New Caledonia - advice please?

[Heg]

Hi all,
We have dived most of the Pacific Islands apart from NC. The main reason for this is that all the reports we have read say that it is VERY expensive. Also the resorts look big and impersonal. We prefer smaller, quieter resorts . We really would like to visit so would welcome any advice (and money saving tips!) on where to stay/eat and who to dive with.
Thanks so much

 

[harmony]

Bonjour Heg, As the owner of a dive centre in Noumea, I can probably give you some advice. Unfortunately, our destination is a bit expensive partly due to the strength of the EURO. However, we do have some top diving which I believe is not that expensive. You will find that the diving in Noumea is not as expensive as the diving around the island. How many dives do you want to do in NC? If you intend diving more that 3 times (2 tank dive trips), you might be interested in purchasing the pass sold by the NC dive operators association. I will explain that a bit later if you are interested. In our dive centre, the cost of a 2 tank half day dive trip is 9450 FXFP (79 EUROS). The gear rental is 1050 FXFP (8.80 EUROS) This includes the service tax, hotel pick-ups and morning tea. All of our dives are led by experienced instructors. If you intend diving outside of Noumea or in the Loyalty Islands, you have the choice of staying in a hotel or in native style huts. Of course the second solution is not 5 star hotel service but I think that it is a great experience. Much more fun than a hotel, much cheaper and a chance to know the local Melanesian culture. Some of the dive centres also have a camping area where you can rent tents. Babou Diving in Hienghene has a camping area which is very well run and not expensive. They even have a free wifi service. The diving in Hienghene is quite lovely. The area is listed by Unesco on the world hereitage list. So you see, you can dive on budget in NC if you know what is available. I hope that this is of help. Please let me know if you would like more information.

 

[Heg]

Hi Harmony
Thanks for the quick reply. We would want to dive at least twice a day so a max of around 12 -14 dives I reckon. Can't decide where to base ourselves. Maybe Noumea this time so we can get a feel for the place and be close to cafes/restaurants/ supermarkets etc. We are from New Zealand and our dollar won't stretch very far on the current exchange rates which is why we have to be as budget conscious as possible. Any advice you can offer will be gratefully received.
Thank you once again
Jo

 

[Heg]

p.s we have all our own gear so would only need tanks and weights.

 

[Ouvea]

Hi Heg:

You will find several dive operations in New Caledonia's capital city of Noumea. There are several operations with large boats that will take you to the barrier reef and to the Isle of Pine. There's a small operation at the Kuendu Beach resort that will take you to various places inside the lagoon around Noumea.

Please be aware that traveling to New Caledonia is not "inexpensive." The cost of living in New Caledonia is very expensive. You will definitely find a wide range of living accomodations that range from the outrageously priced to the moderately priced. I stayed at the Surf Hotel in September 2007 and paid just over $100 USD per night. The Meridien, which is at the Ouen Toro is probably the most expensive in Noumea (over $300 USD a night). In 2004, I stayed at the Stanley Hotel, which has a beautiful view of the Island of Sainte Marie but is away from the center of Noumea. I paid around $70 USD per night. The accomodations did include a working kitchen and a refrigerator, which can definitely cut your food cost. However, you are at a distance from the center of Noumea (may not be a bad thing because it's very quiet).

The really interesting areas are those to the north and on the east coast, which remain largely undiscovered. The majority of the island is scarcely populated away from Noumea. It's a beautiful country but it's best discovered with those who have intimate local knowledge.

Safe & Happy Traveling/Diving
Claude