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Just like the rest of New Caledonia, the East Coast is abundant in incredible natural beauty. Lined with amazing coastal regions, peppered with fantastic diving spots and home to rich valleys perfect for hiking, it’s a corner of the archipelago that looks spectacular at any time of the year.
Much more than just a pretty face, the northern reaches of the East Coast also offer an opportunity to encounter and embrace the local Kanak culture. Enjoy an introduction to the arts and traditions of the Kanak people, visit a local village or delight your senses with the sights and sounds of a traditional show.
Top things to do on the East Coast:
- Kayak around the Hen and Sphinx: Situated in Hienghène Bay, the Hen and Sphinx are just two of the many black-stone rock formations scattered throughout the bay. Known locally as La Poule, the Hen earns its name from its chicken-like shape and a fascinating local legend, while the Sphinx’s resemblance to its Egyptian namesake is certainly hard to deny! While these intriguing rock formations are great to view from the shore, hiring a kayak and seeing them up close is another experience altogether. Paddle around these imposing natural figures and marvel in their sheer scale, with some rocks towering 60 metres above the waters below.
- Hike the Linderalique cliffs: If you’re looking for the perfect balance of breathtaking natural beauty and captivating culture, there’s no better place to start than Hienghène. Black-stone cliffs add a sense of drama to the landscape, while lush vegetation and the sparkling waters of the lagoon offer the perfect backdrop for swimming, snorkelling, hiking and a host of other activities.
- Ride the Ouaième Ferry: The last of its kind in New Caledonia, the Ouaième ferry acts as a link between the towns of Pouébo and Hienghène. Without a bridge to take vehicles to the opposing bank, cars and coaches are loaded on to a steel ferry and carried across the short stretch of water. Although the ferry ride may be quite short, the crossing offers some fantastic views of the native plantlife that lines the banks of the Ouaième River and out towards the lagoon. The ferry service is free to use and operates daily.
- See the beautiful Tao Waterfall: For those looking for the perfect excuse to cool down, soak up some great views and enjoy a touch of ethereal natural beauty, Tao Waterfall is just the ticket. Following a short drive north of Hienghène Village and a ferry crossing of the Ouaième River, an easy hiking trail (taking around 40 minutes to complete) will lead you from the main road to the waterfall. Enjoy a well earned dip on a warm sunny day or simply take some time to revel in the beauty of this incredible natural phenomenon.
- Explore Hienga Islet: Situated just 15 minutes off the coast, a visit to Hienga Islet is sure to leave you feeling worlds away from the daily grind. Currently uninhabited, the small island is surrounded by soft white sands and beautifully clear waters. Join a guided tour that takes you along the island’s underwater snorkelling trail and see the diverse marine species that call the area home, enjoy a stroll along the coast or simply take some time to sit back, relax and soak up the incredible scenery.
- Visit a local tribe: Local tribes will open their doors to you, providing an affordable, and unforgettable, accommodation option. While staying with a tribe, guests generally sleep in typical Melanesian huts set slightly apart from the family house. The clay or cement floor huts have mats for sleeping and a traditional hearth in the centre. Cooking and showering facilities are housed in separate buildings.
Kanak families welcoming you to their tribe will share their customs, their way of life and their know-how during your stay, allowing you to learn more about traditional life in New Caledonia. An experience quite unlike any other, the time spent getting to know the locals who call the archipelago home certainly won’t be forgotten any time soon. Look forward to activities such as traditional fishing, pandanus plaiting (making baskets, mats and more), preparing bougna (a traditional Kanak dish) and visiting yam plantations.
📍 The video features the following locations:
Hienghène, East Coast
Ouaième, East Coast
Tao Waterfall, East Coast
Hienga Islet, East Coast
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