Noumea is located in French special collectivity of New Caledonia. New Caledonia is an archipelago that is situated in the southwest of the Pacific Ocean, some 20 thousand kilometres away from the city of Paris, France. The archipelago is much closer to the continent of Australia, just 1.2 thousand kilometres east. Noumea is the capital and the largest city on New Caledonia. The city has an area of 45.7 kilometre-squared with a population of around 180 thousand people. Noumea serves as the chief port for New Caledonia.
1. La Tontouta International Airport
The main airport serves New It is located about 52 kilometres northwest of Noumea city centre. It only has one runaway and a terminal. In 2017, La Tontouta International Airport handled more than 500 thousand passengers. There are four airlines providing service to the airport with most destinations going to major cities in Australia. There are also flights going to Auckland, New Zealand, Tokyo, Japan and to the Republic of Vanuatu. There is a cargo service provided by Pacific Air Express to Brisbane.
2. Noumea Magenta Airport
A second airport in Noumea. It is a smaller airport and only handles domestic flights. It is located not far from the city centre, just 3 kilometres away. It only has one runaway and one terminal, however, it had handled almost 500 thousand passengers in 2017. Noumea Magenta Airport is only served by Air Caledonia, a French airline and only for New Caledonia.
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Though Noumea is great to visit any time of the year, the best will be from September until November. The weather during these months is usually warm with plenty of sunlight and comfortable temperature around 25°C. These months are also during the peak tourist season, so do expect plenty of tourist crowds. Accommodation’s rates can be on the higher side. The off-season usually from the end of November until April as Noumea and New Caledonia experience heavy rainfall. Tourist crowds are a lot smaller during the rainy season. However, one can still explore Noumea, its great history and culture as rains usually occur late in the afternoon and at nights. The temperature usually will be around 17-20°C. Noumea celebrates plenty of festivals throughout the year. These festivals range from regional to national events. There are also significant celebrations that are often related to food, harvest and religion. One of the most important festivals is the Yam Festival that is held annually, in mid-April. Noumea Carnival in mid-August is one of the largest events on the island. Noumea also celebrates the Bastille Day just like the rest of France on 14th of July with a parade.
1. City Centre – What is the best way to explore one city if not by walking around? The city centre of Noumea offers great things for tourists to do and do. Enjoy the shades under huge trees at the Place de Cocotiers, see some old and yet still beautiful colonial buildings and many more.
2. Noumea’s Central Market – Better known as the Marche municipal de Noumea. It is a great place to explore the local’s palate and be a part of the people. The central market does offer not only a variety of products but also everyday items and even handmade jewellery.
3. Tjibaou Cultural Centre – What is a better way to learn about a place culture other than going to the cultural centre? Tjibaou Cultural Centre celebrates the Kanak culture, an indigenous people of New Caledonia.