In New Caledonia, tipping is not a common practice. However, it is expected in some situations, such as in hotels.
In hotels, it is customary to tip hotel staff, including porters, for carrying your bags to your room. A suggested amount is 1-2 dollars per bag for a porter.
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In restaurants, tipping is not part of the culture and is often viewed with suspicion or actively frowned upon. However, if you wish to show appreciation for good service, you can leave a small amount of change in a jar marked “tips for staff” at some cafés.
In general, people who perform a service in New Caledonia, such as waiters and hairdressers, are tipped with a smile and a thank you, but tipping is not expected or required.
New Caledonia is a French overseas territory located in the southwest Pacific Ocean, east of Australia and north of New Zealand. It is the largest island in the Pacific Ocean and is part of the Melanesia subregion. The archipelago includes the main island of Grande Terre, the Loyalty Islands, the Chesterfield Islands, the Belep archipelago, the Isle of Pines, and a few remote islets.
The history of New Caledonia dates back to the period when the Lapita culture was influential in the region between 1600-50 BC or 1300-200 BC. The first settlements were concentrated around the coast and date back to the period between c. 1100 BC and AD 200. In 1853, New Caledonia was annexed by France, and the development of the colony became tied to settler colonialism and mineral exploitation.
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Tourism in New Caledonia has been a significant part of its economy, with the territory attracting visitors from Australia, Japan, and other countries. The tourism industry was initially driven by the collapse of world prices for nickel in the 1970s, which led to aggressive marketing campaigns to attract tourists.
By 2007, about 100,000 tourists visited New Caledonia each year. However, the territory has faced political strife and native people’s push for independence, which has limited touristic development.
New Caledonia offers a diverse range of tourism options, from staying with local residents to visiting cultural and historical sites, participating in water sports, and exploring the natural environment. The official language of New Caledonia is French, but over 30 indigenous languages are spoken across the islands.
Visitors are encouraged to respect local customs and traditions, including the traditional greeting among the Kanak people, which involves a soft handshake followed by the touching of noses.
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In terms of geography, New Caledonia consists of the main island of New Caledonia, the archipelago of Iles Loyaute, and numerous small islands. The terrain is characterized by coastal plains with interior mountains, and the highest point is Mont Panie, which stands at 1,628 meters.
The country is divided into three provinces: the North and South Provinces on the mainland and the Loyalty Islands Province, which is a series of three islands off the east coast of the mainland.
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In summary, New Caledonia is a unique and diverse French overseas territory with a rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural beauty. It offers a wide range of tourism options for visitors, and it is essential to respect local customs and traditions when traveling to the region.
What are the main tourist attractions in New Caldonia?
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New Caledonia offers a variety of tourist attractions, including:
Amédée Lighthouse: This historic lighthouse is located on Amedee Island and offers stunning views of the surrounding waters.
Aquarium des Lagons Nouvelle Caledonie: This aquarium showcases the diverse marine life of New Caledonia’s lagoons.
Place des Cocotiers: A popular gathering spot in Nouméa, this park is known for its palm trees and scenic views.
Notre Dame du Pacifique is a Catholic church located in Nouméa, known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful atmosphere.
Tjibaou Cultural Centre: A museum and cultural center designed by Renzo Piano, showcasing the art, history, and culture of the indigenous Kanak people.
Cascade de Ny is a beautiful waterfall located in Bourail, offering a scenic hike and a refreshing swim.
Nouméa Turtle Tour: A guided tour that allows visitors to observe sea turtles in their natural habitat.
LYVAI TOURS: A tour company offering various excursions around Nouméa and the surrounding areas.
In addition to these attractions, New Caledonia is also known for its natural beauty, including its beaches, lagoons, and diverse marine life. Visitors can enjoy activities such as snorkeling, diving, and water sports.
The country is also home to six UNESCO World Heritage sites, all of which are atolls or reefs.
For those interested in history, New Caledonia offers sites such as Fort Tereka, an abandoned 19th-century military fort, and the Musée de Bourail, which showcases objects related to the presence of US and NZ troops.
Visitors can also explore the natural beauty of places like Trou de Bone, a deep rock cavity with a lush tropical garden and pool.
Overall, New Caledonia offers a diverse range of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy, from cultural and historical sites to natural wonders and outdoor adventures.
What are some popular beaches to visit in new caledonia?
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Some popular beaches to visit in New Caledonia include:
Amedee Beach, Amedee Lighthouse Island: Known for its white sand and clear waters, this beach is a popular day trip destination from Nouméa.
Yejele Beach: Located on Mare Island, this beach is famous for its long stretches of powdery white sand and azure waters.
Poe Beach, Bourail: With its clear water and golden sand, Poe Beach is an aquaholic magnet and a great spot for kitesurfing, glass-bottomed boat tours, and snorkeling.
Plage de la Baie des Citrons, Nouméa: This beach is accessible by the HOHO bus from the cruise ship terminal and offers a variety of activities, including swimming, relaxing, and having a drink while watching the sunset.
Plage de l’Anse Vata: Another popular beach in Nouméa, this beach is known for its crystal-clear waters and offers snorkeling opportunities.
Plage du Château Royal: Located in Nouméa, this beach is known for its calm waters and is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing.
Plage de l’Aquarêve: This beach in Nouméa is known for its white sand and clear waters, and offers a variety of activities, including swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking.
Mouli Beach, Ouvea Island: This beach is known for its pristine white sand, palm trees, and clear waters, and offers opportunities to see turtles, rays, and multicolored fish.
Baies de Chateaubriand and Luengöni, Lifou Island: These bays are known for their sparkling sand, crystal-clear lagoon, and blue sky, and offer opportunities for snorkeling and exploring underwater caves.
Natural swimming pool of the Bay of Oro, Isle of Pines: This beach is known for its natural swimming pool and is easily accessible after a short walk.
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These are just a few of the many beautiful beaches that New Caledonia has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a secluded spot or a more bustling beach, there’s something for everyone in this Pacific paradise.
