Natural Landscapes, Native Flora and Culture of New Caledonia Walking Tour

You will be met in Nouméa and transferred to your hotel.

This afternoon, enjoy a city tour as well as a visit to Tjibaou Kanak Cultural Centre. Stay Four Nights: Noumea, Le Meridien hotel or similar (D)

Today head north to Mount Koghi, a paradise for birdwatchers and botanists, with walking trails and a spectacular view of Nouméa. Enjoy the panoramic views across the primal forest of New Caledonia, as well as its vivid World Heritage-listed lagoon. We undertake a walk through the lush rainforest before enjoying lunch.

This afternoon, we return to Nouméa and enjoy an evening at leisure. (B/L)

Travel to the protected Blue River Park, a reserve for many bird species, including the kagu, a crested, long-legged and bluish-grey bird endemic to the dense mountain forests of New Caledonia. The landscape here is a mixture of the heathland vegetation found in the south and a dense rainforest. We're also met with the sight of gigantic kaori trees, Grevillea, Aillastrum (the New Caledonian eucalypt) and many other indigenous plants and animals. We enjoy a picnic lunch before heading back to Nouméa in the late afternoon. (B/L/D)

This morning we head to the Plain of Lakes and visit the pretty Madeleine Waterfalls. Covering a distance of some two kilometres, the botanical path leads us on an exploration of the diverse New Caledonian shrubland; the reserve also includes three endemic genera of conifers. A picnic in the park enables us to further take in the beauty and tranquillity of our surroundings, while a refreshing swim is also on the cards for those who are keen. If time allows, we will then visit Mont Dore, whose elevated forest trails lead to dramatic vantage points over nearby islands. (B/L)

Today we head north to Sarramea, situated at the base of the Grand Terre's central mountain range, 120 km north of Nouméa. Along the way, we stop at Ouano (La Foa) to follow the mangrove trails, accompanied on our walk by tuneful birdsong. Enjoy a picnic lunch before we continue on to our accommodation in Bourail. Stay Two Nights: Bourail, Sheraton Deva or similar (B/L/D)

We have a full day today to visit the Great Fern Park. The arborescent tree ferns appeared around 350 million years ago and are a spectacular feature of the park. There are also many other species of plants and wildlife in the park, much of which is endemic. We explore the rainforest trails and enjoy a picnic lunch. (B/L/D)

Today, we travel to Poindimié via Houailou, known for its lychee farms. We arrive in Poindimié in the afternoon and admire its crystal-clear waters. The diving spots along the coast here are said to be the most beautiful along the island of Grande Terre. Stay: Stay: Poindimie, Hotel Tieti or similar (B/L/D)

This morning, a drive takes us to Hienghene, one of the most biodiverse spots in New Caledonia. Here we find coral forests and black-stone cliffs in the middle of the lagoon, impressive waterfalls and lush vegetation. While here, we visit a Kanak Village and enjoy a traditional lunch with its indigenous inhabitants. The Kanak people are the largest ethnic group of New Caledonia and have lived across the archipelago for about 6000 years. Their autonomous tribal communities reside in narrow valleys between the mountains. Stay: Stay: Hienghène, Hotel Koulnoue Village or similar (B/L/D)

Take a walk along the Les roches de la Ouaïème track. Botanically rich and scenically spectacular, the track's end point gives way to panoramic views of Mount Panie, the highest mountain in New Caledonia. We then continue back to Bourail, via Kone. Stay: Stay: Bourail, Sheraton Deva Hotel or similar (B/L/D)

Explore the botanic trail through the dry forest at Guaro Deva. You will have time to freshen up before joining our final evening's celebrations at Au P'tit Café, one of Noumea's best restaurants. Stay: Stay: Noumea, Le Meridien or similar (B/L/D)

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport, where our journey concludes. (B)