Click on an area of the map to learn more about that area.
South
Province
|
North
Province
|
Loyalty
Islands Province
|
New Caledonia is situated in the heart of the South Pacific, 1500 kms east of Australia. This land of contrast is composed of a group of islands, The Grande Terre, Loyalty Islands, Isle of Pines, Belep and a myriad of small islands. New Caledonia has the 2nd biggest coral reef in the world (after Australia) stretching 1600 kms, and encircling the mainland island is the world's largest lagoon.
The main island, Grande Terre, is surrounded by a coral reef and is split by a mountain range into a verdant east and a drier west. The territory boasts an abundance of unique plants and animals. Colonial buildings and fine beaches contrast with the industrial infrastructure of the nickel industry.
The archipelago of the Loyalty Islands lies 100 kilometres east of mainland New Caledonia, separated by a 2,500 metre deep strait. With a total area of 2,500 square kilometres, the Loyalty Islands consist of four inhabited raised coral atolls - Lifou, Mare, Ouvea and Tiga.
Eighty kilometres south-east of Noumea lies the enchanting Isle of Pines (14 km wide, 18 km long) a place where time seems to stand still in an idyllic setting of white beaches under swaying palms and soaring Araucaria pines. "Kunié", as it is still called by the inhabitants, is as beautiful under water as it is on land and a favourite spot for divers. The island has been nicknamed 'the Jewel of the Pacific'.
All images can be purchased for commercial and non-commercial use.