closed Mondays 


Children aged 12-17 F200 

Children under 12 free 

Route Teyssandier de 

Laubarède, Montravel. 

Tel 27 82 51 Take a taxi or 

the Nouméa Explorer 

SAINT JOSEPH’S 

CATHEDRAL* 

Open every day. Admission free. 

Visitors must be suitably attired 

Rue Frédéric Surleau, Downtown 

OUEN TORO VIEWPOINT* 

The trail to the panoramic 

viewpoint is 1 km long but the 

reward is well worth the effort - 

a breathtaking vista over the city 

and residential districts, the bays 

and southern lagoon... and a 

fascinating reminder of WW2 in 

the Pacific (canons). Anse Vata 

Take green line No. 1 bus from 

Place des Cocotiers 

MUNICIPAL MARKET 

Vast choice of souvenirs, fresh 

fruit & vegetables 

Open every day 6 a.m. to midday 

Closed 3 rd Monday of the month. 

Port Moselle 10 minutes’ walk 

from the Maritime Terminal 

LAGOON OUTINGS AND 

ACTIVITIES 

MD PLAISIRS 

Rental of windsurf boards, stand 

up paddle boards, towable ski 

tubes, wakeboards. 

Open every day 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

(in winter) & 6 p.m. (in summer) 

Anse Vata Fare. Tel 76 59 09 

Green line bus (No. 1) from 

Place des Cocotiers, get off next 

to taxi boat office on Anse Vata 

PLAGE LOISIRS 

Taxi boats to Ile aux Canards 

and Ilot Maître. Departures every 

15 minutes, open every day 

(except in bad weather) Rates: 

adults from F1,200 - Children 

under 12 F600 (Ile aux Canards)/ 

adults from F2,500 - Children 

under 12 half price - Anse Vata 

Fare. Tel 26 90 00 


Place des Cocotiers, get off 

at “Plage Anse Vata” stop 

ILE AUX CANARDS 

UNDERWATER TRAIL 

Underwater discovery trail 

signposted by buoys. All you 

need is standard snorkelling gear. 

Snorkelling equipment hire 

on the spot. Ile aux Canards 


Place des Cocotiers, get off 

at “Plage Anse Vata” stop 

OUTINGS AND 

ACTIVITIES IN THE CITY 

TINA GOLF COURSE 

World-class 18 hole golf course, 

open every day 

Admission: Green Fees: F4,400 

for 9 holes weekdays - F5,500 

weekends & F6,300 for 18 holes 

weekdays - F7,300 weekends 

Tina Peninsula. Tel 43 82 83 

Blue line bus heading for the 

Cultural Centre, get off one stop 

before the Centre 

LEISURE AND 

RELAXATION 

ROYAL SPA 

Experience the Royal Tera Hotel’s 

“aquatonic” water circuit or relax 

in the luxurious Spa. 

Open every day from Monday to 

Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 

Thai, French, Italian), bakery and 

8 a.m. to 6 p.m. & Sunday 9 a.m. pastry shop, bars, fresh fruit juice 

to 6 p.m. Admission: F3,000 bar. 

(secure locker, hair cap and towel Open every day and Sunday 

provided, access to hammam afternoons, Anse Vata. 

and sauna) Royal Tera Hotel, Orange line No. 7 bus from 



Green line No. 1 bus from 

the Maritime Terminal, get off at PORT PLAISANCE 

“Château Royal” stop 

SHOPPING MALL 

Shopping centre: stores, 

ENTERTAINMENT 

restaurant, optician, hairdresser, 

LE FLEX CLUB 

supermarket... 

Special welcome for cruise liner 

Open from Monday to Saturday 

passengers. Rue Jean Jaurès 

Closed Sunday. Port Plaisance 

near Place des Cocotiers, 

Green line No. 1 bus from 

Downtown 


Next to the City Museum, two 

blocks up from the Tourist Office 

MIRAGE PLAZA/BAIE DES 

NOUMÉA’S CASINOS CITRONS COMPLEX 

Le Grand Casino is located at Restaurants (mixed grill, Italian, 

the entrance to Le Méridien Hotel Vietnamese, International cuisine, 

on Pointe Magnin, Anse Vata. Crêpes, Coffee Club, Pizza), 

Casino Royal is located 

souvenir shops. 

at the Surf Hotel, Anse Vata. Open every day. Baie des Citrons 

Open from Sunday to Thursday Green line No. 1 bus from 

11 a.m. to 2 a.m., Friday & Place des Cocotiers 

Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. 

