New Caledonia

Day 1: Auckland - Noumea (B, L, D)
Breakfast is served on the flight (2.5 hours flying time). We arrive at Noumea airport and transfer to our accommodation. The morning is at leisure and we lunch at the hotel. In the afternoon we visit the Tjibaou Cultural Centre. Located from the Tina Peninsula, just 10 minutes from the town centre. The outstanding architecture of Renzo Piano creates a harmonious alliance of tradition and modern. The Kanak Pathways form an introduction to the Melanesian identity, as visitors are initiated into the strengths and emotions of a living ancestral culture. The Tjibaou Cultural Centre offers visitors a voyage of discovery with works of Kanak art and imposing Pacific sculptures, plus a unique collection of contemporary art from the Pacific region.

Day 2: Sightseeing in Noumea (B, L, D)
Breakfast at the hotel this morning then mid-morning we take a guided visit of the Aquarium. Then we drive into town to visit the museum. You have free time to visit the wide variety of local shops in downtown Noumea. Lunch is included at a local cafe in town. In the afternoon we visit a private house and garden and enjoy afternoon tea. In the evening we transfer to the Baie des Citrons for dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 3: Noumea - Bourail - Saramea - Turtle Bay - Noumea (B, L, D)
After breakfast at the hotel we depart for our full day tour to Bourail and Saramea. We stop at Fort Teremba an ancient military base built by the convicts during the Kanak revolt. We continue to the scenic Saramea area where we stop for lunch at the Evasion Hotel. After lunch we continue north to visit the Bourail New Zealand War Cemetary and then we visit "Roche Percee", a spectacular cliff pierced by caves, together with the "Bonhomme" rock formation, an enormous quartz monolith, carved by the waves. See the view over the Baie des Tortues (Turtle Bay) a pretty beach bordered by pine trees then we head back to Noumea arriving in the early evening.

Day 4: Noumea - Isle of Pines (B, L, D)
After breakfast we transfer to the domestic airport for our flight to the beautiful Isle of Pines. On arrival we visit several sites and points of interest. We stop at Kuto Bay for a picnic lunch. Later we transfer to our accommodation for the next two nights. Dine at the hotel this evening.

Day 5: Isle of Pines (B, L, D)
A day at leisure. Your resort is situated on Kanumera Bay recognised as one of the World's 10 best beaches. Enjoy a relaxing day swimming or walking around the Bay. Dine at the hotel.

Day 6: Isle of Pines - Noumea (B, L, D)
Today we fly back to Noumea arriving in the late morning. The domestic airport is close to town so it is a short transfer back to our hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. In the early evening we transfer to the harbour to enjoy a sunset cruise with cocktails. Later we transfer to a local restaurant in the Latin Quarter for dinner.

Day 7: Noumea - Mouirange Pass - Gîte St Gabriel - Noumea (B, L, D)
After breakfast we depart on a full day tour to the southern end of the island. We head towards Mouirange Pass from where we admire the huge expanse of the Southern countryside. We continue past Yaté Hill to the Lake and en route, stop at Madeleine Falls for a stroll along the botanical pathway and follow the coast from Yaté to Touaourou. Stop at the 19th-century Touaourou Mission, then at the Gîte St Gabriel, with its lush vegetation and white sandy bay. We enjoy lunch from a traditional menu at Gîte St Gabriel. In the afternoon take an easy stroll or just relax on the beach.

Day 8: Noumea - Auckland (B, L)
An early start this morning. After breakfast at the hotel we transfer to the airport for our Air New Zealand flight back to Auckland. Lunch is served on the flight. We arrive at Auckland in the afternoon.