The Madeleine Botanical Path
25/06/2008
An excursion forming a loop in the heart of the Madeleine Waterfall botanical reserve. There are many plant species, remains from the Secondary Era, and a fish, the Nesogalaxias, which is a true fossil from Gondwana.
Practical information:
Level: Very easy
Length: 2.8 km
Minimum altitude: 210 m
Maximum altitude: 270 m
Cumulative elevation gain: 65 m
Time: 1 hr 15 mins
Location: About 60 km south-east of Noumea. An hour and a quarter by car. From Noumea, take the RP1 towards Mont-Dore. Then the RP3 towards Yaté. After about 16 km, beyond the entrance to the Blue River Provincial Park, go south on the Madeleine road (signposts). Continue 10 km until you reach the entrance to the reserve (1.4 km after Netcha).
Parking: At the entrance to the reserve, just before the guard’s office ((GPS : 691 423 - 7 540 432).
Trail markers: Orange and white and blue arrows
Difficulty: None
Recommendations: Swimming is prohibited. The entrance fee covers the path and the Netcha site. Many heavy vehicles travel at high speed on the roads in the South. Take care.
The Netcha site (tel. 46 92 47) is 2 km from the reserve, equipped for picnics, camping and swimming.
Things to see:
Along the way: The Madeleine waterfall, the Lacs River, the Bois Bouchon, scrub kaori (Agathis ovata) and Néocallitropsis pancheri, an endemic conifer.
In the area: The Plaine des Lacs (plain of lakes), the lookout from the Col de la Laverie. The GR® NC1 connecting Prony to Dumbéa village.
The Yaté “Timetable Road” (PR-YAT1)
25/06/2008
The Yaté “timetable road” is a narrow single-lane road where the direction of vehicle traffic alternates according to a signposted timetable. It is a beautiful, rather challenging hike that takes you to dazzling heights. In the distance, you can see banks of red earth, green islets in the lake and on the other side, the mouth of the Yaté. The endless views reward you for your effort. The return by the “timetable road” and the waterholes is easy.
Practical information:
Level: Difficult
Length: 9.1 km
Minimum altitude: 120 m
Maximum altitude: 360 m
Cumulative elevation gain: 310 m
Time: 2.5 – 3 hours
Location: 62 km from Noumea. An hour by car. Take the RP3 towards Yaté and go past the entrance to the Blue River Provincial Park. Then, 22 km further on, at the base of the Col de Yaté, turn left (north) on the track towards the dam (signposts).
Parking: At the east end of the Yaté dam (GPS: 694 193 – 7549 235)
Trail markers: Orange and white
Difficulty: Not much shade, a sustained climb at the start, a very steep and sometimes slippery descent between points 3 and 4.
Recommendations: The sun can be merciless up there. Avoid the hot season. The river is attractive but is exposed to releases of water from the dam. Obey the instructions displayed on the signboards.
Things to see:
Along the way: The dam, the virgin forest in the sinkholes, scrub kaori (Agathis ovata), the view over the hydroelectric plant, the mouth of the Yaté and the lagoon, the Méina Wâwiâ waterfall, the waterholes, forests of Arillastrum gummiferum, a type of eucalypt.
In the area: Lake Yaté, the Blue River Provincial Park.
The Koureu Deni Path (22 C)
25/06/2008
Leaving from the Bon Secours area, this pleasant, rather challenging path leads to the Giant Houp and crosses various types of environment (scrub, virgin forest). There are many points of botanical interest: Neoguillauminia cleopatra, known in French as “false walnut trees”, and several varieties of palm tree. There is a lookout over the White River valley.
Practical information:
Level: Difficult
Length: 4.6 km return
Minimum altitude: 180 m
Maximum altitude: 420 m
Cumulative elevation gain: 280 m
Time: 2 to 3 hours
Location: East of Noumea (Blue River Provincial Park). A 48 km trip, an hour and a quarter by car. From Noumea, take the RP1 towards Mont-Dore. Then take the RP3 towards Yaté. Just before Lake Yaté (about 40 km), turn left (north-west) towards the Blue River Provincial Park. After the site office, follow the main track (good condition) towards Pérignon Bridge. The Bon Secours rest area is 7.1 km from the entrance office and 2 km before the bridge.
Parking: At the Bon Secours creek rest area (GPS: 675 862- 7549 961) (toilets, water, shelters).
