New Caledonia Tours & Vacations

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Whether you need a visa to travel to New Caledonia depends on which country you're a national of, with passport holders from countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States, Japan and France generally being exempt from requiring a visa. However, there is still some documentation you need to present before being let into the country, such as a valid passport, proof of return flight, and travel insurance. 

If you're from a country that hasn't been listed, you'll likely need to apply for a visa to New Caledonia before your intended date of arrival into the country. 

This page is for general information only and may be subject to change. It is your responsibility to obtain relevant visa and travel information required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region you visit on your trip. You should confirm these with the relevant embassies and/or consulates. 

Last updated: 14 December 2022 

There are two distinct seasons in New Caledonia; a hot and rainy season from December to March and a cold and dry season from June to September which makes up the island country's tropical climate. During the hot season, temperatures average around 30/32°C but can climb as high as 35°C with the humidity also making it uncomfortable to spend long periods of time outside. You can also expect heavy rainfall during this time although it doesn't tend to last for too long unless there's a tropical storm. The cold season sees temperatures average at around 20°C while remaining relatively dry. 

What to pack for New Caledonia largely depends on what time of the year you travel in, but because it's a tropical destination, packing plenty of t-shirts, dresses, short-sleeved shirts, shorts, and skirts is a safe bet.

Make sure to pack clothes that are made from light, breathable clothing because it can get warm and humid in New Caledonia during the summer.

You should also pack appropriate sun protection such as hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen if you plan on spending a considerable amount of time in the sun. Don't forget to pack your swimsuit! 

It's relatively easy to get to New Caledonia as there are several options available including catching a plane or arriving via boat. Flying to New Caledonia is the easiest and most time-efficient way to travel, especially if you're flying from Australia's east coast with plenty of direct flights arriving into and departing daily from La Tontouta Airport in Noumea. 

New Caledonian cuisine is heavy on both seafood and flavour, so you can expect traditional dishes to be tasty and packed with local produce. With a combination of both Melanesian and French influences, you're guaranteed to want seconds of everything you eat. Here are some of our favourite dishes: 

• Bougna (a stew-like dish made of chicken, lobster or fish and served with root vegetables). 
• Plenty of seafood including coconut crab, New Caledonian blue prawns, and oysters
• Venison
• Civet de Rousette (bat stew) 

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to: Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to: UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to: Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to: US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.