Tips for First-Time Travellers to Noumea
Get a Mobilis after arriving to La Tontouta International Airport (NOU)
Mobilis is the local brand of SIM cards in New Caledonia. When you plan return flights to Noumea, many activities require confirmation via text. Mobilis SIM cards can be purchased from the local post offices after your flights to Noumea land.
Carry local currency
The majority of local vendors, tour operators, and restaurants in New Caledonia operate on a cash-only basis. When you have plane tickets to Noumea, convert some New Zealand dollars to Pacific francs before your flight. $1 NZD is approximately worth about 68.50 francs.
Plan to relax on Sundays and Mondays
On each of these days, many attractions and excursions are closed. Many tour operators also won’t take new bookings on Sundays or Mondays, so plan ahead when you have cheap flights to Noumea and adjust your sightseeing plans accordingly.
Top Experiences for Visitors with Flights to Noumea
Anse Vata Beach
Anse Vata Beach is a relatively untouched stretch of sand about 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) south of central Noumea. The beach provides beautiful views as well as a range of water activities to visitors with airfare to Noumea. Snorkel on the beach’s reef, go for a swim, or try kitesurfing. You can also enjoy a picnic after flights to Noumea by picking up a baguette and some snacks from the cafes located across the road from Anse Vata Beach. Then at the end of the day, head to one of the restaurants along the beach to enjoy sunset over dinner or a drink.
Musée de la Ville de Nouméa
If you are interested in learning more about the history and culture of the New Caledonian capital, spend some time at the Musée de la Ville de Nouméa after return flights to Noumea. The museum is located in a historic building that was built in 1874 as the first bank in New Caledonia. The museum features both permanent and rotating exhibits with artefacts that will give you a true sense of Noumea. Exhibits you can visit explore the First and Second World Wars, the fashion evolution of New Caledonia, and the French influence on Noumea and New Caledonia. After spending some time in the Musée de la Ville de Nouméa, head out back where there is a lovely botanic garden to stroll around.
Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre
The Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre is located just north of the city on the Tinu Peninsula. It celebrates the culture of the Kenak people, who are the indigenous inhabitants of New Caledonia. The centre consists of 10 pavilions that blend the traditional architectural styles of the Kenak people along with the modern styles in contemporary Europe. Artefacts you can see throughout the Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre include paintings, sculptures and handicrafts from local artists. The centre also showcases the history and culture of the Kanak people, including their struggle to keep their identity under French rule.
Packing Tips for Cheap Flights to Noumea
If you plan on visiting a few islands in New Caledonia after your flights to Noumea, pack light. Domestic flights between islands often have strict luggage allowances that can be as low as 12 kilograms (26 pounds) per person. Essentials to bring along for your flights to Noumea include a strong sunscreen to use throughout the trip, a sunhat, a pair of sturdy hiking shoes, and a plug adapter for your electronics. New Caledonia uses plug type F, which is the same plug used throughout much of Europe. In regard to clothes, keep in mind that Noumea experiences warm weather of about 23° to 30°C throughout the year. Pack some shorts, t-shirts, lightweight dresses, sandals and swimsuits for your return flights to Noumea. Also bring along a light jacket to wear at night when temperatures can drop as low as 17°C.
Etiquette Tips for Visitors with Cheap Flights to Noumea
Bring a gift when visiting local villages
If you are invited to visit a Kanak village when you have airfare to Noumea, it is customary to bring a gift – called la coutume – to the village’s chief. Examples of acceptable gifts include food or a few metres of textiles.
Say hello to locals you pass in the street
In New Caledonian culture, it is totally normal to greet and smile at everybody you see. When you have tickets to Noumea, always return the greeting when someone says hello to you. Even while travelling by car, it is polite to wave to locals who you pass.
Do not wear swimsuits outside of the beach or hotel pool
While Western-style clothing has become acceptable in Noumea and the larger towns of New Caledonia, it is considered disrespectful to wear swimsuits or revealing clothing away from the beach.