Trail markers: Orange and white (PR®) along the whole route. There are also red and white markers for the GR® in the first part.
Difficulty: A short climb through undergrowth.
Recommendations: Take care with the facilities. Drive slowly on the track. It is narrow and slippery (especially in wet weather).
Things to see:
Along the way: The Palmetum botanical path, the Giant Houp path, the Araucaria (New Caledonian pine) growing in a fork of the houp, the waterholes near the Bon Secours area.
In the area: Lake Yaté, the White River marsh, the Pérignon Bridge and the Forêt Noyée (drowned forest). The GR® NC1 connecting Prony to Dumbéa village.
The Filon de Chrome (chrome seam) Path (23)
25/06/2008
A short walk, perfect for families. Winding through rainforest, the track slips between trees in the silent half-light. It emerges into the sun at a lookout over the White River marsh before descending again to the mining remnants.
Practical information:
Level: Very easy.
Length: 2.4 km.
Minimum altitude: 198 m.
Maximum altitude: 258 m.
Cumulative elevation gain: 74 m.
Time: 1 hour.
Location: East of Noumea (Blue River Provincial Park). A 55 km trip, and an hour and 20 minutes by car. From Noumea, take the RP1 towards Mont-Dore. Then take the RP3 towards Yaté. Just before Lake Yaté (about 40 km), turn left (north-west) towards the Blue River Provincial Park. After the site office, follow the main track (good condition) towards Pérignon Bridge. Go past the Bon Secours rest area. At the intersection before the bridge, turn left (north-west). Go as far as the steam engine.
Parking: (GPS: 673 135 – 7549 252), by the creek, near the steam engine.
Trail markers: Orange and white (not always in very good condition)
Difficulty: None. Follow the path with care.
Recommendations: Take care with the facilities.
Things to see:
Along the way: The remnants of the mining operation, the lookout, the steam engine (at the start of the 20th century, this enormous steam winch was used to drag lumber).
In the area: Lake Yaté, the White River marsh, the Pérignon Bridge and the Forêt Noyée (drowned forest). The GR® NC1 connecting Prony to Dumbéa village.
The Renaissance Mine Path
25/06/2008
This loop with varied scenery uses old mule paths. They linked the mining (chrome) sites, following the forms of the landscape (lookouts over the valley of the White River marsh, the waterholes and shady creeks).
Practical information:
Level: Difficult
Length: 8.3 km
Minimum altitude: 190 m
Maximum altitude: 470 m
Cumulative elevation gain: 375 m
Time: 3 hours
Location: East of Noumea (Blue River Provincial Park). A 60 km trip, and an hour and 20 minutes by car. From Noumea, take the RP1 towards Mont-Dore. Then take the RP3 towards Yaté. Just before Lake Yaté (about 40 km), turn left (north-west) towards the Blue River Provincial Park. After the site office, follow the main track (good condition) towards Pérignon Bridge. Go past the Bon Secours rest area. At the intersection before the bridge, turn left (north-west). Go back to the White River ford. Near the old White River shelter, turn right to reach the ford.
Parking: Just before the ford (GPS: 671 614 – 7547 845). Shower and toilet blocks, water supply outlet, picnic area.
Trail markers: Red and white markers (GR® NC1) from point 1 to point 2, posts encircled in blue along the entire route.
Difficulty: An ascent of around 240 m on a mule path that is well maintained and gradual. The ascent and descent are slippery in wet weather. The river crossings are dangerous in wet weather.
Recommendations: Take care with the facilities. Motor vehicles are not authorised to travel beyond the White River ford. Crossing the rivers can be dangerous. The White River valley is subject to frequent rain. Remember the park’s closing hours.
Things to see:
Along the way: The lookout over the White River valley, the old chrome mine, the virgin forest and several creeks of clear water.
In the area: Lake Yaté, the White River marsh, the Pérignon Bridge, the Forêt Noyée (drowned forest), the White River, the Big Kaori and the park campsite areas. The GR® NC1 connecting Prony to Dumbéa village.
The Mois de Mai (month of May) Path
25/06/2008
A long walk in dense and mysterious forest, taking the walker from the upper Blue River to the White River. It can be an alternative to the shuttle for getting back to the Pérignon Bridge car park from the Germain Bridge.
