Visit the Isle of Pines in 4 days
From your arrival from the mainland at the Moué airport to the Baie d'Oro, you will discover its natural swimming pool, Isle of Pines. With its areas of fine sand, its lush nature,this place is full of history. Follow our recommendations for a 4-day trip to the Isle of Pines.
Day 1 - Pure relaxation on the beautiful bays of Kanumera and Kuto
A real invitation to relaxation
Although it is a short flight to the Isle of Pines from Noumea, we still want to relax. So dedicate your first stop to relaxing on one of the most beautiful spots of the island.
The surface area of the Isle of Pines is 18 kilometers long and 14 kilometers wide, making it easy to reach various points of interest. With its crystal clear waters and its beautiful white sandy beaches, the splendid Bay of Kanumera is a real invitation to idleness. You can also opt for the Bay of Kuto nearby. It is larger, a little more crowded, but it is just as beautiful.
Day 2 - Visit of Upi Bay by canoe
Excursions to discover the high places of the island
Several local tour operators offer excursions to the natural water pools and the beautiful Upi Bay. With its parade of outrigger canoes, the bay offer a unique view, some compares the bay to its Vietnamese big sister, Along Bay.
Ask your hotel or host to book you a tour. The tours usually start at the pirogues, you will go along the Upi Bay to discover the different spots visible only from the water. Then your guide will drop you off on land, and you will walk for half an hour in the forest before reaching the Natural pool of Oro. There you will have the opportunity to admire an array of fishes, each more colorful than the other.
Focus on : the Natural pool of the Isle of Pines
Located near the Bay of Oro, the natural swimming pool of the Isle of Pines is a must for your trip. Accessible on foot after a 30-minute walk, this unique location will not leave you speechless.
A spectacular snorkeling spot, the Natural pool of the Bay of Pines is home to a rich underwater ecosystem that you can easily see from the poolside.
However, remember to bring enough money to pay for access to this protected area.
Day 3 - From Vao market to the remains of the penal colony
Stroll in the village of the island
If you're here on a Wednesday or Saturday, set your alarm and come to the market in Vao, the only real village on the island. The atmosphere is picturesque and you can enjoy a breakfast of pastries and coffee while watching the locals shop. You can also enjoy the delicious local fruits. Before leaving the village of Vao, don't forget to visit its pretty little church.
In the footsteps of Queen Hortense
Familiarize yourself with the historical past of the Isle of Pines by tracing the story of Queen Hortense.
An emblematic figure of the island, Queen Hortense gave her name to a cave in which she took refuge between 1855 and 1856, during the wars of succession on the island. A small temple is dedicated to the Queen at the entrance of the cave.
It was also at the end of the 19th century the island was set up as a penal colony by the French authorities. Some of these buildings remain on the island to this day, remnants of the penal colony era. You can visit them before returning to Kuto Bay or to Moué Airport to continue your trip to Nouméa or one of the other Loyalty Islands. (links to pages)
Day 4 - Excursion to the islets Brosse and Moro with lobster tasting
An unforgettable sea trip
Starting from Kuto Bay, you will enjoy a 30-minute boat ride on the magnificent lagoon of the Isle of Pines. On your way there, turtles, manta rays and dolphins will accompany you to the Islet Brosse and its spectacular beach. When you arrive, enjoy the best snorkeling spots of the island to admire the blue corals that cover the sea bed.
Then, depart to the Islet Moro where beautiful grilled lobsters will be waiting for you. It would indeed be a shame to leave the Kunie country without having tasted this emblematic crustacean of the island, which will delight your taste buds. You can also choose to taste snails, called bulimes, and fish from the lagoon. Finally, you will leave this postcard setting at the end of the afternoon with stars in your eyes.
Isle of Pines : Activities not to be missed
Want to extend your getaway? Take advantage of the various things to do in the Isles of Pines to discover all the richness of this island.
Scuba diving on the Isle of Pines
There are plenty of scuba diving spots around the island with unique environments. The valley of the Gorgonians, the Noupoa fault and the Gié pass are some of the points to discover during your escapade. The diving centers of the island will accompany you during these vibrant and emotional experiences.
Scuba diving on the Isle of Pines
There are plenty of scuba diving spots around the island with unique environments. The valley of the Gorgonians, the Noupoa fault and the Gié pass are some of the points to discover during your escapade. The diving centers of the island will accompany you during these vibrant and emotional experiences.
The Snorkeling
In addition to Oro Bay, the Isle of Pines offers several popular snorkeling spots, including Kanumera Bay and the Isle of Pines lagoon. Its calm waters may allow you to see sea turtles or stingrays.
The island's hikes
Leave the sea front for an excursion inland, the Isle of Pines also offers the possibility of making beautiful walks:
The water hole of Tchatchaoume: discover a fresh water reserve lost in the middle of the forest and let yourself be charmed by its transparent water. One of the most beautiful walks on the island.
Hike in the pine forests: don't miss the Araucaria Columnaris forest, the pines that gave the island its name
Climbing N'Ga Peak: enjoy a breathtaking view of the whole island by climbing to the top of N'ga Peak. It takes about an hour and a half to walk to the top of its 262 meters.
How to get to the isle of Pines from Noumea
To reach the Isle of Pines from main island, Noumea, you have two options:
By plane: from Noumea Magenta Airport, it is possible to reach the Isle of Pines via Air Caledonie flights. The average flight time from Noumea to the Isle of Pines is 40 minutes. Book your domestic flight.
By boat: boats make regular crossings between the two islands. The crossings are operated by the company Betico.