MARLÈNE 

SHOPPING 

Duty free store: designer 

PALM BEACH SHOPPING fashion, accessories, cosmetics, 

MALL 

perfumery, tobacco, alcohol… 

Range of stores selling souvenirs Passports must be shown 

& gifts, fabrics, table linen, Corner of rue Alma and rue Foch, 

gadgets & gizmos, cigarettes Downtown. 

& newspapers and jewellery, Open from Monday to Friday 

restaurants, and a tourist agency. 8.45 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday 

Open every day including 8.45 a.m. - 12.30 p.m. & 

Sundays. Anse Vata 

2.30 p.m. - 5 p.m. 

Green line No. 1 bus from the Le Méridien Hotel, Anse Vata - 

city centre 

Pointe Magnin. 

Open 7/7 from 8.30 a.m. 

LA PROMENADE COMPLEX to 10.30 a.m. & 5 p.m. to 

Shops, restaurants (Vietnamese, 7 p.m. (Reminder: no duty free 

purchases on Sundays) 

5 blocks up on your left from 

the Maritime Terminal 

ROZANNE PASSION 

BEAUTÉ 

Duty free store: perfumery 

and cosmetics 

Passports must be shown. 

Open from Monday to Friday 

8 a.m. to 6 p.m. 21 rue de 

l’Alma, Downtown 

3 blocks up on your left 

from the Maritime Terminal 

*See map p.8 

OZONE 

Surf wear store 

Open Monday to Friday 9 a.m. 

to 6 p.m. & Saturday 8.30 a.m. 

to midday/2.30 p.m. to 

5.30 p.m. 1 rue Anatole 

France, Downtown 

2 blocks up on your right in 

front of the Townhall 

L’OCCITANE 

Superb range of natural beauty 

care products and perfumes 

from Provence (France) 

Open Monday to Friday 9 a.m. 

to 5.30 p.m., Saturday 

8.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. 

32 rue de l’Alma, Downtown 

4 blocks up on your left from 

the Maritime Terminal 

LE FOURNIL GOURMAND 

French bakery and pastries 

Open Monday to Saturday 

5 a.m. to 7 p.m. 16 rue Gallieni, 

Downtown 

1 block up on your left from 

the Maritime Terminal, in rue 

Gallieni 

MARITIME TERMINAL MARKET 

LITTLE LEXICON 

A colourful arts and crafts market 

is held right on the spot inside the 

Maritime Terminal every time a 

cruise ship docks. Wander round 

the stalls spread out on both levels 

of the building and choose your own 

special souvenirs of New Caledonia. 

Postcards, sarongs, local costumes, 

T-shirts, fashion jewellery, traditional 

sculptures... Your only problem will be making up your mind! 

So set off on a tour of the displays and meet the friendly 

stallholders who are all delighted to show off their wares and 

chat to visitors. 

Just so you know: all items sold at the Maritime Terminal 

have been approved by the Plant Health Authorities for 

import into Australia. Open whenever a cruise ship is in port! 

Hello. Bonjour. 

Goodbye. Au revoir. 

Thank you. Merci. 

Please. S’il vous plait. 

Yes. Oui. 

No. Non. 

What’s your name? 

Comment vous 

appelez-vous ? 

I would like a drink. 

Je voudrais boire. 

I would like to eat. 

Je voudrais manger. 

Where is...? Où est... ? 

Where can I take a taxi? 

Où est ce que je peux 

prendre un taxi ? 

Where can I take a bus? 

Où est ce que je peux prendre 

un bus ? 

I would like to go to… 

Je voudrais aller à... 

Could you show me 

the way to downtown? 

Pourriez-vous me montrer 

le chemin du centre ville ? 

What is it? 

Qu’est-ce que c’est ? 

How much does this cost? 

Combien ça coûte ? 

I would like to buy a… 

Je voudrais acheter… 

I don’t feel well. 

Je ne me sens pas bien. 

I need a doctor. 

J’ai besoin d’un docteur. 

Please help me! 

Aidez-moi s’il vous plaît ! 

I don’t understand. 

Je ne comprends pas. 

Please take me to this 

adress. 

S’il vous plait emmenez-moi 

à cette adresse. 

