PR®
The Cycad Forest, Bourail (PR – BOU 2)
25/06/2008
A short botanical tour, perfect for families, at the heart of a classified site, winding through a fine, well-preserved dry forest. There is a great variety of endemic plants and a dense and shady mangrove swamp. Botanical information signs.
Practical information:
Level: Very easy
Length: 1.0 km
Minimum altitude: 4 m
Maximum altitude: 8 m
Cumulative elevation gain: 14 m
Time: 35 to 60 mins
Location: 167.5 km north-west of Noumea (two hours by car). On leaving Noumea, take the RT1 to the north-west. Pass Tontouta, Bouloupari, La Foa and Moindou. On entering Bourail, just after the big bridge over the Néra River, take the tarred road on the left (RT 27), follow the right bank of the river towards Roche Percée. Six km further on, at the first intersection, turn left (RM 20). Follow the beach until you arrive at the start of the path (7.5 km after the bridge).
Parking: Near the start of the path (GPS: 548 061 – 7609 851)
Trail markers: Orange and white
Difficulty: None
Recommendations: Take mosquito repellent
Things to see:
Along the way: Dry forest, cycads, mangrove swamp.
In the area: The Bourail Museum, the Poé lagoon, the tribal villages of Pothe, Bouirou, Azareu.
The Trois Baies (three bays) Path (PR – BOU 1)
25/06/2008
From Roche Percée (pierced rock) Bay, where the path starts, via Baie des Tortues (turtle bay) where loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) used to come in large numbers to lay eggs, as far as the Baie des Amoureux (lovers’ bay), the path takes you on a stroll between the sea and the cliffs…
Practical information:
Level: Easy
Length: 3.6 km
Minimum altitude: 2 m
Maximum altitude: 60 m
Cumulative elevation gain: 262 m
Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
Location: 166 km north-west of Noumea (two hours by car). On leaving Noumea, take the RT1 to the north-west. Pass Tontouta, Bouloupari, La Foa and Moindou. On entering Bourail, just after the big bridge over the Néra River, take the tarred road on the left (RT 27), follow the right bank of the river towards Roche Percée. Six km further on, at the first intersection, turn left. The sign marking the start is at the foot of the cliff, 300 m further on, where the beach begins.
Parking: (GPS: 547 339 - 7610 675). At the north-west end of Roche Percée beach.
Trail markers: Orange and white
Difficulty: Some steep sections of the path
Recommendations: At the start, stay away from the area near the cliffs (rock falls). Obey the signs prohibiting access to the panoramic viewpoint. Stay on the path. Do not go near the edge of the cliff.
Things to see:
Along the way: The Roche Percée, the Bonhomme, Baie des Tortues, Notre-Dame-des-Flots.
In the area: The Poé lagoon, the Roche Percée beach, the tribal villages of Pothe, Azareu, Bouirou.
The Petite Cascade (little waterfall) Path (PR – FOA 2)
25/06/2008
A pleasant rural walk through the depths of a wooded valley. It can be combined with a stay at the Farino Shelter, a visit to the market and to the festival celebrating the edible worm from the candlenut tree, or with a good meal at a host’s table.
Practical information:
Level: Very easy
Length: 3.6 km return
Minimum altitude: 265 m
Maximum altitude: 325 m
Cumulative elevation gain: 66 m
Time: 2 hours
Location: 116 km north-west of Noumea (two hours). Take the RT1 north-west towards Tontouta, Bouloupari. Then go towards La Foa. Follow the RT1 until you get to the locality called Fonwhary. Then turn right (north) towards Canala. Go 1.3 km to the intersection and turn left (west). At the following intersection, turn left, or straight ahead (via Petit Farino), to reach Farino. Pass the Town Hall and go down to the north-west. Before the bridge, take the RM2 on the right which goes up the Farino River on the left bank. Follow it as far as the Farino Shelter.
Parking: (GPS: 580 768 – 7605 837) in front of the reception office for the Farino Shelter.
Trail markers: Orange and white
Difficulty: None
Recommendations: Keep off private crops and gardens. Gates must remain open if they were open and closed if they were closed. Swimming is prohibited upstream from the water catchment.
