Nouméa

Walking

The climb up ouen toro park at the south of noumea the hill near most of the big hotels is a great way to spend a few hours. there are many paths through the hill that are signed though sometimes poorly due to vandalism and many places to stop, rest and take in the views. at the top of the 128m summit is a military base that can not be visited and an old battery that has bbq facilities.

Snorkeling

It is highly suggested to snorkel while in noumea. the water off rocher a la voile around and into baie des citrons has coral literally meters from the shore line, making it very easy to see the coral and fish that inhabit there.

Baie des Citrons is also very protected from wind, making it even more enjoyable for the novice.But also if you are prepared to pay for a water taxi ride, Ile aux Canards just off Anse Vata maybe half a kilometer away has a snorkeling track in a marine park that has even better coral to see. The visibility can be poor after rough weather, and the charges for almost everything are appallingly heavy 600 CFP for a chair, the same for an umbrella, and the service is surely the surliest found anywhere in Nouméa, aside from the Tjibaou cafeteria. You get there by water taxi from the lower level of the faré "native hut" half-way along the Plage Loisirs or Anse Vata beach. The price in March 2010 was 1000CFP for a return trip, which was good value.It should be noted that seeing sea snakes is not uncommon in Noumean waters, but they are very unlikely to bite a snorkeler. Sharks are very rarely seen though.You can rent a mask, fins and snorkel for about 1000 CFP, so you may think it worthwhile taking your own.

Island hopping/visiting

There are also many tourist operators who will take you to an island to sunbathe, swim and explore — like the light house tours available from most tourist operators on anse vata, or via the hotels.

New Caledonia is home of one of the largest Lagoons in the world. So naturally water sports are very popular.

The quickest way up from the area near Anse Vata is to walk along rue g. Laroque, but if you reach the pharmacy and the Hippodrome, you have gone too far. Go past the first couple of cross streets, then look for rue Paul Baumier on your right: there is a Gascon restaurant on one corner, and the Val Plaisance Charcuterie on the other. Walk up the street warily the drivers are a bit wild then pick up the track at the top end of the street. This leads up to the road that comes from somewhere past the Meridien hotel. The track is a bit of a scrabble, with a number of 5 cm stumps, but this mid-60s rambler got up it all right. Once you are on the road, you can either go west to look out over the sea or just look for the walking tracks that start immediately opposite. There is a painted map-sign there we could not get any printed ones so take some notes, especillay of the distances, because these are repeated on the track signage.

The main thing is to be aware that there are many other tracks than the ones shown, and the red tracks on the signboard map are indeed "difficult". In the late afternoon, we found plenty of other walkers and runners so the place is safe enough. Take some water, and watch where you put your feet, as twisted ankles are always possible on the loose stones and rocks. Keep an eye on where you are going so that you can retrace your steps, because the internal signs are poor. The views, however, are superb.

Most of Nouméa is also very close together, and safe to walk day and night between the suburbs. By day, the walk from Anse Vata along to and around the Baie des Citrons is pleasant. Assume that coffee and tea along the way will leave you little change from 500 CFP each.