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One of the great pleasures of trekking in New Caledonia are the crystal clear rivers. This pool is on the Dumbea River only a short 20 minute drive from downtown Noumea - plus a 4 km walk on a trail that follows along beside the river. The whole area is part of a wilderness reserve that was set up long ago to protect the quality of Noumea's water supply.
On weekends, when the weather is nice, you might possilby see a few other people walking this particular trail. Quite a lot of the residents of Noumea do come to the Dumbea on weekends with their families for a picnic and a walk but there are so many trails and hidden swimming holes that it seems as if you are all alone in the wilderness.
For information on trekking in New Caledonia see the Rocket Travel Guide to New Caledonia.
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New Caledonia is the closest South Pacific Island to Australia and New Zealand. It is a French Territory and although the official language is French the culture is a blend of Melanesian, European, Polynesian, Vietnamese, Chinese, Indonesian, and more. There is one large mountainous island called Grande Terre and 6 smaller islands - the three Loyalty Islands, Belep and the Isle of Pines.The islands are remarkably unpopulated and there are vast areas of wilderness. There are hundreds of kilometers of walking treks, camp grounds, more than 42 parks and reserves, and crystal clear rivers with sparkling waterfalls. Almost one third of the population is located in the capital city of Noumea. Nickel mining is the primary industry and is the major contributor to the high standard of living in the country. Grande Terre is surrounded by the second largest barrier reef in the world and the protected lagoon created by this barrier reef is the largest in the world. Listed as a World Heritage Site in 2008, the lagoon is 24,000 square kilometers and supports a diverse and luxuriant fauna of fish and invertebrates.The vibrant, clear and rich colors are one of the first things that visitors notice when they arrive. Noumea has a complete range of hotels, resorts, restaurants, and activities to welcome visitors.
