So my jet setting readers I've just returned from another epic adventure. This time it was the tropical climate of New Caledonia. I visited Noumea, Lifou and Isle of Pines, so let me break it down for you on wheres the best place to be for each island you head to.
Noumea:
This island is for the relaxing or adventurous type depending on what you've come on this trip for. We did a little of both. Waking up early from our P&O cruise ship we headed to the main passenger terminal for a little bit of shopping. They take AUD and US Dollar along with the official currency Pacific Franc. For those of you playing at home add two zero's to the aussie dollar to convert it for you (i.e $1 = $100 francs) We got our passports stamped at the post office and got a round ticket on the bus service for only $5 AUD and then headed for our planned excursion. A Zodiac ride to DUCK ISLAND!
For those of you unaware of the awesomeness that is a Zodiac, its basically a speed boat with barely enough room to sit down let alone hold on. You speed off doing the water version of wheelies hanging on for dear life and having a ball. When you get over to Duck Island they issue you with a beach lounge table and umbrella where you can lounge around on a private island enjoying the sun. Snorkeling here is a must but wear reef shoes the coral will kill your feet. Its better if you bring your own bottle of water and potentially something to eat because food here is crazy expensive and will set you back quite a bit. We spent 3 hours sunning ourselves and wading in the water before it was time to head off. Ladies do yourself a favour and don't try shopping. Its all crap.
Lifou:
When you get to the island there isn't a whole lot to do. We went to the look out about 2km up the road. It is a fair hike in the scorching heat so wear light clothes and take water. The steps up to the church look out are incredibly steep and you will have to stop half way up and catch your breath but the view is amazing and totally worth it. Just down from the look out on the left is a beautiful lagoon perfect for snorkeling. Again you do need reef shoes the coral reefs are protected and if you cut yourself its a trek back to any sort of help. Here we saw our first sea turtle and we named him Crush. Once in a life time experiences on this trip.
Isle of Pines:
This was by far my favourite place we stopped. Island paradise doesn't quite cover it. The sand is soft and white, the water is clear and either blue or green. You can see right to the bottom. Here we did a 3 hour boat ride around the islets and lagoons. If you get the chance DO THIS TOUR. You will see things you may never get to experience again. First we went for a brief cruise around the outskirts of the island, stopping at the mountains, brush island and several other islets.
Then we went to see the barrier reef surrounding the island. Its so clear here that you can see the animal life that dwells just below the surface. I got up close and personal with a sting ray, not something I ever want to try again by the way!
Then we headed to a sand bar in the middle of the reef. This can only be described as paradise in a nutshell. There are no trees or animals anywhere. The tide sweeps in from both sides of the sand bar but its shallow enough that you can walk from one end to the other. Relaxation is key here i cannot stress that enough.
After a brief 25 minutes of sun baking and wading in the pristine waters we took off on our boat again this time headed to Turtle Bay to try our luck at spotting some long head turtles. Luck was with us!! We named this one Squirt and I even got to hold him. One more thing I get to cross off my bucket list.
Personally I wouldn't do a cruise again. Even though it was nice to be in our room straight away I do prefer flying that way you can be on an island for days at a time rather than hours. Thanks to P&O for the amazing experiences.
Also a word to the wise they speak French on these islands so here's a few words for you.
Bonjour = Hello
Au Revoir = Goodbye
Merci = Thank-you
Parlez-vous anglais = Do you speak English?
Thanks all for now folks, America in 5 months and counting, So take a trip to the tropics, build on your tan and have fun and remember if you don't enjoy yourself... Music Made Me Do It!