Things to see:
Along the way: The Farino Shelter, many types of bird, the virgin forest, the creek.
In the area: The Parc des Grandes Fougères (tree ferns), the Farino Market, Sarraméa, Fort Teremba, the Lacourt house, the Passerelle Sainte Marguerite (a footbridge), the Palmeraie (palm grove). The host’s table run by local character Mamie Fogliani has typically New Caledonian products and is not to be missed. Tel: 43 23 14. The Refuge de Farino (Farino Shelter), bungalows by the river. Tel: 44 37 61. Les Bancouliers gîte with meals at home with the host. Tel: 41 20 41.
The Dogny Plateau (PR – FOA 1)
25/06/2008
The Dogny Plateau has long been a place of exchange and bartering between East Coast tribes and those on the West Coast. Numerous paths criss-cross the virgin forest which is remarkably well preserved.
Practical information:
Level: Difficult
Length: 16 km
Minimum altitude: 95 m
Maximum altitude: 1,060 m
Cumulative elevation gain: 1,260 m
Cumulative elevation loss: 1,258 m
Time: 7 hours
Location: 126 km north-west of Noumea (two hours). Take the RT1 north-west towards Tontouta, Bouloupari. Then go towards La Foa. Follow the RT1 until you get to the locality called Fonwhary. Then turn right (north) on the RPN5 towards Canala. Eight km further on, at the intersection, before the Petit Couli tribal village, turn right (north-east). Pass the tourist office and the Sarraméa Town Hall, and go towards the Hôtel Évasion. Just before the bridge, near the hotel, take the right fork (east) towards the municipal car park.
Parking: (GPS: 588 941 – 7606 892), on the left bank of the Xwê Wya River.
Trail markers: Orange and white
Difficulty: A long journey with substantial elevation gain. In misty weather (frequent), finding your bearings is very tricky on the summit plateau. Conditions can be difficult (freezing and damp in rainy weather).
Recommendations: Take great care to follow the trail markers. Carry warm, waterproof clothing, food and water. Instruments (GPS, altimeter and compass) are worth considering.
Things to see:
Along the way: The Bonnard house (an old colonial building), the virgin forest, game, the Dogny Plateau, the lookout towards the East Coast and the West Coast.
In the area: The Parc des Grandes Fougères (large ferns), the Farino Market, Sarraméa, Fort Teremba, the Lacourt house, the Passerelle Sainte Marguerite (a footbridge), the Palmeraie (palm grove). The “Aux délices des jumelles” host’s table: Apollonie and Bernadette, always good-humoured, prepare local cuisine of excellent quality. Their star attraction is “le mamarhènu”, a unique dessert. Tel: 43 46 65.
The Ouitchambo (Wicabo) Peak Path (PR – BLP1)
25/06/2008
A rural excursion beneath large trees (candlenut trees, majestic banyan trees) leaving from the Ouitchambo tribal village. The path is enveloped in the rustling half-light of the forest. Quiet walkers may succeed in seeing birds, wild pigs or deer.
Practical information:
Level: Easy
Length: 8.2 km
Minimum altitude: 75 m
Maximum altitude: 330 m
Cumulative elevation gain: 345 m
Time: 2.5 hours
Location: 82 km north-west of Noumea (1 hr 15 mins). Take the RT1 north-west towards Tontouta, Bouloupari. Then go towards La Foa. At 4.2 km after Bouloupari, turn right (north) on a small tarred road towards the tribal village of Ouitchambo. Go another 5 km and at the entrance, turn left (north-west) at the fork. Go past the stadium and cross the bridge. At the intersection, continue straight ahead until you reach the large traditional hut.
Parking: Near the large traditional hut (GPS: 603 163 – 7856 837), about 50 m from the ruins of the Devambez castle.
Trail markers: Orange and white
Difficulty: The path can be muddy and slippery in rainy weather. The end of the route is rather steep.
Recommendations: Avoid drinking water from the creeks. Have respect for crops and the tribal village inhabitants. Let them know on arrival that you plan to hike.