Sorry to bother you. 

Désolé de vous déranger. 

Are there rooms 

available? 

Avez-vous des chambres 

disponibles ? 

I’d like to make a 

reservation. 

Je voudrais faire une 

réservation. 

Where is the bathroom? 

Où sont les toilettes ? 

Do you accept credit 

cards? 

Acceptez-vous les cartes 

de crédit ? 

Please bring the bill. 

L’addition, s’il vous plait. 

What time is it? 

Quelle heure est-il ? 

Left. À gauche. 

Right. À droite. 

Straight on. Tout droit. 

Today. Aujourd’hui. 

Tomorrow. Demain. 

Yesterday. Hier.

✁ 

✁ 

CULTURAL PASSPORT 

FRESH AIR 

23 MARCH - 5 APRIL 2012 - PAGE 6/7 

CALEDONIAN TASTE 

✁ 

ANCESTRAL GUARDIANS 

The entrance to the 

Great Hut which 

lies at the heart 

of every Kanak 

chiefdom is flanked 

by intricately carved 

doorposts known as 

the “guardians of 

the house”. 

The French term for these 

symbolic doorposts 

is “chambranles”. They 

have no load-carrying 

purpose but are 

decorative features with 

a strong symbolic power 

similar to that of the roof 

finial atop the pointed 

thatched roof. Traditional 

Kanak architecture is in 

itself symbolic of social 

structure; the doorposts 

stand either side of the 

entrance to the Great 

Hut which is the Clan 

Chief’s seat of power and 

the doorway is so low 

(1.5 m) that visitors must 

bend down as they enter, 

showing their respect for 

those present in the hut. 

Ancient skills 

Kanak doorposts are 

traditionally sculpted by 

skilled craftsmen from the 

massive, tightly grained 

wood of the endemic tree 

Montrouziera cauliflora, 

known locally as “houp”. 

Custom dictates that only 

wood from dead trees 

should be used (such as 

trees blown down in a 

storm or cyclone). Thus 

the doorposts symbolise 

the spirits of bygone 

ancients guarding the 

threshold for their living 

descendents. 

LEGENDARY LEAP FOR 

FREEDOM 

Maré is the most 

rugged and 

precipitous of the 

Loyalty Islands, 

famous for its 

diversity of unspoilt 

natural landscapes. 

The site known as 

the “Warrior’s Leap” 

is one of the island’s 

most spectacular 

beauty spots. 

You’ll find the impressive 

“Saut du Guerrier” 

(Warrior’s Leap) on the 

east coast of Maré – a 

5 metre wide natural fault 

in the rock face plunging 

a dizzying thirty metres 

to the swirling waters 

below, enhancing the 

eerie grandeur of the 

landscape. According 

to legend, a warrior of 

the Si Hnathege clan 

named Hnor leapt across 

the abyss to escape 

pursuing warriors of the Si 

Gurework clan. 

Hnor landed safely on 

the other side but his 

pursuers rushed headlong 

into the hungry sea below. 

Nowadays, it’s a perfect 

spot for a leisurely picnic. 

As you journey further 

south, you can laze in 

the sun on the delightful 

beaches of Patho-Kurine. 

Or if you’re a keen 

walker, why not tackle 

the trail leading to nearby 

Shabadran Bay, a haven 

of untamed and unspoilt 

beauty? 

There is just so much 

to explore on this 

magnificent island... 

BUTTERY, FLAKY 

PERFECTION 

According to legend, croissants were first invented in 

Vienna which explains why the French refer to all flaky 

butter pastries as “viennoiseries”. However, it would 

appear that crescent-shaped cakes existed in France 

long before this as references can be found in texts 

dating back to 1549. 

Recipe: 

Ingredients: 500g flour, 180g butter, 15g baker’s yeast, 

50g sugar, 28 cl milk, 10g salt, 2 tbsp water, 1 egg 

Preparation: 

Stir yeast into warm water. Mix flour, salt and sugar in 

a large bowl, make a hole in the centre and incorporate 

the milk, then add the water and yeast mixture and 

knead the pastry for 15 min. Form pastry into a ball and 

leave to rest for 2 hrs. Flatten pastry into a four-pointed 

star shape, spread butter in the centre and fold the 

four points inwards. Spread this pastry to form a 

rectangle and fold into three layers. Repeat the folding 

process twice more. Roll out the pastry thinly and cut 

into triangles. Roll triangles up and shape them into 

crescents. Leave the croissants to rest for 2 hrs then 

glaze with beaten egg. Bake for 5 minutes in a hot oven 

then 10 to 15 minutes at thermostat 5/6. 

