Making the most of Noumea
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
The ship is scheduled to dock at Quai des Longs Courriers, which is located in the town center. The plaza around the terminal will be set up for an outdoor market. The second floor of the terminal building also features live music and vendor booths. Sometimes the commercial port about one kilometer to the north is used, shuttles provided.
Noumea is easily explored on foot.
Taxis are not readily available; they will only come to the pier if ordered by telephone.
Printable map to take along.
Noumea, New Caledonia's capital is a bastion of French culture and often referred to as the St-Tropez of the Pacific. Arriving in Noumea creates a feeling that you have arrived somewhere very colonial, very French and where most everything works, except between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. when everything is closed.
Place des Cocotiers This lovely square is the hub of the city. From here at kilometer zero all distances on the island are measured. The focal point of the square is the Fontaine Monumentale. St. Joseph's Cathedral To the left of the square stands this church, built in 1893, with its two square towers.
Getting around
New Caledonia Aquanature offers snorkeling tours of the second largest coral reef barrier in the world.
The Petit Yellow Train, a motorized vehicle that takes you on a guided orientation of the city and surrounding area.
Many other tours are also offered at the terminal.
Nearby places
Botanical Garden and Zoo Located three miles northeast of town, a variety of colorful parrots, some flying foxes and the curious, flightless cagou, which is the national bird, can be seen.
Nouméa probably has the "best" climate in the South Pacific, with more sunshine days than any other Pacific Island capital, and some excellent beaches not far from the city center.
Food and shopping
New Caledonia is very expensive, since much of the food needs to be imported. There is no culture of bargaining either and attempting such might cause offense.
Best buys in Noumea are imported goods from France, with duty-free shops offering savings of 20 to 30%.
There is a large Casino supermarket across from the cruise terminal.
Money
Currency CFP franc (XPF
Staying connected
Official languages French
English, and Japanese are widely spoken at hotels, restaurants, and shops
Opening Hours and
Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0730-1100 and 1400-1800, Sat 0730-1100 Some stores will be open on Sunday morning. The city market is open seven days a week.