Packing may be the least fun part of planning a holiday, and for some people it’s the most stressful. But having the right gear really does make your trip smoother. Even though New Caledonia has good infrastructure and plenty of shops where you can buy last-minute items (not always cheaply), it’s still worth knowing what to pack before you go. What clothes should you bring? And what small essentials will make your island adventures easier and more comfortable? Here are my New Caledonia packing tips based on my travel experience so you can arrive prepared.
Luggage allowance when travelling in New Caledonia
Domestic flights in New Caledonia can have surprisingly low luggage allowances. With Air Loyaute, for example, the checked baggage allowance can be as little as 10 kg. It’s a good incentive to pack light, especially because the best way to visit New Caledonia is to island hop. The more luggage you carry, the more complicated your trip becomes, so having a New Caledonia packing list makes life easier.
Some hotels in Noumea will store your luggage for a few days while you visit another island. It’s worth asking before you go. But as there is a lot to do in New Caledonia, I still prefer to keep my own equipment with me.
If you’re choosing a suitcase or backpack for your trip, pay attention to the empty weight. It makes a real difference on these light-allowance flights.
And if you’re worried about going over your limit, don’t stress. It was easy to buy extra kilos at the airport, as long as the bag didn’t exceed 23 kg.
Responsible travel tip: Packing light is one of the ways to reduce a little bit our carbon footprint while travelling. Tourism carbon footprint is huge. It is estimated at “about 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions“. And the more weight planes are carrying, the more fuel they use.
The climate of New Caledonia
December to March (summer): hot, humid, with temperatures averaging 26°C and often rising to 35°C. It’s also cyclone season.
June to September (winter): drier and cooler, usually 15°C to 25°C, though nights can be chilly in some areas. Water temperatures stay pleasant year-round, usually around 23°C in winter.
New Caledonia packing list: things to pack for the best holidays
Beach clothes and accessories
I’m sure you guessed you’ll need beach clothes when you book your holidays to idyllic islands in the South Pacific. But don’t skip this part just yet: I have added some useful extra tips!
Polarised sunglasses
Take polarised sunglasses with UV protection. The contrasts in the water will be even more impressive. Plus, you will be able to see animals better through the water as the polarised glasses remove glare.
Versatile hat
The sun is very strong in New Caledonia so you have to travel with a hat that you can use in different activities. You will need to protect your head from the sun when you are on the beach but also while snorkelling and on a boat. Look for these features:
- Secure fit and/or retainer cord
- Packable (easy to fold)
- Material that can get wet and rinsed
- UV-Protection
You can opt for a basic cap or a fishing hat, but you don’t have to! There are also fancy and beautiful options for women.
Light towels
Towels are heavy and it could be tempting to only bring one, but you will need two: one for the beach and one to shower. I recommend choosing a microfiber towel as it is light and dries quickly. Wet items are heavier and can get smelly.
If you’re staying at a guesthouse in a tribe, towels are rarely included with the accommodation. However, if you plan to stay at hotels or resorts, you’ll have towels included, and this is not relevant – but make sure you confirm this with them before to avoid bad surprises!
Snorkel gear
New Caledonia has some of the most beautiful lagoons in the world, so it would be very frustrating not to be able to enjoy them. I would not consider travelling there without my snorkel and mask, so put these ones on your New Caledonia packing list! Not sure how to choose your snorkelling gear? Check out this article full of tips!
Fins are often too bulky to make it to my packing list. Most of the time, the snorkelling spots were shallow without current and fins weren’t necessary for good swimmers. They’re part of the safety gear, so if you are not a confident swimmer or not willing to cancel a snorkelling session if there is current, you should absolutely consider bringing fins. Mouli, on Ouvea Island, was the only place where we couldn’t snorkel without fins, but we were able to rent them at the nearby resort. We’ve since invested in small fins that aren’t too bulky and would fit in a suitcase: Aqualung Storm (barefoot) or Scubapro GO Sport (with boots and more power).
Underwater camera
The islands of New Caledonia look like paradise, and the underwater world is as beautiful. I recommend learning a few tips about underwater photography before going there.
I have used three types of underwater cameras that I am happy to recommend:
- The Nikon W300. My favourite one. It is suitable for most situations I encounter when I travel, including scuba diving up to 30 metres. I love the quality of the macro shots I take with it.
- The Olympus TG-6. You cannot go deeper than 15 metres if you don’t have housing, but the quality of this camera is awesome.
- The GoPro Session. I am almost never satisfied by the photos I take with the GoPro compared to the Nikon or the Olympus. Even if the newer GoPros are better for photography, I’m not a big fan of the wide lens. However, I find it’s an excellent camera for filming, especially if you use it on a stick to get closer to the animals without scaring them away. It’s also straightforward to use, so entirely adapted to beginners. The editing software allows the creation of stunning videos very quickly. Be careful; it’s only suitable for snorkelling (10 metres max). Other GoPros can go deeper with a case.