NOUMÉA WEATHER 

FRIDAY 23 

Partly Sunny 31° 

SATURDAY 24 


SUNDAY 25 


MONDAY 26 


USEFUL TIPS 

SHOPS & STORES: OPENING HOURS 

Shops are generally open from 9.30 a.m. to midday and 2 p.m. to 

5.30 p.m. Only food stores stay open non-stop from 7.30 a.m. to 

around 7 p.m. 

GETTING AROUND 

TAKE A BUS 

Karuia buses (red buses): the Blue Line goes to the Tjibaou 

Cultural Centre from the Place des Cocotiers in the centre of town. 

The Green Line follows the beach roads. Fares: adults, F210 one 

way. Tel 26 54 54 or www.gietcn.nc 

TAKE A TAXI 

Taxis, Central rank Place des Cocotiers, fare from city centre to 

beaches, F1,200. Tel 28 35 12 

TAXI BOATS (LEAVING FROM ANSE VATA) 

Every day 8.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Île aux Canards return fare F1,200, 

Îlot Maître return fare F2,800. Last departure 4 p.m. Tel 26 90 00 

TUESDAY 27 


WEDNESDAY 28 


THURSDAY 29 


TENDENCIES 

30 TO 5 


EDITOR: 

Tel (687) 23 23 80 - weekly@onenparle.nc 

EDITORIAL COMMITTEE: Tourism office. PHOTOS: NCTPS, DIL, Tourisme Province 

Nord, ADCK, Terraventure, Flore Vignoles, Aventure Pulsion, Alain Fort, Aquarium 

des lagons, Arbrevolution, Carré d’As, On en parle, Victoire Martin Lauzer, Patricia 

Lauzes, We Ce Ca, Le Passiflore, Koumac Tourisme, Naturami, Sud Loisirs, TaKA, 

La Foa Tourisme, Bourail Tourisme, Arte Bello 

TRANSLATIONS: Elaine Sutton. PRINTED BY: Le Gratuit 

Despite the attention given to the accuracy of the 

information printed in The New Caledonia Weekly, 

we cannot be held responsible for last minute We protect 

changes in program or prices. 

MONEY 

Very few of Nouméa’s 

shops stores and tourism 

leisure activities accept 

foreign currency. Automatic 

teller machines (ATMs) are 

available throughout the 

territory. Have your pin code 

handy. Banks are generally 

open 8 a.m. to 3.30 p.m., 

Monday to Friday. 

Change 

(exchange rates 

on 23 March 2012) 

1 USD = 99,25 XPF 

1 AUD = 94,57 XPF 

1 NZD = 73,76 XPF 

Some banks provide ATMs: 

BNP, 111 promenade 

Roger Laroque, Anse Vata, 

Nouméa. BCI, 55 promenade 

Roger Laroque, Baie des 

Citrons and 20 rue Anatole 

France, Downtown. 

PHONE CALLS 

COUNTRY CODE 

Australia +61 

Canada +001 

France +33 

French Polynesia +689 

Germany +49 

Italy +39 

Japan +81 

Korea +82 

New zealand +64 

Spain +34 

United Kingdom +44 

United States +1 

Vanuatu +678 

New Caledonia +687 

COST OF 

LIVING 

French baguette F80 

Carton of 

takeaway food F800 

A beer in a bar F500 

1.5l bottle of 

fizzy drink 

F200 

Coffee 

F300 

Cyber café F700/hour 

1.5l bottle of 

mineral water F100 

Hamburger & fries F1,000 

Newspaper F150 

Fried mini spring roll F120 

Pack of chewing gum F100 

Road toll 

F150 

Ham sandwich F300 

Cinema ticket F1,150 

Bus ticket 

F210 

Stamp for 

overseas mail F150 

Cool calling! 

The IZI card makes phoning 

quick and easy and can 

be used to make local 

and international calls 

from a public call box, a 

landline or a mobile. It’s a 

non-rechargeable prepaid 

phone card with a pin 

code. Two face values are 

available: F1,000 and F3,000. 