Things to see:
Along the way: The ruins of the Devambez castle (a typical example of colonial architecture, dating from 1895), tribal life and culture, the large virgin forest, game (deer and wild pig). The view of Ouitchambo (Wicabo) Peak.
In the area: The old Ouaménie sugar refinery.
The Signal Islet Path (Noumea) – (PR – SIG 01)
25/06/2008
A trip in the salty sea air to one of the wooded islets in the great south lagoon. You will see many seabirds, which come to nest there during the reproduction season, as well as rich and colourful seabeds, seashore vegetation and dry forest in the interior.
Practical information:
Level: Very easy
Length: 1.6 km
Minimum altitude: 0 m
Maximum altitude: 5 m
Cumulative elevation gain: 15 m
Cumulative elevation loss: 15 m
Time: 45 to 60 mins depending on your curiosity
Location: Near the Dumbéa channel, 16 km west of Noumea, Signal Islet is included in the South Lagoon Park, a set of marine protected areas around greater Noumea.
Access: By your own boat, a hired boat, an organised excursion or water taxi:
- With “Ekué-Ekué” (a sailing catamaran). Email: ekue-ekue@lagoon.nc;
Tel: 83 62 14 or 86 66 17; Fax: 25 07 01. Departure at 8 am from the Port du Sud, return to the wharf at 5 pm, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
- The “Betico” (every Tuesday). Tel: 26 01 00; Email: commercial@betico.nc
Berthing: An equipped pontoon and mooring buoys facilitate access for small craft and limit the destruction caused by open moorings.
Trail markers: Orange and white
Difficulty: None
Recommendations: Taking souvenirs is prohibited. Avoid handling snakes. During the bird nesting period (November to March), domestic animals are prohibited. Do not trample on nests and burrows. Use the installed moorings to preserve the coral and sea grass beds. Take away your rubbish.
Things to see:
Along the way: The seamark indicating the Dumbéa channel, the lime-burning kiln, the vegetation colonising the islet and the puffin nesting sites.
In the area: The rich and colourful lagoon, the Dumbéa channel and its surfing sites.
The Ascent of Mont-Dore (PR – DOR 1)
25/06/2008
The imposing mass of Mont-Dore rises up south-east of Noumea. The exposed summit allows you to see right across the south-east of the main island. Among the routes enabling you to reach the summit, the most spectacular is probably the one following the south-east ridge of the massif.
Practical information:
Level: Difficult
Length: 9.3 km
Minimum altitude: 85 m
Maximum altitude: 730 m
Cumulative elevation gain: 675 m
Time: 4 to 5 hours
Location: 26.5 km south-east of Noumea. Take the RP1 towards Mont-Dore. At the La Coulée roundabout, turn right (south) onto the RP2, which goes around the massif by the south. Go towards Vallon Dore. Travel another 8.5 km, then take the left (north) fork called Rue du Long Bec, then the first right (east), Rue des Inséparables.
Parking: (GPS: 664 769 - 7534 555). At the north end of Rue des Inséparables. There is not much room. Be considerate of the residents.
Trail markers: Orange and white
Difficulty: A challenging route with no forest cover for the most part and substantial elevation gain. Very slippery in wet weather between D and point 4. Difficult to get your bearings on the summit in misty weather. Follow the trail markers.
Recommendations: The route can be travelled in either direction but the north-south trip offers the most spectacular lookout angles and spreads the effort more evenly. Ensure you have two vehicles. There is no water along the route.
Things to see:
Along the way: Exceptional views over the lagoon, the Noumea isthmus, the Vallon Dore foothill and the jagged coast stretching from Plum to Ouen Island; the remains of mining operations and restoration worksites; carnivorous plants (Nepenthes vieillardii).
In the area: The Mont-Dore spring, the Plum wind turbines.
The Convicts’ Path (Prony) – (PR – PR02)
25/06/2008
A short trip from Somme Bay, it allows you to explore historic remains dating from the Penitentiary (start of the 20th century) and emerges at Prony village. There are fine panoramic views over Prony Bay, Casy Islet and Ouen Island.
