Ok, so I picked an island at random out of the atlas at work. But I want to go there, and everything I’ve found out on the net looks great. So, anybody ever been there? How was the trip? What’s to see/do etc? Should I randomly select another island?
Hiya,
I visited New Caledonia twice, with my parents, when I was younger. One time I was four, the other I was 11. I don’t remember much (no big surprise) about the first visit, but I’ll remember the second visit for as long as I live.
Apart from the fact that the whole country was in disarray from riots and militants walking around with machetes, I found it to be an amazing place to visit for a holiday. In fact, I wasn’t as bothered by the machete-wielding people as my parents were… but that’s another story.
If you love beautiful golden beaches, you’ll love NC. If you love beautiful blue blue blue oceans, you’ll love NC (If you have Windows XP, check out the “azul” desktop wallpaper - it’s a close approximation). If you love friendly people, you’ll love NC.
I’ll never forget swimming in that beautiful ocean. Did I mention the fantastic beaches?
I wanna go back. In fact, I’m thinking of going sometime during the next 18 months.
My recollection of the people is that they were friendly, happy and generally very nice to me. Don’t forget that this is a french-speaking country and your efforts to learn french will serve you well.
We stayed in the Noumea Beach Hotel (don’t know if this is still in operation). It was literally across the road from the afore-mentioned wonderful beach.
My advice - GO! Do what it takes! This is a place you will not regret visiting!
Max 
I think there’s a sunken ocean liner in one of the principle harbors, but that might be Espiritu Santo, come to think of it.
I went to New Caledonia at the end of last year and I looooved it!! It was a school trip so I stayed with a host family and I had to put my years of learning French into practice. The people are really friendly and many of them speak English, but they prefer you to speak French.
There were lots of things to do there and we did all the touristy activities like the zoo, the aquarium, museums, etc. plus we went on a day trip to la Phare Amedee. It poured with rain but we still had a great time!!!
There are so many beautiful beaches but the best thing to do is to travel into the country-side and see the mountains. There are absolutely amazing views and if you go to New Caledonia you MUST see the mountains.
I’d definately want to go back despite everything being bloody expensive there. I luuuurve new caledonia!!