DISCOVER NEW CALEDONIA
SITUATION
24/07/2008
At 1 500 km east of the coast of Australia and 1 700 km north-west of New Zealand, New Caledonia is isolated in the south west Pacific Ocean. The archipelago consists of a Grande-Terre and several island groups : the Loyalty Islands (Maré, Lifou, Ouvéa and Tiga), the Isle of Pines south ; Bélep Archipelago in the north, a few scattered islets: Chesterfield, Walpole, Surprise, Huon, Hunter and Matthew. The area is 19 000 km2.
WEATHER
24/07/2008
Choosing the season: There are two main seasons separated by intermediary seasons :
• The hot and humid season (mid-November to mid-April). Regularly prone to barometric lows that sometimes become tropical cyclones accompanied by strong winds and heavy rain. The water level of the rivers varies greatly. High temperatures. Not well-suited to hiking.
• The first intermediary season (mid-April to mid-May). Fewer weather disturbances. Rainfall and temperatures decrease.
• The cool season (mid-May to mid-September). Barometric lows arriving from polar regions (Tasman sea) often affect the Territory. They cause the famous “Westerlies” characterized by severe gales. Heavy rains at times. Drop in temperature.
• The second intermediary season (mid-September to mid-November). This season is often dry and sunny. Temperatures rise. Occasional, light rain. Moderate but frequent trade winds. Weather disturbances of tropical origin or cold fronts can nevertheless affect the Territory during this season. The perfect time for outdoor activities and taking photos...
• Rainfall varies from year to year and depending on the season and geographical area. The Far South is one of the rainiest regions. Rainfall regularly decreases from April onwards to generally reach its lowest annual level in September, then increase again to reach its highest level in February/March. Rain is not always an unpleasant constraint. It sometimes even gives trails an original atmosphere (mist, colours…). But it can cause major safety problems. Some rivers cannot be crossed when the flow is too strong (the ford of the little Rivière Bleue of Prony, the Carénage river, the Pernod creek, etc...).
• Daylight : Daylight hours are short in New Caledonia. It is advisable to leave very early in the morning to take advantage of the coolness, the better light and to give yourself enough time.
REQUIREMENT
24/07/2008
• Valid identity card (stay of less than three months).
• Valid passport for inspection at international stops.
• No visa for citizens of the EC.
CURRENCY
24/07/2008
• The Pacific franc (1 Euro = 119.3317 CFP; constant parity).
• Visa and American Express cards (some automatic teller machines outside Noumea).
TIME DIFFERENCE
24/07/2008
• GMT + 11 hours in winter; + 10 hours in summer.
HOW TO GO TO NEW CALEDONIA FROM EUROPE
24/07/2008
• AIRCALIN www.aircalin.com
• AIR FRANCE www.airfrance.fr
• KLM www.klm.com/
• FINNAIR www.finnair.com
• QANTASwww.qantas.com
• AIR NEW ZEALAND www.airnz.co.nz
DOMESTIC LINKS
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• Aircal Company www.air-caledonie.nc/
• Inter-island links with the Betico ship - Tel: 26 01 00 - Fax: 28 98 97
ACESS TO TRAIL'S PARKING
24/07/2008
Few solutions without private car :
• Regular Bus CARSUD (Tel. 25 16 15, email : info@carsud.nc); Bus Station (Tel. 24 90 26).
• Access or recovering the dam Dumbéa can be done only by private car.
• Society Arc en Ciel: tel. 27 19 80 - Transportation at request.
• Society FPG Service: Gilles Defaut - GSM: 79 03 04 ; fax: 41 29 92.
• Gilles Lecam (see § "Find a guide") can also transport groups.
• Aventure Pulsion: 22 rue Auguste Bénébig - Vallée des Colons - Tel: (687) 26.27.48 - Fax : (687) 25.35.11 - Mail: aventure@canl.nc