New Caledonia Village Hike

Your adventure begins in Nouméa, where your guide greets you for the cross-island drive to the east coast. The journey showcases the striking contrasts of New Caledonia’s landscapes — from the fertile plains and nickel-mining ridges of the west, through mountain passes, and into the green valleys of the east. You’ll stop en route for a relaxed picnic lunch with views over the UNESCO-listed lagoon, before continuing toward the remote tribal region of Tchamba. The terrain becomes more rugged and forested as you descend through the Col des Roussettes Pass, where mist and dense vegetation hint at the trail conditions to come. Upon arrival in the village, you'll meet your hosts and settle in for your first night immersed in Kanak life. It’s a quiet, informal start to the journey, with time to prepare for the trail and absorb your surroundings. Approx driving time: 5 hrs Accommodation: Village hut (shared) Note: A welcome custom ceremony will be performed upon arrival at each Kanak village. This is a respectful exchange acknowledging your presence on tribal land. Your guide will assist you with the appropriate protocol at each location.

Meals:  L,D

Begin your journey through the Kanak heartland Today marks your first full day on foot as you begin trekking the GR Nord (New Caledonia North Trail), moving steadily from the peaceful Tchamba Valley toward the Amoa Valley. This region is the traditional homeland of the Kanak people — New Caledonia’s Indigenous population, who have lived on the island for over 6,000 years in autonomous tribal communities scattered through the island’s valleys and mountains. As you walk, the landscape unfolds in layers: cultivated Kanak fields, remnant coffee plantations, and dense patches of rainforest alive with bird calls and vibrant flora. The trail transitions into open savanna dotted with endemic trees, offering a window into the island’s rich biodiversity and ecological contrasts. It’s a full and varied walking day with moderate gradients and a steady rhythm. You’ll arrive in Saint Thomas village in the afternoon, welcomed by your hosts and a hearty evening meal. Your first steps on the GR Nord offer more than scenery — they’re a journey into living Melanesian tradition. Distance: 20 km 20 km (12.4 mi) approx. 7 hrs walking Ascent/Descent: +790 m / -780 m (+2,590 ft / -2,560 ft) Accommodation: Village hut (shared)

Meals:  B,L,D

Forest giants, open ridgelines, and a welcome swim Today’s walk is one of the most physically demanding on the trail, but also one of the most visually rewarding. You’ll follow a route that rises and falls between high ridgelines and deeply forested rain valleys, offering a true sense of immersion in New Caledonia’s inland wilderness. The terrain is varied and at times exposed, with limited shade during the middle of the day — so staying well hydrated is essential. You’ll traverse Niaouli savanna, a native paperbark forest with wide open views, before dropping into lush rainforest filled with towering Kaori trees, ferns, and endemic flowering plants unique to this island ecosystem. Lunch is enjoyed with sweeping views at Pineapple Pass, before a long, steep descent and a final river crossing lead you into Pombei village. Here, the forest opens to reveal a small clearing and your welcoming hosts. There’s time to soak tired legs in the river before settling into the village for the night. Distance: 19.3 km (12 mi) approx 7-9 hrs walking Ascent/Descent: +960 m / -970 m (+3,150 ft / -3,180 ft) Accommodation: Village hut (shared)

Meals:  B,L,D

Remote rainforest trails, river crossings, and the call of wild New Caledonia Today is widely considered the most challenging day of the trek, with a trail that feels as remote and raw as the landscapes it cuts through. Expect a combination of steep ascents, narrow ridgelines, and uneven jungle tracks that demand both footing and focus. You’ll begin by crossing the river (twice) — water sandals or shoes with good drainage. From there, the trail climbs steadily into the mountains, passing through well-preserved rainforest, where giant trees rise through mist and the air carries the sound of forest birds. If you’re lucky, you may hear the Notou pigeon, spot a green parakeet, or even catch sight of wild deer moving through the undergrowth. The terrain is often slippery and technical underfoot, but the rewards are many: panoramic lookouts, cool shaded groves, and natural pools along the way where you can stop for a break or a quick dip. Your destination tonight is Tiwae, one of the more isolated Kanak villages, reached by a final descent onto a quiet forested road. A hot meal and warm welcome await. Distance: 16.8 km (10.4 mi) approx 7-8 hrs walking Ascent/Descent: +980 m / -750 m (+3,215 ft / -2,460 ft) Accommodation: Village hut (shared)

Meals:  B,L,D

Savanna ridges, coastal glimpses, and the last village of the trail Your final day on the Villages Hike offers a fitting conclusion. The trek that weaves together everything you’ve experienced so far: exposed ridgelines, dense forest, local farmland, and a quiet sense of remoteness that lingers long after you leave. The trail is shorter today but still physically engaging, with steep ascents and descents, and sections of loose scree and narrow paths. Much of the early walk moves through open savanna, with wide views toward the coastal lagoon in the distance. Closer to Ouanache, the terrain shifts again, winding through shaded forest and past limestone karst formations carved by time and water. These surreal rock shapes mark your final stretch into the village campsite, where you’ll arrive in the afternoon. There’s time to explore the nearby forest and formations, or simply reflect on your journey before gathering with your hosts for one final shared meal. Distance: 16.8 km (10.4 mi) approx 5.5-6.5 hrs walking Ascent/Descent: +712 m / -600 m (+2,336 ft / -1,970 ft) Accommodation: Village hut (shared)

Meals:  B,L,D

From mountain trails to coast After breakfast in the village, it’s time to farewell your hosts and begin the return drive across the island. The road retraces your journey from West Coast to East Coast, from the rugged east coast back through mountain passes, open plains, and the striking contrasts of New Caledonia’s interior. There’s time to pause for a final group lunch and reflect on the week’s journey — the warm welcomes, the changing landscapes, and the rare chance to walk a trail few others have. By mid-afternoon, you’ll arrive back in Nouméa, where your trek officially concludes. Whether you’re continuing your travels in New Caledonia or heading home, you’ll carry with you a connection to place, people and path that’s hard to match. Driving time: approx. 5 hrs

Meals:  B,L