Practical information:
Level: Difficult
Length: 9.8 km from the Germain Bridge
Minimum altitude: 170 m
Maximum altitude: 275 m
Cumulative elevation gain: 170 m
Time: 4 hours
Location: East of Noumea (Blue River Provincial Park). A 62 km trip, and an hour and a quarter by car. From Noumea, take the RP1 towards Mont-Dore. Then take the RP3 towards Yaté. Just before Lake Yaté (about 40 km), turn left (north-west) towards the Blue River Provincial Park. After the site office, follow the main track (good condition) towards Pérignon Bridge. At the intersection (8.7 km), turn right (north-east). At 9.8 km: Pérignon Bridge, car park, toilets, water supply outlet.
Two solutions to get back to the start: the shuttle (user fee) or mountain biking (20 km return).
Parking: At the Germain Bridge, near the shelters (GPS: 670 991 – 7555 073). Water supply outlet, tables, river.
Trail markers: Red and white (GR® NC1) between the start and point 4
Difficulty: Some steep ascents between the start and point 142
Recommendations: Take care with the facilities. Motor vehicles are not authorised to travel beyond the Pérignon Bridge. The Blue River valley is subject to frequent rain. Crossing the rivers can be dangerous. Remember the park’s closing hours.
Things to see:
Along the way: The Mois de Mai forest: Kaoris, palm tree, ferns, wild pigs, kagus (flightless birds native to New Caledonia).
In the area: Lake Yaté, the White River marsh, the Pérignon Bridge, the Forêt Noyée (drowned forest), the Blue River, the Big Kaori and the park campsite areas. The GR® NC1 connecting Prony to Dumbéa village.
The Trois Forêts (three forests) Path (02 B)
25/06/2008
A short family route that climbs through three stages of forest. There are some beautiful lookouts and the chance of encountering rather tame kagus.
Practical information:
Level: Easy
Length: 1.3 km
Minimum altitude: 185 m
Maximum altitude: 340 m
Cumulative elevation gain: 150 m
Time: 1 hour
Location: East of Noumea (Blue River Provincial Park). A 60 km trip, and an hour and a quarter by car. From Noumea, take the RP1 towards Mont-Dore. Then take the RP3 towards Yaté. Just before Lake Yaté (about 40 km), turn left (north-west) towards the Blue River Provincial Park. After the site office (0 km), follow the main track (good condition) towards Pérignon Bridge. At the intersection (8.7 km), turn right (north-east). At 9.8 km: Pérignon Bridge, car park, toilets, water supply outlet.
Two solutions to get back to the start: the shuttle (user fee) or mountain biking (17.5 km return).
Parking: The Pourina ford (altitude: 180 m.; GPS: 672 672 -7555 578)
Trail markers: Pink markers
Difficulty: A short path but 150 m of elevation gain
Recommendations: Take care with the facilities. Motor vehicles are not authorised to travel beyond the Pérignon Bridge. The Blue River valley is subject to frequent rain. Crossing the rivers can be dangerous. Remember the park’s closing hours.
Things to see:
Along the way: Rainforest, almost forest-like scrub, the lookout over the Big Kaori, the kagu (flightless birds native to New Caledonia).
In the area: Lake Yaté, the White River marsh, the Pérignon Bridge, the Germain Bridge, the Forêt Noyée (drowned forest), the Blue River, the Big Kaori and the park campsite areas. The GR® NC1 connecting Prony to Dumbéa village.
The Méliphages (honeyeaters) Path (11 B)
25/06/2008
A short family walk in the virgin forest next to the Germain Bridge. Located near picnic areas (with farés, or shelters) and the banks of the Blue River, it passes through the territory of a couple of crow honeyeaters, a very rare endemic bird.
Practical information:
Level: Very easy
Length: 1.7 km
Minimum altitude: 160 m
Maximum altitude: 250 m
Cumulative elevation gain: 80 m
Time: 1 hour
Location: East of Noumea (Blue River Provincial Park). A 61 km trip, and an hour and a quarter by car. From Noumea, take the RP1 towards Mont-Dore. Then take the RP3 towards Yaté. Just before Lake Yaté (about 40 km), turn left (north-west) towards the Blue River Provincial Park. After the site office (0 km), follow the main track (good condition) towards Pérignon Bridge. At the intersection (8.7 km), turn right (north-east). At 9.8 km: Pérignon Bridge, car park, toilets, water supply outlet.
Two solutions to get back to the start: the shuttle (user fee) or mountain biking (22 km return).
Parking: At the shuttle stop at the Germain Bridge (GPS: 671 027 – 7555 089). To get back to the start, walk 450 m to the north-east following the main road.
