New Caledonia - Ile de Pins and Noumea

[Daver6]

A few older threads on the subject and specifically The Last of the USDM Redemptions J All the Way: Noumea, Ilot Maitre & Ile des Pins but had some general questions

Would 5 days be too long at Le Meridian on Ile des Pins? Seems pretty prices but using points might be the way to go and 5 nights for the price of 4 seems a good way to maximise value.

Getting to Ile dse Pins from Noumea. Boat or flying?

Is going in June going to be too cold? Looks like it doesn't really get that cold at night with days about mid 20s. Would be keen on some snorkelling too. Water temp seems to be about the same as air temp.

Reason for the trip is to make use of the J sale ex Perth and have a bit of R&R with MrsDaver6. Ideally some relaxing, eating, snorkelling and a walk or two would do us just fine.

Is spending some time in Noumea worthwhile too? If so, hotel thoughts on the SPG properties verse Hilton? Others to consider?

Any feedback appreciated.

 

[defurax]

I guess it all depends on what type of vacation you are after. If you just want to relax and snorkel, then 5 days at Méridien Île des Pins is perfect. It can be a bit cool in June, but usually still fine to go swimming.
I would recommend flying to ILP it's a 25 minute flight from GEA and there are multiple flights each day. I like Noumea and I think it is worth staying a day or two. I would recommend the Meridien at Anse Vata, the hotel has been completely renovated 3 years ago and some rooms have amazing view on the lagoon.
You can rent a car on Île des Pins if you want to explore the island on your own (the island is very small, but there are some nice beaches on the west side.
The food can be expensive, but you can't go wrong with the catch of the day!

 

[lovetravellingoz]

It is a while since I went.

We flew = quick and easy.

Car rental was quite reasonable when we went so we hired a car for 1 day on the Île des Pins which is all you need.

On the main island of New Caledonia we hired a car for several days to look around and stayed at a Gite. We discovered that Noumea has ample and large spiders. Was found to explore and many nice lonely beaches. My wife and three young daughters were not amused....

I agree Noumea is very nice idea for several days. Have forgotten which one now, but we stayed at midling hotel an easy walk near the main beach with ample restaurants to choose from.

Île des Pins is ok for as long as you like chilling at a tropical resort.

Overall it was an excellent family holiday, but would also be perfect for couples etc.

 

[Daver6]

Thanks for the responses so far.

GEA to ILP flights seem to be limited to 12kg of checked bags unless you go the fully flexible ticket. Any ideas what excess baggage fees are? The Air Caledonie was a little light on this detail.

Also, given we'ed arrive at NOU, any suggestions on the best/most economical transfer options to GEA?

 

[defurax]

The excess baggage fee for GEA-ILP is 250CFP/kg.
The most economical transfer option is public bus, but this is very impractical as you have to walk from the terminal to the main road to catch the public bus. The second option is to take the shuttle bus (Arc-en-ciel). The third option is private transfer using "Navette les mouettes" or Arc-en-ciel. Last option is to hire a car.
Private transfer cost is approximately AUD130.

 

[Dalescott]

I advice you to consider going to both the Le Meridian hotels. Both are excellent, having stayed at both twice. You can arrange a holiday with both with transfers included.

 

[Steady]

Also, given we'ed arrive at NOU, any suggestions on the best/most economical transfer options to GEA?

The second option is to take the shuttle bus (Arc-en-ciel). The third option is private transfer using "Navette les mouettes" or Arc-en-ciel..

I (have a number of times) would personally go the Arc-en-ciel shuttle- call them and book prior to arrival. I was always alone, at some point with more people the private transfer would look more attractive and maybe cheaper.

 

[Daver6]

I advice you to consider going to both the Le Meridian hotels. Both are excellent, having stayed at both twice. You can arrange a holiday with both with transfers included.

How does one go about doing that?