Lagoons of New Caledonia

I visited this WHS in December 2017. Of the 6 different locations which make up this WHS in the South Pacific archipelago and overseas French territory of New Caledonia, I visited 4 locations, namely the Zone Côtière Ouest and the Zone Côtière Nord-Est from the main island of Grand Terre, the Grand Lagon Sud from the main island of Grand Terre and from the Isle of Pines to the southeast and the Atoll d’Ouvéa et Beautemps-Beaupré from the island of Ouvea.

In Noumea, on the Grand Terre, I rented a car to cover at least 3 locations out of the 4 which can be explored directly from the main island. The Grand Terre is 400km in length with mountain ranges and 5 peaks which are over 1500m, so driving from one place to the next requires a considerable amount of time but is quite easy especially from Noumea to La Foa or to Bourail. At each location I visited there were UNESCO inscription boards and maps depicting each of the 6 inscribed locations. The highlight on the Grand Terre were the crystal clear lagoons around the pretty mangrove islands which are inhabited by dugongs. Several action plans are in place to preserve these wonderful lagoons which are easily accessible by driving to the Plage de Ouano and following the Sentier des Trois Baies.

From Noumea, taxis and public transport are not a reliable means of transport so factor this when visiting and allow enough time before departure even if most …

Seeing the Lagoons and Reefs around New Caledonia involved viewing from the air, from vantage points on land, from the comfort of a cruising vessel and up close beneath the waves.

The island of Ouvea in the Loyalty Group was best viewed from the air on the flight from Noumea. But once on the island the opportunity to use the pristine beaches as means of access to the shallow reefs was irresistable.

To reach the Isle of Pines I flew from Noumea across the southern reefs. Once on the island I transferred to a cruiser and travelled around the reefs and offshore islands. The colours were spectacular.

I drove up the West Coast of the Grand Ile stopping at Bourail to visit the coast in the vicinity of the 'Roche Percee'. After visiting more reefs around Kone I traversed the mountains to the opposite coast.

I spent several days exploring the East Coast, a pristine coastal landscape extendimg from Pouebo south to Poindimie. Every bay and estuary provided a different vista.

Time prevented me from reaching the Grand Northern Lagoon and the atolls of Entrecasteaux.