P:have a picnic on an idyllic island
An experience not to be missed at the Isle of Pines. access the Paradise Islands on a lagoon excursion. In the south of the island there are two that correspond in every way to the image of a tropical Eden;Brush Islanduninhabited, surrounded by a magnificent beach of sparkling white sand, fringed with columnar pines, andMoreau Island, another place of the same caliber. They are surrounded by coral reefs with colorful wildlife, ideal for swimming.
These excursions are accompanied by a feast in the form of a barbecue. Your choice of grilled fish (freshly caught) or lobster, which you can enjoy casually in the shade of the trees or with your feet in the water. Several nearby snorkeling stops are planned during the tour Uppie Bay. Encounters are (almost) guaranteed with stingrays, manta rays and turtles.
Lounge at Couto Bay and Kanumera Beach
Several hundred meters of land and two perfectly curved lagoons on either side as a bonus, with lavish beaches of talc-fine white sand shaded by the foliage of columnar pines and coconut trees…
Discovering this miracle for the first time, we have only one wish: never to leave again. Both beaches, lapped by intense turquoise blue waters, invite you to swim, kayak or snorkel. The path that runs along the two bays is framed by a very photogenic row buggytall, gnarled trees forming a tunnel.
Explore Queen Hortense’s Grotto
It is a huge cave carved into the limestone rock in the middle of the island. The path leads through a lush forest of giant ferns and tropical trees to the entrance at the foot of the cliff. Why this name? Queen Hortense, the wife of the local chief, would have taken refuge in this cave for several months in 1855 to avoid conflict between the island’s tribes.
The cave features impressive stalactites and stalagmites encrusted with sparkling quartz, partially illuminated by an opening in the ceiling. A mysterious atmosphere is guaranteed.
Swim in the natural pool of Oro
Northeast of the Isle of Pines, imagine a vast body of crystal clear water framed by coral reefs and fringed with graceful columnar pines. You can’t resist the temptation to splash in this natural pool protected from waves and currents. At a depth of several meters, dozens of species of multi-colored fish are swimming. You can also spread your towel over a thin layer of sand.
This masterpiece of nature is a delicious little adventure. After sailing from Pine Island in a traditional boat (wooden hull, triangular sail and jib) we ascend majestically. Uppie Bay for an hour and a half. The trail then cuts through the forest and joins a small channel that leads to the Natural Pool.
Sincere? Just order lunch restaurant Kô-Ngé-Aa-Késhack offering excellent fresh lobster, which can be enjoyed with your feet in the sand, facing the ocean, or at the restaurant at Le Méridien Hotel, 5 minutes away.
Dive into the prolific marine fauna
Scuba diving is the focus of the Isle of Pines, with sites suitable for both beginners and experienced divers. The vast lagoon and outer reefs offer great variety. Highlights include the magnificent architecture of the coral reefs, with fissures, caves, canyons and passes, fantastic gorgonians, blooming corals and the guarantee of sightings of reefs and pelagic species (including several species of sharks) in the clear, warm water. .
for the heart Gié transfer, facilitates the observation of schools of jacks and barracudas, gray sharks and white tip sharks. The highlight of the show: the electric limes, strange molluscs hidden in the coral that emit flashes of light. The island has only one diving center: Kunie Scuba Center (kuniedive.com), very well kept.
Climb to N’Ga Peak
Isle of Pines isn’t exactly flat. Since kuto bey, a trail leads to N’Ga Peak (262 m), the highest point on the island. No need for a guide, the path is well marked and there is no risk of getting lost. Allow 45 to 60 minutes to reach the top without too much trouble, despite the lack of shade. Above, the 360° panorama of the island and the thousand shades of blue of the bay is stunning.
Accommodation on Isle of Pines
Oure Lodge (ourelodge.nc). A haven of peace facing Kanumera Bay. The 30 wooden bungalows are scattered in a coconut grove directly facing the beach. Double bungalow from 245 euros.
Cottage Nataiwatch (nataiwatch.com). A small complex ideally located in the forest with direct access to Kanumera Beach. The bungalows are simple but well designed. Double with breakfast from 108 euros.
Meridian (marriott.fr). The island’s most popular address, just off Oro Bay. Amazing setting. Our preference. bungalows on the edge of the channel. Double bungalow from 280 euros.
When to go?
The best time to party in New Caledonia is between July and January. The climate is pleasant and July and August mark whale season. From September to November extends the most pleasant period for walking and practicing water sports.
From November to April, the Australian summer offers temperatures of 25 to 27°C, but also more frequent rains; this is the so-called cyclone season, from mid-February to the end of March. The east coast, known as the “windward coast”, receives twice as much water as the west coast, known as the “windward coast”. The air is more humid on the east coast, but the sky is just as sunny.
The dry season between May and September is a bit cooler, but it’s generally spring weather that always reigns from one end of the year to the other; August is the coldest month, temperatures can drop to 17°C.
[Initialement publié le 20.11.2020, cet article a fait l’objet d’une mise à jour.]
Source: Le Figaro
