With its white-sand beaches and sparkling blue lagoon, it is easy to think of New Caledonia as a summer destination. But, thanks to its semi-tropical climate, it is perfect to visit year-round and a close-to-home spot to escape the winter chill. Located just less than three hours from Auckland, in the South Pacific, New Caledonia’s average winter temperatures sit between 20-23°C. The cooler temperatures in the winter months are in fact ideal for experiencing the litany of adventurous experiences on offer in New Caledonia. Here are four ideas for people looking to escape the winter chill and discover New Caledonia:
Biking
You might also be surprised to learn that New Caledonia offers a range of biking trails, and the sport is booming amongst locals. There are many options to get out on two wheels, both just outside Noumea and further afield. Outside Noumea, Les Boucles de Tina features 20 trails, some of which have been outfitted with wooden obstacles, as well as a bike park and a pump track to challenge even the most seasoned bikers.
Another option is the Blue River, Provincial Park. Not only does it offer trails for all levels, but its bright red soil is also a striking change from the lagoons and beaches New Caledonia is known for.
On the West Coast, experienced bikers will love the challenge of the Grande Boucle trail, which sits within the Tango Plateau in Koné. The trail is nearly 40 kilometers long, about 510 meters in altitude, and climbs more than 1,600 meters!
This story is from the June 2020 edition of Adventure Magazine.
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This story is from the June 2020 edition of Adventure Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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