Centre culturel Tjibaou
A centre devoted to Kanak culture, designed by Renzo Piano, with buildings inspired by traditional huts.
Tickets →Nouméa, France
Nouméa: airports, things to do and where to stay
Nouméa, the capital of New Caledonia, spreads over a peninsula in the south-west of Grande Terre. It combines city beaches such as Anse Vata, Kanak culture and a French atmosphere, and is the gateway to one of the world's largest lagoons, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Nouméa airports
From the airport to central Nouméa
Nouméa-La Tontouta airport is about 38 km from central Nouméa.
Tontouta Express
A shuttle timed to Air Calédonie's domestic flights, stopping in Nouméa, Dumbéa and Païta. Fare 500 F; book online.
Navettes agréées
Several licensed shuttle companies cover all arrivals and departures to and from Nouméa hotels. Booking is recommended.
Taxi
Taxis are available at the airport, but Nouméa is about 50 km away and the fare is high. Booking ahead is recommended.
Nouméa
Things to do in Nouméa
Anse Vata
The city's liveliest beach, with a seafront promenade, restaurants and water taxis to Île aux Canards.
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Place des Cocotiers
Nouméa's central square, with the Céleste fountain, flame trees and frequent markets and concerts.
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Phare Amédée
A 19th-century iron lighthouse on an islet in the lagoon, about 40 min by boat from Nouméa. A day trip with snorkelling.
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Cathédrale Saint-Joseph
A 19th-century cathedral built of local stone, on a hill overlooking the centre and the harbour.
Tickets →Frequently asked questions
Which airport serves Nouméa?
Nouméa is served by Nouméa-La Tontouta (NOU).
How far is the airport from central Nouméa?
Nouméa-La Tontouta airport is about 38 km from central Nouméa.
How do I get from the airport to central Nouméa?
From Nouméa-La Tontouta airport you can take Tontouta Express (bus), Navettes agréées (bus), and Taxi. Pre-booked taxis and private transfers are also available.
What are the must-sees in Nouméa?
Highlights of Nouméa include Centre culturel Tjibaou, Anse Vata, Place des Cocotiers, Phare Amédée, and Cathédrale Saint-Joseph.
Photo credits
- Centre culturel Tjibaou: Fanny Schertzer, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Anse Vata: David Stanley from Nanaimo, Canada, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Place des Cocotiers: David Stanley from Nanaimo, Canada, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Phare Amédée: Eustaquio Santimano from Singapore, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Cathédrale Saint-Joseph: Fanny Schertzer, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons