Cheap Flights to New Caledonia from C$1,166

You might not have heard of this part of the world, nestled in the ocean off the eastern coast of Australia in a quiet corner of the South Pacific. New Caledonia is part of what is known as “Overseas France” essentially a French protectorate outside of Europe. Combine the culture, food, and style of France with the idyllic tropical paradise of a typical South Pacific, and you have the archipelago of New Caledonia. The whole country includes the islands and islets of Grande Terre, the Loyalty Islands, the Chesterfield Islands, the Belep archipelago, and the Isle of Pines. The protectorate also includes several remote, unnamed islands. This is a popular destination for travelers in the know, and there are several airports throughout the archipelago that include both private and public options. Here are the airports you are likely to visit on your arrival or inter-island travel in the South Pacific.

• Nouméa - La Tontouta International Airport (NOU) is the main and only international airport of New Caledonia, hosting more than half a million passengers a year.
• Nouméa Magenta Airport (GEA) is in the same vicinity as NOU, and handles domestic traffic throughout the archipelago.
• Ouanaham Airport (LIF) is an airport operates on Lifou Island that offers domestic flights with the national airline, Air Caledonie.
• Île des Pins Airport (ILP) is a very small airport that offers flights to Nouméa, the country’s most populous urban area and the location of New Caledonia’s international airport.

Airlines that fly to New Caledonia

NOU is a small international airport that only hosts four airlines, however, these operate in conjunction with several global players to bring visitors in from all over the world. Since this destination is located in the South Pacific, flights depart from western Canadian cities, namely Vancouver (YVR) and Victoria.You can get there with only one connection, but most routes include two. Virtually every flight to NOU is operated in part by the national airline Air Caledonie also known as Aircalin.

• Westjet can take you to NOU with a stop in Auckland, New Zealand.
• Air Canada takes the trip across the Pacific pond with a connection in Sydney, Australia.
• ANA, or Nippon Airways, Japan’s national airline, goes from YVR to NOU with a stop in its home city of Tokyo.
• Quantas makes this trip in two stops, one in San Francisco and a second in Sydney.

What to expect when arriving in New Caledonia

Your final destination in New Caledonia might not be La Tontouta International, but it’s the only commercial airport in the country that hosts international flights. This is where you’ll make your first stop unless you’re flying in a private plane. Several European, Asian, and indigenous languages are spoken here, but you can expect to see the majority of signage and literature in French. The airport is relatively small, but still has ample shopping, dining, and banking options. Business passengers can relax in the lounge on the upper floor while they wait for a connecting flight. Transportation outside of the airport includes taxis, rental cars, and private shuttle buses.

What to see and do in New Caledonia

There’s so much to see and do in New Caledonia that it’s difficult to choose an activity. Take a look at the natural wonders both on the islands and in the nearby lagoons and coral reefs, experience the unique and ancient native cultures, or just relax with the splendid tropical view. Here are a few ideas to get your adventure started.

• Adventure travel. Explore the best natural wonders and scenic vistas of the archipelago via helicopter, horseback, or boat.
• Beaches and nightlife. Recline in a hammock or lounge chair by day, enjoy glitzy clubs and upscale dining at night. Remember, this is a part of France and the South Pacific, and the best of both worlds come together when it comes to cuisine and comfort.
• Culture and art. View precious artifacts in a modern, state of the art museum, attend a street art festival, or visit an authentic indigenous village. Experience everything from art galleries to rodeos and local heritage sites.