Tips for First-Time Travellers to Noumea
Hiring a car in Noumea
If you're visiting Noumea in peak season, you'll want to book your car hire as soon as possible. With a limited amount of vehicles on the island, it's common for the rentals to get fully booked. Luckily, you can choose the car of your choice while booking your Christchurch to Noumea flights with Webjet. Once you arrive, you can pick up your vehicle from La Tontouta International Airport (NOU). While you don't need a car to see the main tourist attractions in the city, you'll need one for day trips to see the island's incredible natural wonders.
Research domestic flights
Planning to island hop once you've bought your flights Christchurch to Noumea? The city is a springboard to some of the more remote islands. Use Webjet and save money on domestic airfare to destinations such as Ouvéa, Maré, Lifou, Isle of Pines, Koné and Touho.
Pack light
When planning Christchurch to Noumea flights, you'll want to leave space in your suitcase for souvenirs. It's also useful to buy food in Noumea if you're planning to island hop. Restaurants and shops on the more remoter islands can be expensive.
Pack snorkelling gear
While it's possible to hire snorkelling gear in Noumea, the rental costs can add up. Keep your budget in check by investing in equipment before your flights Christchurch to Noumea arrive. This way, if you stumble across a secluded beach or lagoon, you can explore Noumea's marine life without having to hunt down a rental shop.
Wear reef-safe sunscreen
Nothing ruins a holiday faster than a sunburn. Keep your skin safe from the sun's harmful rays by lathering up on sunscreen throughout the day. It's also wise to stock up on reef-safe options before boarding your cheap flights Christchurch to Noumea to avoid damaging the natural environment.
The Best Time to Visit Noumea
When buying flights Christchurch to Noumea, there are two factors you need to take into account. New Caledonia has two distinct seasons: the dry (May to October) and wet (November to April). If you're searching for cheap flights to Noumea from Christchurch, book your trip for the latter. The changeable weather keeps travellers away, and hotels may drop their rates.
That being said, you’ll want to keep an eye on cyclone reports when buying your Christchurch to Noumea return flights. While the dry season means picture-perfect island days, you'll need to have a bigger budget. From May to October, Noumea sees an influx in tourists landing at La Tontouta International Airport (NOU) to escape the European winter.
You may have a harder time booking your first choice hotel, and Christchurch to Noumea return flights can be more expensive. But the dry season is the best time for snorkelling and diving.
Top Experiences For Visitors in Noumea
Walk up Mont Dore
For hikers buying tickets to Noumea from Christchurch, the walk up to Mont Dore is a must. Once you make it to the summit, you'll have panoramic views of Noumea. Don't forget to pack enough water for the four-hour climb and try to start early in the morning to avoid the heat of the day.
Musée de la Seconde Guerre Mondiale (WWII Museum)
If you're not aware of Noumea's role in the Second World War, a visit to the museum is well worth the trip. History buffs purchasing cheap flights to Noumea from Christchurch can learn tons of interesting facts, like how the war developed the island's infrastructure and how it helped with Kanak equality. There are in-depth exhibits in English and French, so you don't need to worry about hiring a guide to understand this part of Noumea's history.
La Parc de la Rivière Bleue
La Parc de la Rivière Bleue is one of the top day trips from Noumea. It's only a 90-minute drive from the city and is the ideal spot to spend an afternoon of kayaking, cycling or hiking. For travellers buying flights Christchurch to Noumea, you can hire a bike or a canoe at the entrance of the park. Don't miss out on exploring the 'sunken forest'!
Amedee Island
Another day trip to add to your Noumea itinerary is Amedee Island. There are plenty of tour operators that provide full-day excursions to the islet. Once your flights Christchurch to Noumea land at La Tontouta International Airport (NOU), you can book and spend the day on-board a glass-bottomed boat, swimming with sea turtles.