Reef shoes
New Caledonia has picture-perfect beaches with never-ending white sand. But sometimes, you will have to walk on rocks or shells to reach the water, and you will be glad to have reef shoes to protect your feet. I recommend choosing shoes that dry quickly and with holes in the soles. I now own Quiksilver Men’s Amphibian Plus II Aqua shoes. It is also more convenient and economical if they are versatile, so you are comfortable wearing them for a few activities and not only when you’re in the water.
UV fleece rash top
I doubt you’ll forget your swimming suit to go to New Caledonia, but have you thought of bringing sun protection that won’t harm the coral?
That’s my first reason to love having a UV fleece rash top like this one.
If you’re unlucky and snorkel when the jellyfish are here, you’ll also be super happy to be protected. I also particularly like a rash top with fleece, as it protects from the cold too. New Caledonia waters are lovely and warm all year round (around 22°C in winter in Noumea). I hate when I have to end a snorkelling session because I’m cold. And we lose heat a lot faster in the water than outside, especially when we are making efforts. So the top with fleece guarantees that I can stay for longer!
Reef-safe sunscreen
Talking about sun protection, you don’t want to visit New Caledonia without putting sunscreen on regularly. You can buy sunscreen over there, but I could not find one that has no chemicals that wouldn’t harm corals. So I brought in my suitcase a reef-safe sunscreen from Australia.
And if you don’t want to look at the labels while still putting sunscreen on, zinc is your go-to option.
Water bottle
With the heat and the possible humidity, you will need to drink water regularly all day. Tap water is safe to drink in New Caledonia, so bring your water bottle to fill it up. You will save money and avoid single-use plastic.
Dry bags
Not only are dry bags compact and light, but they are also perfect for protecting your precious items from the sand and the water. They are also a great temporary solution to carry wet clothes without getting the rest of your luggage wet (but don’t leave them there for too long!).
Clothes and equipment for the evening and night
Headlamp
You will not need this one if you stay in hotels, but a headlamp can really help if you are staying with a tribe. It may be a short walk to go from the hut to the toilets at night! I’ve got two different headlamps that I love – one is super light (Petzl Bindi), so comfortable I forget I’m wearing it, while the other one (Petzl Swift) is more powerful and perfect for seeing further away at night.
Insect repellent
Mosquitoes loved me in New Caledonia. I kept wearing long pants and tops, but it didn’t stop them. Unfortunately, they are to be avoided. Not only are they annoying but they also may carry viruses like dengue.
So insect repellent can be the solution. Deet is reputed to be the most effective, but I doubt it is good for the environment. Hence, I recommend using a deet-free product.
And if like me you have sensitive skin, you may prefer products that will keep the mosquitoes away while keeping their distance from you too. Sometimes, we were given coils to burn in our room. But not always, so it’s a good idea to bring something to be safe.
Toiletries
I doubt you’ll forget to put your toothbrush on your New Caledonia packing list. But what about your shampoo, conditioner, and soap?
Although they will provide toiletries at the hotels and resorts, I still advise you to bring your own. They are often distributed in single-use small plastic bottles, which have an enormous impact on the amount of waste you generate.
It is easy nowadays to find silicone travel containers like these in which you can add the products you use at home. They are supposed to be leakproof. To make sure nothing leaks, you could also consider bars for shampoos, conditioners, and soap.
Sheets
It’s rare, but sometimes linen isn’t complimentary when you stay with a tribe.
Travel sheets are perfect in that situation to avoid paying extra, and they use no space in the luggage. It is also a plan B option if you end up in a place where you question the cleanliness (which didn’t happen to us in New Caledonia, but elsewhere when travelling). Choose one with a pillow pocket, so you don’t need to carry a pillowcase. Make sure it’s breathable and not too warm (some are made with temperature-regulating material). Check out this one for example.
Jumper
Once the sun disappears, it gets colder! No matter the season, you won’t need warm clothes in New Caledonia, but it’s a good idea to bring a comfortable jumper.
Card game
After a day exploring the stunning island, you’ll probably feel tired straight after dinner. But in case you’re not, a card game is good entertainment. I highly recommend bringing one as there is not much happening at night on the islands of New Caledonia, and if you’re unlucky with the weather, you may be required to stay inside. To be honest, we never used our card game, but it doesn’t hurt to carry one.
Hiking clothes and accessories
New Caledonia is a lot about beautiful beaches and reefs. But the few hikes we did were adventurous and fantastic, so I highly recommend bringing sports gear and exploring the islands on foot too.
A pair of sports shoes
We spent most of our time in New Caledonia wearing thongs or being barefoot. But there are a few activities we couldn’t have done without a pair of sports shoes, like hiking Mont Nga on the Isle of Pines or the Shabadran hike on Mare. Hiking boots are not necessary and are bulky, so if you choose to bring them, you may need to wear them on the plane.
