Road Tripping New Caledonia With Kids
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
While the outer islands get all the attention, New Caledonia's main island is often overlooked but has a lot to offer. From wild west vibes to rugged rainforest mountains & quiet beaches. A road trip on Grand Terre is the perfect way to explore this beautiful country and escape the crowds.
If you're wondering where to go, this is the route we followed on our 7 day road trip around Grande Terre. Starting in Nouméa, we travelled north through Bourail and Hienghène before crossing back through the mountains to Sarraméa and returning to the capital.
Hiring a Car in New Caledonia
Hiring a car in New Caledonia is easy and the best way to explore Grande Terre. It gives you the freedom to stop at beaches, viewpoints and small towns along the way. We booked through Rentalcars.com which we found on booking.com and paid just AUD $148 for six days, which was incredible value.
Bourail & The West Coast (2 Nights)
After a wonderful few days on the Isle of Pines, we flew back to Nouméa, picked up a hire car, and began our road trip around Grande Terre.
We travelled north along the west coast, which has a very different feel to the islands. It's a little bit Wild West, with wide-open landscapes, cattle stations and horses everywhere.
Our first stop was Bourail. We spent some time exploring the coastline around La Roche Percée. The Three Bays Trail is an easy coastal walk that winds along the cliffs and connects several beautiful beaches, including Turtle Bay and Lovers' Bay. It's a beautiful walk with incredible ocean views and plenty of spots to stop and look for turtles.
The local beach, Poé Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches on Grande Terre. With its long stretch of white sand, crystal-clear water and views across the lagoon, it was the perfect spot for a swim with kids.
Hienghene (3 Nights)
From Bourail, we continued north to Hienghène, where we stayed at the Koulnoué Village, a beachfront resort just outside town. Set right on the beach, the resort was a great base for a few relaxing days. The kids loved the pool, the swings hanging from the trees and the open grassy spaces to run around, while we enjoyed the laid-back atmosphere and cute bungalow-style rooms.
Lined with coconut palms and calm, clear water, Koulnoué Beach is one of the prettiest stretches of coastline on Grande Terre. It's also famous for appearing on New Caledonia's 5,000 CFP franc note.
If you have an extra day in Hienghène, it's worth driving north along the coast. It's a beautiful drive through lush tropical rainforests, past rivers and towering mountains, before reaching the tiny Ouaième Ferry. Carrying just a couple of vehicles at a time, the crossing takes only a few minutes and is a fun experience for kids. It's also the last remaining car ferry in New Caledonia.
From there, continue along the coastal road to Tao Waterfall, around 45 minutes from Hienghène. After a short walk through tropical forest, you'll reach a series of natural pools beneath a beautiful waterfall, making it the perfect spot for a refreshing swim. Combined with the scenic drive and mountain views, it makes for a fantastic day out. We explored and had swimming holes all to ourselves!
Back in Hienghène, keep an eye out for the famous Chicken Rock (La Poule de Hienghène), a striking natural rock formation that looks remarkably like a giant hen sitting in the bay.
Sarramea (1 Night)
Our final stop on Grande Terre was Sarraméa, where we planned to spend a night before returning to Nouméa. Unfortunately, we struck terrible weather and spent far longer than expected trying to find our Airbnb. By the time we arrived, we were more than happy to abandon our sightseeing plans and jump straight into the spa.
We didn't get to see much of Sarraméa due to the rain, but if the weather is on your side, Sarraméa is known for its crystal-clear swimming holes, waterfalls, rainforest walks and hiking trails through the surrounding mountains. You can find more information on things to do in the area through the official New Caledonia Tourism website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Caledonia expensive?
Yes, we found New Caledonia to be slightly more expensive than Australia. To save money, book your hire car and accommodation well in advance, shop around for deals, and carry snacks for road trips. Grand Terre was cheaper to travel than the Islands.
What currency does New Caledonia use?
The currency is the CFP Franc (XPF).
What power points do they use?
New Caledonia uses European-style Type C and Type E power points.
How much time do you need in New Caledonia?
We recommend at least 7–10 days to experience both Grande Terre and one or two of the outer islands. Two weeks is ideal if you want to explore at a slower pace.
What was our favourite island?
The Isle of Pines. With crystal-clear water, beautiful beaches and a relaxed atmosphere, it such a special place.
Grande Terre is well worth exploring. Coastal road trips, mountain scenery and stunning beaches, it offers a completely different side of the country. If you have the time, don't just fly in and out of Nouméa — hit the road and discover what the main island has to offer.
Planning a Trip to New Caledonia?
Ready to start planning your own New Caledonia adventure? Here are a few resources we used when organising our trip:
✈️ Compare Flights – Find the best flight deals to New Caledonia.
🚗 Book a Hire Car – The easiest way to explore Grande Terre at your own pace.
🏨 Find Accommodation – Browse hotels, apartments and family-friendly stays across New Caledonia.
🛡️ Travel Insurance – We never travel without comprehensive travel insurance for peace of mind.
📖 Complete New Caledonia Travel Guide – Everything you need to know before you go.
🏝️ Isle of Pines Travel Guide – Our guide to one of the most beautiful islands in the South Pacific.
Looking for More South Pacific Adventures?
If you're dreaming of more tropical island escapes, you might also enjoy:
Seeing the Other Side of Fiji – exploring villages, local culture and experiences beyond the resorts.
Fiji on a Budget – practical tips for visiting Fiji without breaking the bank.
Bora Bora on a Budget – how to experience one of the world's most famous islands for less.
Swimming with Whales in Moorea – an unforgettable wildlife encounter in French Polynesia.
Swimming with Sharks and Stingrays in Moorea – a DIY Guide to one of the best lagoon experiences in the South Pacific.
One Week in the Cook Islands – A very relaxing week in Rarotonga.
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