Kiteboarding and Windsurfing

It's no surprise that Noumea's most popular beaches are also home to the capital's largest windsurfing and kiteboarding crowd. Although the winds are calm in the morning, they regularly whip up around Anse Vata and Baie des Citrons in the afternoon, bringing scores of adventure-seekers…and their groupies…out to the beaches. Novices can try their hands at windsurfing by wandering up to any number of the small, out-of-a-truck setups and forking over 2000 CPF for an hour and a quick lesson from the resident experts-turned-entrepreneurs.

Cycling

Cycling, in all its forms, is very popular on New Caledonia. One particularly spectacular route is along the Anse Vata and Baie des Citrons beaches, in a marked off bike lane on the main road. Don't get distracted by all the sunbathers – the sectioned off area disappears in a few tight areas and cyclists have to merge with traffic. Inquire about renting bikes from the Anse Vata Southern New Caledonia tourist office.

Quading

Refuge de Farino, about an hour and a half drive from Noumea, is the most popular quading spot in New Caledonia…even if it is the only one. Ask Laurent, your guide, to show you the waterfall with natural 'baths' and chat with his wife about her adventures in Africa, North America, Australia and France. Tours run from 30 minutes to five hours.

Hiking

In terms of biodiversity, the little country of New Caledonia is one of the top five areas in the world. Around Noumea, travelers can wander along side the road up to the beautiful viewpoint at the top of Mount Ouen Toro, or the Last Hill. North of the city, one-day and multi-day treks abound. Most resort hotels in remote destinations can direct guests to nearby day hikes.

Birding

New Caledonia is a bird-lovers paradise. Plentiful opportunities to spot indigenous species abound, especially in the northern part of Grande Terre and in the Loyalty Islands.

SCUBA Diving

Despite its small size, New Caledonia is actually home to the largest lagoon and one of the longest reefs in the world, running 1,600 km. Excellent diving is located within easy 20-25 minute boat ride. Noumea-based Lagoon Safaris is just one of many dive operators. Based at Kuendu Beach Resort, they pick up from most Noumea hotels for a 7:30 a.m. departure. Divers can experience two tank dives and different dive sites and return back round 1 p.m.