New Caledonia Information

New Caledonia travel facts
Basic stats
Population
222,000
Capital
Noumea

Here is some information about the places we are going to.
Most of this has come from the New Caledonia website that I think I have hyperlinked!

AMEDEE ISLAND
A superb crossing of the lagoon in approximately 40 mins takes you to a beautiful island planted with coconut palms, “bouraos” and “filaos”. A 140 year-old lighthouse (56 m high) built under Napoleon III towers over the unspoilt island with its sparkling lagoon, and fine white sand. Every morning it comes to life with the arrival of visitors aboard the “Mary D”. Go diving in the marine reserve of the Phare Amédée! There is also a scuba diving club on the island (Amédée Diving Club) including lunch facilities.
AMEDEE LIGHTHOUSE
Approximately 20 kms south of Nouméa is the Amedée lighthouse on Amédée Island. This area is populated with great underwater sights, where you can see sharks and manta rays.
Nearby are the Sounois, Tabou and Abore reefs where fish life abounds including turtles and barracudas. For exquisite coral formations dive the grotto and forest of the Snark.
Amédée Island is about 45 mins away from Port Moselle (quai des Scientifiques). Full day trip, includes: return boat transfers, tour in glass bottom boat, pre-lunch cocktail, buffet lunch, South Pacific dances, demonstration of pareo tying.
WALKING TOUR’
To celebrate 150 years of history and to showcase its architectural heritage, the City of Noumea has put in place an historical circuit with a total of 16 points of interest over a 4km perimeter in the city centre. This walking tour highlights the main historical buildings which can be discovered by following the path of red bricks right around the circuit. A total of 16 signposts have been erected, each one giving an explication in French, English and Japanese, illustrated by photos of the era and a transparent box containing an object from the past in relation to the building as it stands today. A map attached to the side of each signpost indicates the individual location with regard to the other points on the circuit. The first signpost is located at the City Museum. Visitors can discover the music kiosk, Saint Hubert, the cathedral, the former police station, Bernheim Library, the Village and the ancient temple, all in the space of one hour.
SAINT-JOSEPH CATHEDRAL
A Gothic cathedral in the tropics. The Saint-Joseph Cathedral was constructed in 1887 using convict labour, taking 10 years to complete. The two 25 m square towers are made of local stone and timber.
AQUARIUM
Founded in 1956 by Dr Catala-Stucki and his wife, the Aquarium of Nouméa is one of the most attractive places in Nouméa, presenting now a modern new building called "Aquarium des Lagons". Everything is natural; saltwater, sunlight and a multitude of different aquatic species.
In this showcase of the New Caledonian lagoon, you will discover the splendor of the coral reefs and its inhabitants: Napoleons, Angel Fish, Gorgonia, striped fish, Nautilus - living fossils from great depths - and fluorescent corals, like precious gemstones. Not to be missed, the Aquarium is a unique symphony of colours.Guided tours have always been well appreciated and offered by the aquarium, however audio guides will now be available.With this reopening, the new aquarium integrates a large part for educational projects and has trained a team of guides in charge of escorting and educating school groups.The new aquarium offers a total space of 2300 m2 most of which being for the public and the sea life. The number of species offered to the public viewing is of 150 species of fishes for a total of 300 species including invertebrae.
PETANQUE
The French aspect of New Caledonia comes to the fore with the game of Petanque. Come and support the enthusiastic and colourful petanque players who gather every weekend on the bowling alleys at Anse Vata and Coconut Square. At cocktail hour it is very pleasant to have a game (Petanque) with a group of friends. Most of the hotels have a set of bowling balls at your disposal.
LE PETIT TRAIN
Description:
An original means of transport for a full and recreative tour of the capital is the purple and red Petit Train which circulates around the bays, stops at the market in the morning, downtown and at the "Parc forestier" five times a day (On Sunday, once a day). The green and gold Petit Train takes tourists on a "flora and fauna" circuit via the Ouen Toro and the Aquarium as well as a "Cultural" circuit via Nouméa's beautiful colonial houses and the Tjibaou Cultural Centre. A tour also takes you through the town and sample a glass of champagne on the summit of Ouen Toro on request. “The history Petit Train” takes you back in time with heritage Guides.

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Bonjour, Je m'appelle Flower kitty! Et toi?

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For your information, this is my post about New Caledonia ( Nouvelle-Calédonie) and the French language. Here is a link to some pictures of where we (some Peachgrove students & I) are lucky to be staying.

http://www.newcaledonia.co.nz/hotels/nouvata-park-hotel

Salut!
:D