New Caledonia Tours & Vacations

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Whether you need a visa to travel to New Caledonia depends on which country you're a national of with passport holders from countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States, Japan, and France all exempt from requiring a visa. However, there is still some documentation you need to present before being let into the country such as a valid passport, proof of return flight, and travel insurance. 

If you're from a country that hasn't been listed, you'll need to apply for a visa to New Caledonia before your intended date of arrival into the country. 

There are two distinct seasons in New Caledonia; a hot and rainy season from December to March and a cold and dry season from June to September which makes up the island country's tropical climate. During the hot season, temperatures average around 86/90°F but can climb as high as 95°F with the humidity also making it uncomfortable to spend long periods of time outside. You can also expect heavy rainfall during this time although it doesn't tend to last for too long unless there's a tropical storm. The cold season sees temperatures average at around 68°F while remaining relatively dry. 

What to pack for New Caledonia largely depends on what time of the year you travel in but because it's a tropical destination, packing plenty of t-shirts, dresses, short sleeve shirts, shorts, and skirts is a safe bet. Make sure to pack clothes that are made from light, breathable clothing because it can get warm and humid in New Caledonia during the summer. You should also pack appropriate sun protection such as hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen if you plan on spending a considerable amount of time in the sun. Also, don't forget to pack your swimsuit! 

It's relatively easy to get to New Caledonia as there are several options available including catching a plane or arriving via boat. Flying to New Caledonia is the easiest and most time-efficient way to travel, especially if you're flying from Australia's east coast with plenty of direct flights arriving into and departing daily from La Tontouta Airport in Noumea. 

The local currency in New Caledonia is the Pacific franc (CFP) which is closely aligned with the euro. The prices below are shown in USD for ease of comparison: 

• Glass or bottle of beer = USD 4.50
• Simple lunch at a local cafe = USD 10
• Dinner at a restaurant = USD 20-30
• Fresh coconut = USD 3
• Single bus trip = USD 3

New Caledonian cuisine is heavy on seafood and flavor so you can expect traditional dishes to be tasty and packed with local produce. With a combination of both Melanesian and French influences, you're guaranteed to want seconds of everything you eat. Here are some of our favorite dishes: 

• Bougna (a stew-like dish made of chicken, lobster, or fish and served with root vegetables). 
• Plenty of seafood including coconut crab, New Caledonian blue prawns, and oysters
• Venison
• Civet de Rousette (bat stew) 

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

From Australia?

Go to: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/

From Canada?

Go to: https://travel.gc.ca/

From the UK?

Go to: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

From New Zealand?

Go to: https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/

From the US?

Go to: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.