Trail markers: Grey markers
Difficulty: None. A logging route. Trail markers not very frequent. Take care to follow the track.
Recommendations: Take care with the facilities. Motor vehicles are not authorised to travel beyond the Pérignon Bridge.
Things to see:
Along the way:
In the area: Lake Yaté, the White River marsh, the Pérignon Bridge, the Germain Bridge, the Forêt Noyée (drowned forest), the Blue River, the Big Kaori and the park campsite areas. The GR® NC1 connecting Prony to Dumbéa village.
The Source (spring) Path (12 B)
25/06/2008
This path is a loop which makes its way peacefully through scrub and among the great trees of the virgin forest, then comes back down following the Blue River. There are numerous sites for picnicking and swimming.
Practical information:
Level: Easy
Length: 3.8 km
Minimum altitude: 200 m
Maximum altitude: 260 m
Cumulative elevation gain: 90 m
Time: Two hours
Location: East of Noumea (Blue River Provincial Park). A 62 km trip, and an hour and a quarter by car. From Noumea, take the RP1 towards Mont-Dore. Then take the RP3 towards Yaté. Just before Lake Yaté (about 40 km), turn left (north-west) towards the Blue River Provincial Park. After the site office (0 km), follow the main track (good condition) towards Pérignon Bridge. At the intersection (8.7 km), turn right (north-east). At 9.8 km: Pérignon Bridge, car park, toilets, water supply outlet.
Two solutions to get back to the start: the shuttle (user fee) or mountain biking (22 km return).
Parking: 500 m north-west of the Germain Bridge on the road of the old Blue River shelter (GPS: 670 537 – 7555 291).
Trail markers: Green markers and the red and white markers of the GR® NC1 between point 1 and point 3.
Difficulty: Crossing several creeks. One is full of very slippery rubble (point 2).
Recommendations: Take care with the facilities. Motor vehicles are not authorised to travel beyond the Pérignon Bridge. The Blue River valley is subject to frequent rain. Crossing the rivers can be dangerous. Remember the park’s closing hours.
Things to see:
Along the way: Virgin forest, the Blue River.
In the area: Lake Yaté, the White River marsh, the Pérignon Bridge, the Forêt Noyée (drowned forest), the Blue River, the Big Kaori and the park campsite areas. The GR® NC1 connecting Prony to Dumbéa village.
The Kaori Path (06 C)
25/06/2008
A path penetrating into the heart of virgin rainforest in an area that was not logged by timber companies due to access difficulties. The size of the surviving kaoris (Agathis lanceolata) is impressive. A challenging route.
Practical information:
Level: Difficult
Length: 8.5 km
Minimum altitude: 240 m
Maximum altitude: 400 m
Cumulative elevation gain: 540 m
Time: 3 to 4 hours
Location: East of Noumea (Blue River Provincial Park). A 64 km trip and an hour and a quarter by car as far as the Pérignon Bridge. From Noumea, take the RP1 towards Mont-Dore. Then take the RP3 towards Yaté. Just before Lake Yaté (about 40 km), turn left (north-west) towards the Blue River Provincial Park. After the site office (0 km), follow the main track (good condition) towards Pérignon Bridge. At the intersection (8.7 km), turn right (north-east). At 9.8 km: Pérignon Bridge, car park, toilets, water supply outlet. Two solutions to get back to the start: the shuttle (user fee) or mountain biking (26 km return).
Parking: Not much room. 400 m north of the old Blue River shelter (13 km from the Pérignon Bridge; GPS: 669 132 – 7555 790).
Trail markers: Red and white from point 1 to point 3 (GR® NC1) and posts encircled in pink.
Difficulty: The loop starting at point 3 is challenging. There is a tough little climb in the forest.
Recommendations: Take care with the facilities. Motor vehicles are not authorised to travel beyond the Pérignon Bridge. The Blue River valley is subject to frequent rain. Crossing the rivers can be dangerous. Remember the park’s closing hours.
Things to see:
Along the way: The usual flora of the great virgin forest: kaoris, palm trees, ferns, wild pigs, kagus, blue-water potholes, waterfalls.
In the area: Lake Yaté, the White River marsh, the Pérignon Bridge, the Forêt Noyée (drowned forest), the Blue River, the Big Kaori and the park campsite areas. The GR® NC1 connecting Prony to Dumbéa village.