Hostels in New Caledonia

New Caledonia is an archipelago of islands located just off the coast of Australia. It is a part of Oceania. The country’s lagoon is rated one of the most beautiful and diverse in the world. Over 60% of it is a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The country is ethnically diverse too. It has a rich heritage and culture. There are native Kanak people, European settlers, Asian communities, and people from islands like Tahiti too. The language, music, and traditions are varied due to this.

If you plan to stay in New Caledonia, you can check into one of the many hostels scattered across the islands. You can also stay at a hotel in the area, close to the sea. The beaches of the country are known around to world for their white sand.

You should be able to find a hostel within reach of the Tijibaou Cultural Center. This was designed by Renzo Piano, the famous architect. It is a place for the Kanak people to show off their culture, traditions, music, and crafts.

There is also a great lighthouse, built in the late 19th century. It is located on Phare Amedee, a small islet just off the shore from Noumea. Be sure to visit this lighthouse from your hostel to check out the view from the top. Then move on to the Deva Estate, one of the largest dry forests in the region.

If it is weather you are worried about, New Caledonia is a tropical archipelago. This means the sun shines all through the year. The average temperature in the country is 25°C. Visiting the local nature reserve, the Parc des Grandes Fougeres, is a good option in this weather. It is home to diverse wildlife, including a 350 million-year-old species of fern. The park spans an area of over 9000 hectares and is a great place to lose yourself in while exploring.

If you happen to be a fan of beaches, there are three bays in the country (Oro, Kanumera, and Upi) which are known for their beauty. You can choose to paraglide over the bays, beaches and reefs of the country and its surrounding ocean.

Because of the balmy temperature of the water in the sea around the country, bathing is encouraged. Blue skies are a guarantee, as the country only has 20 days without the sun on average each year. Rainfall is common in the country, although the East Coast gets double the amount of rain the rest of the country does.

For the geologist in you, and for the lover of art you know you are, there are three major sites to visit. The Hen and Old Man rock outcroppings, as well as the Jokin cliffs, are renowned for their appeal to the artistic type.

You can also check out the East Coast. There are bound to be multiple hostels in the region. This part of the islands features the road leading to the Hen rock formation as well as the Tao Waterfall, which can be reached by ferry. Food lovers can delight in the taste of the local blue prawns and the vanilla that is famous around the world.

Handwritten by local expert for New Caledonia hostels Jakob Lombardi