Adventure Magazine Issue 220

Above: Exclusiv Golf Deva - © M. Dosdane / NCTPS
Hiking
As learnt in the last issue, New Caledonia is a
surprising hiking hotspot, with many options for all
timeframes and experiences. For those that love
hiking, but only have time for a daytrip, head to
Fayard Park in Dumbea. A 30-minute drive from
Noumea, it is home to the ‘Trail Of The Old Dam’,
which follows the Dumbea River and offers views of
natural rock cavities along the way. Labelled an easy
hike, it is a round trip and takes just over four hours to
complete.
If staying in Bourail, on the West Coast, the Three-
Bay Trail is a must-hike. It follows the coastline from
La Roche Percée (a landmark of the region), to Turtle
Bay and onto Lovers’ Bay, and has striking views
of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed lagoon and a
range of unique flora. The Three-Bay Trail is an easy
round-trip hike, taking approximately one and a half
hours to complete.
For travellers staying a week or longer, it would be
remiss not to experience one of New Caledonia’s
long-distance trails. The GR1 Nord trail passes from
Ponérihouen to Touho, and takes approximately four
days to complete, while the GR1 Sud trail winds from
Prony to Dumbea and takes about seven days to
complete. Both trails are recommended for seasoned
hikers.
Golfing
For those who love to get out on the green, New Caledonia is home
to four golf courses and a driving range. Nearby to Noumea, Garden
Golf de Dumbea features one of the longest and most complicated
par-5 holes in the Pacific, alongside striking mountain views. Also
nearby to Noumea, Golf de Tina overlooks the world’s largest lagoon
and uses natural geography – it is quite a hilly course – to challenge
players. And the Pacific Golf driving range allows players to practice
their swing in the heart of the city.
North of Noumea, on the West Coast, there’s Golf de la Ouenghi at
Boulouparis. Set between New Caledonia’s central mountain chain
and the Ouenghi River, it sits at the gateway to New Caledonia’s
outback.
Further North, there’s Exclusiv Golf Deva, part of the luxurious
Sheraton Deva New Caledonia Spa & Golf Resort. Designed by
Cynthia Dye, it is the only Dye Designs course in the Pacific. It
features a driving range plus a 6,677 metre-long, 72 par course, and
has an onsite shop, equipment for hire and sessions available with
golf-pros.
Diving
Another activity perfect for the cooler months is diving. New
Caledonia’s clear waters are home to spectacular coral reefs and
a myriad of marine life with options for beginners, as well as more
experienced divers.
One of New Caledonia’s most picturesque dive spots is the
Isle of Pines. Located just an hours’ flight from Noumea, it has
an incredible diversity of marine life, including sea snakes and
loggerhead turtles. There are numerous dive locations in the Isle
of Pines, and divers of all experience levels will enjoy changing
underwater scenery including corridors, passages and seagrottos.
For more advanced divers, one stand-out grotto to explore
is the ‘Grotte de la Troisième’, which is accessible via a narrow
underwater corridor and features dramatic rock formations.
For anyone concerned about travelling with diving gear, there are
several professional diving centres across New Caledonia that
offer access to quality equipment and run great guided dives.
For more information on hiking, golfing, biking and diving in
New Caledonia, as well as equipment hire and more, visit
newcaledonia.travel.
Above: Dumbea - © Terres de lumière / NCTPS
Right: Scuba Diving - © Darren Jew / NCTPS