On sale at various designated 

sales points and all 

OPT telecom branches. 

Cut the cost! 

You can call abroad for less 

by dialling 19 instead of the 

USEFUL NUMBERS 

NC country code: +687 

NC TOURIST OFFICE: 

AIRCALIN: 26 55 00 

05 75 80 (toll-free phone) QANTAS: 28 65 46 

28 75 80 

AIR NEW ZEALAND: 28 66 77 

AUSTRALIAN 

POLICE: 17 

CONSULATE - GENERAL: 

27 24 14 

FIRE BRIGADE: 18 

NEW ZEALAND 

EMERGENCIES/ 

CONSULATE - GENERAL: SOS MEDICAL SERVICE: 15 

27 25 43 

DIRECTORY ENQUIRIES: 1012 

AGENCE KENUA: 

SECRETARIAT OF THE PACIFIC 

P&O representatives: 

COMMUNITY: 26 20 00 

28 45 45/26 00 55 

NEW CALEDONIA OLYMPIC & 

AIR CALÉDONIE: 

(domestic flights) 

SPORTS COMMITTEE: 

25 21 77 

28 10 57 

HOSPITALS 

Nouméa: Gaston Bourret/Magenta 25 66 66 

La Foa Dispensary 44 32 14 

Koné Dispensary 47 22 04 

Koumac: Paula Thavoavianon 42 65 00 

Poindimié: Raymond Doui Nebayes 42 71 44 

Lifou Dispensary 45 12 12 

DUTY/ON CALL MEDICAL SERVICES - NOUMÉA 

Pharmacies: 

Saturday 24 & Sunday 25 March 

Pharmacie BDE, 224 rue Jacques Iekawe: 


Saturday 31 March & Sunday 1 ST April 

Pharmacie Vallée des Colons, 32 rue A. Bénébig: 

Tel 28 30 25 

Doctors: 

Saturday 24 & Sunday 25 March 

Dr Emmanuel Favory, 224 rue Jacques Iekawe: 

Tel 43 32 39 

Saturday 31 March & Sunday 1 ST April 

Dr Philippe Chiron, rue A. Bénébig: Tel 25 96 16 

POINTS TOURISM INFO 

Nouméa 05 75 80 - 28 75 80 

Bourail 46 46 12 

La Foa 41 69 11 

Mont-Dore 46 06 25 

Thio 44 80 33 

Tontouta 35 24 95 

Yaté 46 20 65

WAY TO GO! 23 MARCH - 5 APRIL 2012 - PAGE 8 

DOWNTOWN 

PLACE DES COCOTIERS 

Port Autonome 

Place des Cocotiers, a 400 m long 

rectangular square right in the very 

heart of Nouméa, is a spacious 

haven of peace and lush greenery. 

Kuendu Beach 

Rue F. Russeil 

Rue F. 

F Russeil 

Musée de 

l’Histoire maritime 

TOURISM OFFICE 

Downtown: 14 rue Jean Jaurès or 

at Anse Vata - Tel 28 75 80/05 75 80 

(toll-free phone). Anse Vata: 


Tel 27 73 59/28 93 60 

NOUVILLE 

Av. J. Cook 

Islands 

Maritime Terminal 

Nouville 

You are here 

Rue J. Ferry 

Maritime 

Terminal 

Rue J. Ferry 

A. Desmazure 

Av. P. Doumer 

Rue J. Jaures 

Rue du Gal Galliéni 

Rue de la République 

Rue A. France 

CHT 

G. Bourret 

Rue de l’Alma - André Ballande 

Mairie 

Rue de Verdun 

Rue du Gal Mangin 

Rue de la Somme 

Rond-point du Général Patch 

(du Pacifique) 

Rue Austerlitz 

Square 

Olry 

Line 1 

Mont-Dore 

Tontouta 


Rue G. Clémenceau 

Av. P. Doumer 

CENTRE 

VILLE 

Rue Sautot 

Voie de Dégagement Ouest (Voie Express 

Rue E. Unger 

Av. du Mar. Foch 

Boullanger 

Av. du Mar. Foch 

Rue de l’Alma - André Ballande 

Rue de Verdun 

Rue de la Somme 

Rue du Gvr. Guillain 

Rue J.B. Dezarnaulds 


City 

Museum 


Kiosque à musique 

Rue de Sébastopol 

Complexe 

“Le Village” 

