New Caledonia Information


There is only one field guide to New Caledonian birds –
Birds of the Solomons, Vanuatu and New Caledonia, Doughty, Day & Plant, 1999 Christopher Helm, A & C Black, London. Check Andrew Isles Natural History Bookshop (03 95105750) in Prahran, Victoria for copies (around $75AUD plus postage ($8.00).

Yves Letocart, from Parc Riviere Blu, has self-published a photographic guide to the land birds of New Caledonia but at the moment it is only in French.

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Entry: Australian passport holders do not need a visa to enter New Caledonia; however your passport's expiry date should be in excess of six months of your departure date.

Language: French is the dominant language of New Caledonia. Little English is spoken away from the main tourist areas. The Kanak people, most notably on Lifou and Ouvea Islands, speak dialects of their own Kanak language.

Vaccinations: None needed; Do bring insect repellent.

Money: One Australian dollar at the time of writing 18/10/05) is worth 65.1886 South Pacific Francs (XPF) (Thomas Cook) .Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. Bankcard is not accepted. Tontouta International Airport has a money exchange counter. In my experience, Sydney Airport money exchanges do not have a ready supply of South Pacific Francs.

Climate in July: Temperature varies from 20 to 23 C. We should see little rain.

Tap Water: Safe except on Ouvea Island. We will carry bottled water.

Tipping: Discouraged.

Time difference: New Caledonia is one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time.

Sunrise: Around 6.30 am and sets around 5.30 pm. (Early risers!)

Electricity: 220 volts AC. As plugs are of the two-pronged European-style, you will need an adaptor for Australia appliances.

Clothing: Casual

Suggestions for things you might do pre or post tour: The Museum of New Caledonia on the corner of avenue Marechal Foch and rue Eugene-Porcheron (city centre); the City of Noumea Museum on the corner of avenue Foch and rue Jean-Jaures; the Tjibaou Cultural Centre in Tina, 10 minutes from the city centre [www.adck.nc]; and the local fresh food market at the Baie de la Moselle - excellent!

New Caledonia itinerary