Things to See in New Caledonia

The Lindéralique rocks are towering black limestone rocks that start south of Hienghène and continue to the bay of Hienghène. Rising abruptly, they stretch to 60m (196ft)in places and are topped by jagged, sharp edges. At Lindéralique, you can kayak beneath the rocks and also visit a large cave, the Grotte de Lindéralique.

At the western end of the artificial Lac de Yaté, a hydroelectric dam, is this recreational park. It's a protected reserve ideal for nature lovers and is home to many bird species, including New Caledonia's national bird, the cagou. One of its famous features is a drowned forest where skeletons of old trees protrude tragically from the water.

Grotte de la Reine Hortense is one of New Caledonia's most impressive and well visited caves. A path leads through a beautiful wild tropical garden to the wide entrance where stalactites hang from the roof. This cave was where Queen Hortense, wife of a local chief, is believed to have taken refuge for several months during intertribal conflict in 1855.