Rue E. Unger 

Rue Gambetta 

des Fr. Vautrin 

Conde 

Barleux 

J. Jaures 

Salonique 

A. France 

Ypres 

Surcouf 

Boulevard Vauban 

Douarre 

Hotel 

Best Western 

“Le Paris” 

Brisson 

Rue Past. M. Ariège 

Youth 

Hostel 

Rue Pasteur Rue Pasteur 

VALLÉE 

DU TIR 

Joliot-Curie 

Cathedral 

G. Petre 

Rte du Sémaphore 

Rte Olry 

Rue F. Surleau 

G. Dubois 

Rue Gouassem 

Rue P. Jeannin 

ère 

Rue Jenner 

Botanical and 

Wildlife Park 

Rte des deux vallées 

Rue F. Leriche 

Rue Jenner 

Rue du Cdt Rougy 

Rue Mahoux 

Deux vallées 

Rue Orly 

Rue M. Lang 

Rue Jenner 

Rue Bataille 

Rue J. Cartier 

Rue Orly 

KEYS 

Rte Stratégique 

Girofano 

Information centre 

Currency exchange 

View point 

Beach 

Swimming 

Bus terminal 

Taxi rank 

Taxi boat 

Internet Café 

Supermarket 

Duty Free 

Automatic currency 

exchange machine 

ATM Machine 

Shopping Mall 

Bus Line 

Rue L. Vincent 

Rue Albert 1er 


Rue Soenne 

Brosset 

NOUMÉA CITY MUSEUM 

Place des Cocotiers, Downtown. 

Open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 

5 p.m. & Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tel 26 28 05 

SAINT JOSEPH’S 

CATHEDRAL 

A Gothic cathedral in the tropics. 

Rue Monseigneur-Douarre 

du Temple, Downtown. 


NOUMÉA CITY MARKET 

Don’t miss a visit to the lively 

city market at Baie de Moselle. 

Open every day 5 a.m. 

to midday. 

Tel 27 35 51 

Gal Galliéni 

Port Moselle 

Gal Mangin 

Line 2 

City Market 

Harbourmaster 

Office 


Av. Victoire - H. Lafleur 

Place 

Tual 

Porcheron 

Museum 

of New 

Caledonia 

Rue A. Brun 

Robineau 

Bibliothèque 

Bernheim 

Police 

Central 

Post Office 

Rue Tourville 

Rue Duquesne 

Dr Guegan 

QUARTIER 

LATIN 

Hotel 

New 

Caledonia 

Dr Guegan 

Dr Lescour 

Rue E. Porcheron 

G. Guynemer 

Dr Lescour 

C. Gaveau 

Pl. de l’Île 

de Lumière 

C. de Verneilh 

Place 

Bir Hakeim 

Rue A. Brun 

Rue Bichat 

C. Porcheron 

Rue de la Valbonne 

Rue C. Gaveau 

Rue Orly 

L. Coursin 

Rte du Port Despointes 

Rue de Metz 

Rte de l’Anse-Vaté 

Magenta 

Boulevard Extérieur 

ALL YOUR FAVOURITE 

BURGERS AND ICES 

5 mins on foot from the ship, 

next to the Museum & facing 

the city market 

BEACHES 

PORT MOSELLE 

Port Moselle is New Caledonia’s 

largest marina and a key customs 

port and port-of-call for pleasure 

craft. 

Anse 

aux Bœufs 

LAGOON AQUARIUM 

Discover the splendor of the coral 

reefs and its inhabitants. Guided 

tours and audio guides are 

available. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tel 26 27 31 

ANSE VATA AND BAIE 

DES CITRONS BEACHES 

Nouméa’s most magnificent beaches. 

Take a peep under the surface and 

discover brightly coloured fish and 

richly varied corals. 