A small backpack
Foldable backpacks are light and perfect to have an extra bag once you arrive at your destination. It makes packing a lot easier as you avoid emptying your luggage when you need a bag. For hiking, it’s ideal to get a water-resistant one made of durable fabric, so it doesn’t tear apart when you touch a bush. I also appreciate having multiple compartments to find things more easily and having a pouch for my water bottle on the side is even better. Large shoulder straps make a big difference in comfort.
First Aid Kit
It feels safe to travel to a country with good infrastructure and equipment like New Caledonia. There are three hospitals on the main island. But as you explore natural and remote places, it’s not the same. Pharmacies do exist on the smaller islands, but their offer is limited. They have at least one doctor there, so no reason to worry about this.
Still, a good first aid kit can make a difference for small issues. Locals always have a practical solution to help with your problem (our guide tore his shirt with his machete to create a colourful bandage), but you might find it slightly too “back to basics” to your tastes.
In case something more serious happens, I always purchase travel insurance as costs can quickly add up for the medical fees and the flight transfers to get treatment.
Rain and windproof jacket
You may leave your rain jacket in your bag if you’re lucky. But it’s an item I would not travel without, even if I am out of the wet season. They can get rain and wind in New Caledonia! It can also be very useful if you plan a boat trip.
Pieces of fabric
Have you heard about the Coutume? Like in many cultures, it is a tradition to bring something to your hosts. You can buy pieces of fabric while shopping in Noumea. They locally call them manou and use them a lot on the islands for many different purposes. If you didn’t have time to buy them in Noumea, there are a few available in the small shops on the other islands.
If you are doing the hike with a tour guide and it’s advertised to tourists with a fee, you don’t have to do the coutume. But it may feel appropriate sometimes, and it’s good to have the option to do it as it will create a different relationship with the tribe you are visiting.
Electronics
We took thousands of photos during our trip. Seriously, everywhere looked fantastic. We had enough memory cards in stock (we learnt our lessons before), but having enough batteries could be your primary challenge. Our solutions:
Adaptor and multiple sockets
Most places had electricity, and it wasn’t an issue to charge our electronic gadgets. However, the plugs are the same as in France, so we needed adaptors. The multiple sockets were super useful as we have several cameras and phones to charge every day.
Powerbank
If you plan to go off the beaten track and stay in a remote area, as we did in Lifou, you will not have electricity. A powerbank can be very useful to charge your cameras if you are an underwater addict like us, taking pics of every fish in the New Caledonia lagoons. Make sure to check the airline rules.
25. Car charger
I always bring a car charger when we plan to rent a vehicle. Road trips are excellent for discovering a country. But as we often use the GPS when driving abroad, we quickly use up our phone battery.
Scuba diving gear
We hire most gear when we go scuba diving in New Caledonia. Equipment was always well-maintained and often very recent. We always bring our masks and our fins if we plan multiple dives. I’ve had bad experiences with hiring fins on the Great Barrier Reef (huge blisters), so now I prefer to bring mine. We’ve upgraded to travel fins (check Aqualung Storm for barefoot or Scubapro GO Sport if you want boots and more power).
I highly recommend bringing your dive computer (mine is a Garmin Descent Mk2S). You may be surprised to see that they sometimes do not offer a dive computer in their list of equipment for hire. I really prefer to dive with a computer. It’s safer, and you don’t have to follow your guide closely to have the same profile.
Bonus to save money
Cutlery, food, and containers
I always carry a set of cutlery (and often a retractable plate). It makes life a lot easier if I buy food at the market or the supermarket. It opens a broader range of products that I can eat, and I can avoid going to the restaurant. Restaurants in New Caledonia are generally tasty but quite expensive, and that’s one of the budgets that you can control.
Responsible travel tips: Carrying your reusable cutlery helps reduce waste when you travel.
I always carry “emergency snacks” and the option to make a picnic lunch. Shops are easy to find in Noumea, but it becomes more challenging when you leave the capital. I would hate not to be able to do an activity because I haven’t planned my lunch. And as nothing is done in a hurry in New Caledonia, having lunch at the restaurant also means taking an extended lunch break. It is super nice to take our time, but sometimes there are other things we want to do. Containers will open more options for you to keep food if you get access to a kitchen or order too much at the restaurant.
I also brought breakfast with me. Finding a broad range of biscuits in Noumea was easy. However, the offer was restricted elsewhere. I found breakfasts were expensive for nothing special (plus, I could not eat most of the things because of food intolerance), so bringing biscuits was an easy way to save money.
Is there something you forgot to pack when you went to New Caledonia? Share your experience in the comments below!
Where is New Caledonia?
New Caledonia is a French archipelago located between Australia‘s East Coast and Vanuatu. It only takes a couple of hours to fly there from Brisbane.
Did you find this New Caledonia packing list helpful? Save it for later, and add it to your Pinterest board:
