New Caledonia 2005

Ile des Pins (Isle of Pines) - New Caledonia

In August, 2005 we travelled to New Caledonia on a well earned break. We joked that this was perhaps our "delayed honeymoon" as although we had spent an amazing time on our honeymoon in the UK, Ireland and Italy, we never really had that "island getaway" where we could just chill! We decided to splurge and stay at the Meridien on the Ile des Pins (Isle of Pines) in a bungalow by the water. We had a lovely 3 days on the island (a short flight from Noumea) and spent a lazy day or two wading through the many lagoons and natural pools surrounding the resort, as well as the island itself. PS Jett also came on this trip with us (as we later found out!)...as I was in early pregnancy.

Our bungalow was on the one of the lagoons so we got to watch the fish swim by in the crystal clear water while having breakfast!

...wading, contemplating, footprints....

1 Baie de Oro
2 Baie de St Joseph
3 Le Meridien Beach

One of our favourite meals on the island was a traditional bougna meal....every type of yam cooked with chicken in leaves in the coals of a fire (carb load!).

1 View of Anse Vata Beach
2 A local game of petanque

We also stayed a few days in the capital of New Caledonia, Noumea (staying at Anse Vata Beach).

One of the popular day trips from Noumea is to take a cruise out to Amedee Lighthouse, where the snorkelling is amazing. A bonus for us was the humpback whales that decided to swim near our boat.....

Unfortunately we were a bit slow with our camera and got lots of photos of the waves "post-breech". But it was definitely an unexpected whale watching trip!

Gray had a ball snorkelling and took full advantage of his disposable underwater camera.

If anyone is going to New Caledonia, definitely try to get out to the Isle of Pines - it was the highlight of our trip and there is great accommodation ranging from resort to stays with locals. It also seems quite family friendly! ...oh and with the french culture, the croissants are fab!