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New Caledonia

Where Mediterranean vibes mingle with Melanesian warmth

New Caledonia

Where French flair meets Pacific paradise

Only a two-and-a-half-hour flight from Auckland, New Caledonia effortlessly blends chic French sophistication with mellow South Pacific charm. Step off the plane and you'll instantly feel the allure. 

Noumea, the stylish capital at the southern tip of Grande Terre, feels remarkably like the French Riviera. Wander charming streets lined with boutiques, pâtisseries, cheese shops, and bustling cafés, visit the Latin Quarter or explore historic districts like Vallée du Tir, and you'll swear you've landed in France.

Just minutes away are the luxurious beachside resorts of Anse Vata, overlooking the world’s largest lagoon, teeming with colourful tropical fish, rare turtles, and even the gentle dugong. Beyond Noumea, Grande Terre unfolds into forests, mountains, and grassy plains just waiting to be explored.

But don't stop there. Relax on the idyllic Isle of Pines, known as the "jewel of the Pacific," or escape to the tranquil Loyalty Islands of Lifou, Maré, and Ouvéa, where white sands, turquoise waters, and serene beauty redefine relaxation.

For your perfect New Caledonian adventure: embrace Noumea’s chic city charm, unwind in Anse Vata’s resorts, then let it all go on a dreamy outer island. Bliss!

Chat to one of our travel specialists today!

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Flight time

2.5 hours from Auckland to Noumea, 3 hours and 26 minutes from Wellington to Noumea and 3 hours and 41 minutes from Christchurch to Noumea.

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Best time to go

The best time to visit New Caledonia is from May to October, when the weather is pleasantly cool and dry, perfect for outdoor activities. This period also aligns with the whale-watching season from July to September. The wet season from November to April brings higher humidity and occasional storms.

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Time difference

New Zealand is 1 hour ahead of New Caledonia.

Meet our New Caledonia specialists

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Rhonda Bignell

Rhonda Bignell

House of Travel Ferrymead

Travel is a passion for me, I have been in travel for quite some time (too long to remember) from Corporate to Leisure. 

I aim to help people no matter what their plans are to create the best holiday experience possible. I enjoy being part of our travellers experience and making the whole process as easy as possible & to create fantastic memories that are special and will last a lifetime for themselves and their families.

I have travelled to some amazing places, but one stands out, the 6 months I spent working on Antarctica at McMurdo Station is a highlight & backpacking through India was a challenge.

From visiting the many aspects of Australia, Asia, South Africa & South America to basking in the sun on the Maldives or hitting the beaches and shopping in Thailand I would love to help you create some new stories & memories. I love active holidays and have followed the Moto GP / Formula 1 and the Isle of Man TT was particularly exciting. Followed by walking up on Mt Kinabalu was another eventful trip.

However, every great adventure starts with a plan, and I would be honoured to help you with that plan, whether you take the road less travelled or one of the many roads that lead to Rome.

I look forward to helping you to create more wonderful stories and memories in the coming years.

Rhonda

Bridget Hanrahan

Bridget Hanrahan

House of Travel Prestons

Bridget has an amazing collection of knowledge from 19 years creating wonderful itineraries for all her clients. She takes the role of research very seriously from finding the finest cocktail to ensuring everyone has the best activity tips!

Her knowledge in cruising, as well as other adventure and family travel combined with her easy approachable manner takes the pain out of planning your trip of a lifetime. 

"Designing unique travel experiences is my passion. My attention to detail and always looking for exclusive options ensures that all client's experiences are seamless right from the initial enquiry". 

When Bridget is not pouring over brochures for inspiration, you can find her having a game of tennis, finding the next best HOT Chocolate, or spending time with her family. 

Years in the industry: 19+ 
No. of countries visited: 25 
Favourite place to visit: Africa

"Travel is the healthiest addiction" - Anonymous


Why I love travel: 

For me life is about experiences, not things! I love exploring new places, cultures, environments. I see travel for me as an addiction - I just can't stay away and helping people is so rewarding. 


My travel tips: 

  • Travel as soon as you can, don't delay as life is too short. 
  • If you want an adventure head to Antarctica or the Arctic before anywhere else. 
  • Always carry a change of clothes, any valuables and medication in your carry-on luggage. The House of Travel online brochures are a great source of information when planning your journey then we can finetune your holiday for you. 


My top 5 destinations: 

  • Africa- Serengeti plains!!! Perfect place to go to create family memories with our young adult kids! Adventure to encounter wildlife and camping in the Serengeti!
  • Dubai- the mix of culture, sights, architecture, markets, desert and the malls - even though shopping is not my thing. 
  • Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska - I was incredibly fortunate to have a family holiday in Canada, Alaska, Las Vegas and California and I'll never forget rafting on the Nenana River, rounding a bend to see a moose and her two calves taking a drink …. we all forgot to keep paddling; it was an incredible sight!
  • Rome - the history and the chaos of a bustling city it offers so much culture with a cool vibe. 
  • Thailand - I lived near Chiang Mai as an exchange student many years ago and have been back to the country three times. It is great for families, couples, singles with so much to see and do. 


What's in my suitcase?

  • Happiness - I'm always in my happy place as soon as I travel.
  • Active wear - Our holidays always include adventure and plenty of travel. 
  • A copy of my passport and insurance policy number and phone number, in case I lose my carryon bag and phone. 

Bridget



Jess Carman

Jess Carman

House of Travel Wellington City

What I love most about my job is helping others make their travel dreams a reality! It may sound cheesy, but it really is true!

I started out back in 2002 & have enjoyed travels through South East Asia, the Pacific, Australia, USA, the UK & Europe!

After having my son just before our first Covid lockdown in 2020, I took a bit of a hiatus but came back to House of Travel in April 2024.

Once a travel agent, always a travel agent!

I really enjoy building relationships with my customers and taking the time to get to know them in the effort to ensure we create the dream holiday they are looking for.

I look forward to helping you weave your dreams too!

Jess 


Charlotte Campbell

Charlotte Campbell

House of Travel Papamoa

Travel has been an integral part of my life for over 20 years, and I can't imagine pursuing anything else.  This year, I proudly celebrate my 17th year with House of Travel Papamoa, where I truly love being a 'hottie.' Our store boasts a fantastic team culture that makes coming to work a joyful experience every day.

I find immense satisfaction in crafting bespoke itineraries that transform my clients' dreams into reality.  While the USA remains my favourite destination, my travels have also taken me through the stunning landscapes of New Zealand, the enchanting South Pacific, vibrant Australia, diverse Europe, and picturesque Canada and Alaska. This year (2024), I had the incredible opportunity to experience the magic of South Africa, where witnessing wildlife in their natural habitat is nothing short of breath-taking. Being on safari brings you so close to majestic animals, just meters away, creating unforgettable memories. 

Remember, your holiday begins the moment you step through our door. I invite you to share your vision of the perfect getaway—how it looks and feels, any research you've conducted, and your essential must-haves. The more we delve into your aspirations together, the more extraordinary your holiday will be!


Charlotte

Customer holidays snaps

Best. New Caledonia Holidays. Ever!

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