Rue F. Broche 

Pointe 

Denouel 

Îlot 

Brun 

Petite 

Rade 

Pointe 

de l’Artillerie 

Pointe 

Chaleix 

Av. J. Cook 

Av. Gribeauval 

ARTILLERIE 

Pointe 

Brunelet 

Rocher 

à la voile 

Île aux 

Canards 

Rue F. Broche 

You are here 

Baie de 

la Moselle 

Baie 

des 

Citrons 

Aquarium 

Rue de la Frégate Nivose 

Port Moselle 

5 

Rue J. Ferry 

Anse 

du Tir 

Rue L. Flize A. Barrau 

ARTILLERIE 

Port Plaisance 

Promenade R. Laroque 

4 

Rue du Gal Galliéni 

Hotel de la 

province Sud 

Rte des Artifices 

Rue Paixhans 

Bougainvillées 

CENTRE-VILLE 

Port du Sud 

Baie de 

l’Orphelinat 

Rue J. Garnier 



Place 

des 

Cocotiers 

RECEIVING 

BAIE 

DES 

CITRONS 

ANSE VATA 

Promenade R. Laroque 

Amiral Hasley 

Dunkerquoise 

Av. des Fr. Carcopino 

G. Flaubert 

Anse Vata 

Rue G. Baudoux 

Av. Victoire - H. Lafleur 

G. Clémenceau 

Maison du lagon 

1 

2 

3 

Voie de dégagement Oue 

Mar. Foch 

QUARTIER 

LATIN 


VALLÉE Beaches 

DU TIR 

VALLÉE 

DU GÉNIE 

ORPHELINAT 

Rte du Vélodrom e 

P. de la Barrière 

Rue E. UngerRue Pasteur 

Route de l’Anse Vata 

6 

7 

Rue Olry 

Pointe 

Magnin 

Rue 

Stratégique 


Route d e l’Anse Vata 

Rue Bataille 

Mar. Foch 

Amiral Hasley 

Route du Port Despointes 

9 

10 

8 

15 

Suffren 

FAUBOURG 

BLANCHOT 

TRIANON 

MOTOR POOL 

11 

Rue G. Laroque 

Gal De Gaulle 

V. Roffey 

Rue A. Bénébig 

H. Millard 

Racecourse 

Ouen Toro 

Pool 

12 

Rue de Sébastopol Gal De Gaulle 

Rue du Gal Sarrail 

HAUT-MAGENTA 

Bougainville 

Rue G. Chap uis 

Rue Taragnat 

N’GÉA 

Bretagne 

Rue V. Hugo 

Rue de Charleroi 

G. Lods 

VAL 

PLAISANCE 

Rue El Alamein 

Rue A. Bénébig 

VALLÉE 

DES COLONS 

13 

La Seine 

Promenade P. Vernier 

Prome 

Mar. Leclerc 

Rue du Gouverneur Guyon 

Lattre de Tassiny 

Côte 

Blanche 

Rue du Mar. Leclerc 

Baie de 

Sainte-Marie 

Pointe du 

Ouen Toro 

PORTES 

DE FER 

A. Bourgine 

Pointe aux 

Longs Cous 

Port 

Despointes 

nade P. Vernier 

Promenade P. Vernier 

Rue du 5 mai 

H. Schmidt 

Verteuil 

Rue de Charleroi 

Rte des Portes de fer 

Entrecasteaux 

Voie de dégagement Est 

Mar. Juin 

Rue du 18 juin 

A. Bourgine 

Rue Dange 

Rue R. Gervolino 

MAGENTA 

Voie de dégagement Est 

14 

Rue R. Gervolino 

A. Berlioz 

Johnston 

Rue A. Daly 

Pe letier 

ACCOMMODATION 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 

Rue A. Daly 

Baie de 

Magenta 

OUÉMO 

Hôtel Mocambo** 

Résidence Marina Beach 

Hôtel Beaurivage** 

Résidence Casa del Sole** 

Le Surf*** 

Hôtel Le Lagon** 

Hôtel Best Western Premier 

La Promenade**** 

Nouvata Parc Complex*** 

Ramada Plaza Nouméa**** 

Motel Anse Vata 

Royal Tera*** 

Le Méridien Nouméa***** 

Motel Le Bambou 

Hôtel Le Stanley*** 

Palm Beach Shopping Mall 

Îlot 

Song 

MUSEUM OF 

NEW CALEDONIA 

Open every day except 

Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. 

and 12.15 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. 


Anse 

du Fort 

BOTANICAL AND 

WILDLIFE PARK 

The park features the rare endemic 

Cagou, the emblem of New Caledonia. 


10.15 a.m. to 5.45 p.m. Tel 27 89 51 

OUEN TORO VIEWPOINT 

The Ouen Toro promontory: 

the top spot to enjoy sunset over 

the lagoon.

New Caledonia Weekly - Published 23-03-12 - hot deals

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