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New Caledonia is the main island of the Loyalty Group and is an overseas dependency of France. The Loyalty Group fought on the side of the allies during WW I and WW II, hence the groups name. It is the fourth largest island in the Pacific, 250 miles long by 31 miles wide, being exceeded only by the two islands of New Zealand and New Guinea. New Caledonia is unique among South Pacific islands in that it has an abundance of minerals including iron, chrome, manganese, lead, silver and gold. It is the fourth largest producer of nickel in the world. The diverse population consists of 40% Melanesian, 45% European and the remainder a mixture of Polynesian, Indonesian and Vietnamese. Unfortunately I will not get to see any of the outer islands or even any of New Caledonia for that matter other than the city of Noumea due to the tight schedule. Noumea has been described as the Paris of the Pacific, but after walking around the city it is a definitely more Montmartres than Champs d' Elese. Very French without the attitude, people here are very friendly and helpful. The vast majority of people I have encountered in the city are European with few indigenous people.
The city is in need of some rebuilding and general cleanup and just seems a bit depressing. It is a tourist town especially for cruise ships from Australia and has several large upscale hotels. The more sophisticated chic people I saw were actually at the marina restaurant, which was quite popular, with the locals. The city still has the traditional fruit, vegetable and fish market housed in a modern building:
The main attraction for tourists is the clear water and the reef system enclosed in the large lagoon. Dive tours abound and the hotels are located on the prime beaches attracting large numbers of tourists. Unfortunately I know little of the area, didn't develop any friendships or have much understanding of the people since we were only here for 5 days. We will leave Noumea with a feeling of just using it for re supply and to effect some repairs but little else, next stop Thursday Island, Australia.
City Fountain
Noumea, New Caledonia
Noumea Street
Noumea, New Caledonia
Laundry day at the dock
Noumea, New Caledonia
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