Practical information:
Level: Very easy
Length: 2.2 km
Minimum altitude: 1 m
Maximum altitude: 50 m
Cumulative elevation gain: 60 m
Time: 1 hour (without visiting the village)
Location: 56 km south-east of Noumea; one hour by car. From Noumea take the RP1 towards Mont-Dore, then go towards Plum, the Pirogues River and Prony (Somme Bay).
Parking: At the north-east end of Somme Bay (GPS: 687 867 – 7529 969)
Trail markers: Orange and white. The return journey is the same as for the GR® NC1.
Difficulty: A very easy route but slippery in wet weather.
Recommendations: Be considerate of the village inhabitants and their property.
Things to see:
Along the way: The remains of the convict prison and the logging; banyan trees, screwpines, New Caledonian pines.
In the area: The GR® NC1 linking Prony to Dumbéa village; Prony village and the underwater geothermal formation called the Prony Needle (scuba diving); the old iron mine.
The Casy Islet Circuit - (PR – PR03)
25/06/2008
A path which travels in a loop around Casy Islet (Prony Bay), passing through the remains of the convict prison, the scrub and some fine coastal forests. The Penitentiary used the area for crops and animal farming. There is a cemetery with a few tombs and some small shady creeks.
Practical information:
Level: Very easy
Length: 3.7 km (shortcuts possible)
Minimum altitude: 2 m
Maximum altitude: 45 m
Cumulative elevation gain: 108 m
Time: 1.5 – 2 hours for the big loop
Location: 56 km from Noumea at Prony Bay (1 hour by car). From Noumea take the RP1 towards Mont-Dore, then go towards Plum and Prony village. Access to Casy Islet is by boat from Prony village or Somme Bay. Contact: Casy Express - Marc Negrello - Tel.: 79 32 60. Email: casyexpress@lagoon.nc
Parking: (GPS : 687 867 - 7529 969) Somme Bay
Trail markers: Orange and white (green or blue markers indicate shortcuts).
Difficulty: Some steep sections and portions that are slippery in wet weather.
Recommendations: No sources of water
Things to see:
Along the way: The cemetery and the old well from the convict prison period; the orchard, the cycad forest, the lookouts, mining property, the coastal forest, the beach.
In the area: Prony village, the hot springs and the Goro Nickel plant.
The Convicts’ Path (Port Boisé) - (PR – PR01)
25/06/2008
From the Kanua gîte to the Trou Bleu (blue hole) River, following the east coast from Port Boisé Bay. A family excursion along the convicts’ path and an easy, shaded walk. There are waterholes with cool, fresh water to soothe sunburn and the heat of the tropical summer.
Practical information:
Level: Very easy
Length: 4.5 km return
Minimum altitude: 2 m
Maximum altitude: 15 m
Cumulative elevation gain: 50 m
Time: 2 hours
Location: South-east of Noumea at Port Boisé Bay (east of Prony Bay). No public transport. From Noumea, take the RP3 towards Yaté. Then there are two possibilities:
- By the CR7, Plum, Prony, La Capture, the Goro Nickel plant and the Port Boisé pass (Col Paillard) until you reach the RM 14 (74 km).
- By the Yaté road, then the RM 12 and the RM 10 (the Madeleine waterfall). Avoid the RM 9, go past the Laverie pass to get back to the CR 7, the Goro Nickel plant and the Port Boisé pass (90 km).
Parking: At Kanua gîte (GPS : 703 068 - 7527 102)
Trail markers: Orange and white
Difficulty: None
Gîte Kanua: A tourist complex currently undergoing extension, accessible to ordinary vehicles. Four bungalows equipped with shower and toilet facilities, and a campsite (booking advised). Tel: (687) 46 90 00 - Fax: (687) 46 91 22
Recommendations: Many heavy vehicles travel at high speed on the roads in the South. Take care.
Things to see:
Along the way: Logging remnants from the start of the 19th century, the old loading wharf, the Trou Bleu (blue hole) River.
In the area: Cape Ndua (a lookout point for whales in July, August), the Goro Nickel plant.