The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has updated its travel advice for New Caledonia, in another positive step for travel to the South Pacific nation.
Previously, the government advised Aussie travellers to “Reconsider your need to travel” – or level three – for certain parts of the country, but that has now been downgraded.
“We’ve reviewed our advice and now advise exercise a high degree of caution for all areas of New Caledonia, after lowering our advice level for the Loyalty Islands, IIes de Pins [Isle of Pines] and inland of the western coastal areas on Grand Terre,” DFAT states on its Smartraveller website.
Like in most level two nations, DFAT still advises visitors to avoid demonstrations and public gatherings, and to “be aware of your personal security”.
The move reflects a major turnaround by the country, which just 12 months ago was in the midst of a period of civil unrest.
The capital city Noumea, and the rest of the island nation were downgraded to level two in January 2025, which marked the reboot of tourism to the tropical destination on Australia’s doorstep.
Despite the recent downgrade, traditionally popular spots like the Isle of Pines and Lifou have been welcoming back visitors for many months. Or longer.
For instance, cruise ships have been calling into Lifou since last November – and a month later, this scribe witnessed first-hand how prepared the island was for the return of mainstream tourism on an exclusive visit to the island. Read our on-location report here.
In addition, recent visitor numbers for the country are encouraging.
Speaking to Karryon after the updated advice, New Caledonia Tourism Australia Country Manager Rebecca Marchal said that there was a 135 per cent increase between March and April this year – and while that’s still well below pre-unrest numbers, “it shows that people are coming back”.
“The hard work of relaunching is starting to pay off,” she said, adding that July flights from Australia, for instance, were already “quite full”.
“It will take time. We were starting again from zero.”
So this is definitely a space to watch. Or better still, a place to consider visiting again.
First self-famils
To help travel advisors sell New Caledonia, the country’s tourism office has launched its first-ever self-famil programme.
The initiative allows agents and wholesalers to discover the country at their own pace, and brings significant benefits to participants, including discounts of up to 50 per cent on flights, accommodation, transport and experiences.
Additionally, travel industry professionals can bring along companions.
Among the discounts are:
- 50% off public rate at Chateau Royal Beach Resort & Spa, Noumea
- Book two nights, get the third night free at the recently refurbished Beaurivage Hotel, Noumea
- Get up to 35,000 XPF in bonus value add-ons while staying at the Sheraton New Caledonia Deva Resort & Spa, Bourail
- 30% off when booking your vehicle from AVIS – perfect for a New Caledonian road trip
- 15% off private day trip diving in the New Caledonia lagoon with Odyssey Diving
- 15% off excursions in the national parks in the Great South with Toutamizut and so much more
Travel advisors need to complete the New Caledonia Specialist E-learning Programme to be eligible for the famils.
For more info on New Caledonia’s Self-Famil Programme, visit https://au.newcaledonia.travel/self-famil/.
New hotel
In other big news, New Caledonia is set to welcome a new four-star apartment hotel in Noumea in early 2026.
Overlooking Anse Vata and Lemon Bay, it will offer 74 one to four-bedroom apartments in a combined hotel-residential building.
The property, located near shops and restaurants, will also feature a 1,000m² pool area, spa, gym, barbeque area and business centre, positioning it for leisure and business travellers.
Flight deals
Making it easier to get to New Caledonia, Aircalin has released exclusive industry fares for travel agents flying from Sydney or Brisbane to Noumea.
For a limited time, agents can snap up return flights for just $235 plus taxes, with the option to bring a companion for only $80 more.
Valid for travel until 17 December 2025, blackout dates and surcharges may apply.
Proof of employment is required and bookings can be made via 1300 655 737 or reservations@aircalin.com.au.
Alongside this, Aircalin is running its Warm Up in New Caledonia consumer sale, with return fares starting at $539 from Brisbane and $569 from Sydney. The sale ends on 13 July 2025 for travel from August 2025 to March 2026.
All fares include a checked bag (up to 23kg), inflight meals, drinks and entertainment.
