Easter Excursion to Noumea

[Lynda2475]

Heading off to New Caledonia today for a few days, will try and post some updates for others who also booked the cheap QF J fares.

No priority security lanes operating at SYD T1 at 5am. No hot food in J lounge until 6:15am. Inbound flight late so didnt start boarding til 5 minutes after we should have taken off, flight time was moved forward a few weeks ago, but ultimately taking off at the original scheduled later time.

PDB offered, either sparkling wine or sparkling water.

Looks to be a full flight, except in J where I have the only empty seat nexr to me, much to the chargrin of my friend who is back in row 10 and missed chance to request a classic upgrade.

 

[Virgin Bart]

No hot food in J lounge until 0615 is very very poor.

 

[GrahamBRI]

Heading off to New Caledonia today for a few days, will try and post some updates for others who also booked the cheap QF J fares.

Great stuff!!! Heading there in a few weeks so interested in your reports. I am interested in Taxis/Transfers from airport - any challenges there? Also the ban on swimming at beaches in Noumea and surrounds how broad and enforced?

 

[randompunter]

Great stuff!!! Heading there in a few weeks so interested in your reports. I am interested in Taxis/Transfers from airport - any challenges there? Also the ban on swimming at beaches in Noumea and surrounds how broad and enforced?

We used this company last November - NewCaledonia AIRPORT SHUTTLE BUS SMITH VOYAGE TRANSPORTATION SERVICE
A private car with a baby seat was 10000 XPF from NOU to CBD. Not particularly cheap but not much is in NC. No issues with their service- guy was waiting with a sign and clean van. And in true island style he had his dog with him which our toddler was thrilled about .

We had a rental car for the return leg so that could be a good option too depending on your itinerary (I passed on that on arrival because we also had J reward tix and had enjoyed a few drinks on the short flight over and in the lounge prior.)

 

[Brissy1]

Heading off to New Caledonia today for a few days, will try and post some updates for others who also booked the cheap QF J fares.

No priority security lanes operating at SYD T1 at 5am. No hot food in J lounge until 6:15am. Inbound flight late so didnt start boarding til 5 minutes after we should have taken off, flight time was moved forward a few weeks ago, but ultimately taking off at the original scheduled later time.

PDB offered, either sparkling wine or sparkling water.

Looks to be a full flight, except in J where I have the only empty seat nexr to me, much to the chargrin of my friend who is back in row 10 and missed chance to request a classic upgrade.

Gee you were lucky getting a PDB, I did that flight J 5 months ago all I got was handed a bottle of water

 

[SYD]

Enjoy! A few years ago, we tried to go there over Easter and a cyclone barrelled through and delayed our flight for a day or so. Friends got out on QF the day before but turned around and headed back to SYD as the cyclone hit…they were pissed in more ways than one when they landed.

Our December visit was less eventful.

 

[Lynda2475]

I am interested in Taxis/Transfers from airport - any challenges there?

Cant really help there. A work friend decided to tag along, so we ended up hiring a car from Hertz via Qantas (as was cheapest we could find for an automatic big enough to take our luggage) and it turned out to be a great decision.

It was an MG SUV,very comfortable and the airconditioning was greatly appreciated. Rental included enough petrol for 500kms, we returned it with about 150kms to go.

Also the ban on swimming at beaches in Noumea and surrounds how broad and enforced?

On check in at the Hilton, no mention was made of the swimming ban.

Weather (rain and strong winds) were not condusive to beach swimming on Wednesday afternoon and parts of Thursday. So there was no one on the beaches, let alone swimming that we could see. Once the sun came out on Thursday arvo the bays were busy with Wind Surfers and Kite Surfers, no swimmers and only joggers on the sand.

Only on Thursday evening did I notice the below sign on the message board next to the elevators. I google the ban to find more info in English. Aparently all Noumea beaches closed to swimmers until end of the year, whilst they look to provide safe swimming areas (I assume netted off). Then I noticed the red flag (means do not swim) flying on the beaches.



We headed to Amédée on Friday. where it was sunny, calm and no drama to swim or snorkel with the turtles.

On check-in at the Chateau Royal on Friday evening, we were given a letter from the manager explaning the ban. There was also a sign posted on the fence.



Lifeguard still on duty in the tower, a few walking ankle deep in the now calmer and clearer water but no swimmers that I saw.

Staff at Amadee island said boats visiting the island had been full not just of tourists but also locals wanting to swim.

 

[Lynda2475]

Enjoy! A few years ago, we tried to go there over Easter and a cyclone barrelled through and delayed our flight for a day or so.

It was grey upon landing, started sprinkling on the drive from NOU to the hotel, and by the time we had checked in and were ready to head out it was torrential and side ways (very glad to have the car). But it improved Thursday arvo, Friday, Saturday and today were lovely.

 

[Lynda2475]

As stated upthread I lucked out and had a shadow (the only free seat I could see) in J. Was grateful but off, because the husband/father of the mother and child in 3D&F) was sitting back in Y youd think he would have applied to an upgrade.

Breakfast service started shortly after take-off, BUT after 1A&C were served it was paused as the young child (maybe 3 or 4 years old) in 3F had thrown up all over himself (thankfully I didnt smell it), and the FAs were rushing with platic trash bags to put the soiled clothes in and wipe up the mess.

Once service resumed I was offered a choice of a pumkin quiche or bacon/egg/sausage/spinach/baked beans thingy (cant remeber what they called it) shown below. It was uninspiring (luckily I had eaten more apetising better bacon/eggs/sausage/hashbrown in the lounge), but the peach danish was nice.



After breakfast trays had been cleared the former reality tv star seated in 3C was largely monopolising the attention of the female FA either from his seat or hanging out in the galley.

I was watching content on my tablet so not really paying any attention, until the male FA asked me if I wanted Tea or Coffee or a drink, and then before I could ask for some sparkling water he apologised that all champagne supplies had been consumed (I later learned predminetly by 3C when he randomly hugged me in the arrivals hall and complained about how primitive the airport was and fact that after a whole bottle of bubbles he had to switch to bloody mary's).

Otherwise flight was smooth, some nice glimpses of the laggon as we started our descent and the first indication that the weather wouldnt be stellar.



I was 3rd off the plane, a short walk to immigration and arrived at the luggage carousel just as my checked bag appeared. I then had to wait about 5 mins for my friend who was in Y (row 11) to appear and another 5 mins for her non priorty bag (we did not check in together).

Short walk to Hertz, first inside, car keys were ready, signed the paperwork and walked over to the carpark. Found our MG SUV, just managed to squeeze 2 * medium cases int he boot, popped hand luggae ont he back seat, had a comical experience working out how to start it and then we were on our way.



Prior to depature, I downloaded the offline Google Map for most of the island to my tablet; and played navigator whilst my friend driove. It worked a treat, even without iternet I could search for any landamrk (hotel, resturant, airport, store, museum etc) and with GPS turned on, accurately find our way wherever we decided to go.

We had free internet at our hotels, but offline Google map was all we needed when out.

 

[Lynda2475]

As we headed from the airport the weather worsened. Apart from getting used to a new car the drive into town was very straight forward, we stayed in the right lane on the speed limit, letting the speed demons zoom past on the left.

There is quite a lot of roadworks in progress all over the island, so you may need to take the off detour or in some cases park around the corner from where you want to be. But parking is free and plentiful.

55 mins after loading the car we had pulled into the driveway of the Hilton Noumea La Promenade. As a Hilton Honours Gold we were given free breakfast buffet for 2; had to sit on the lounge for 5 mins whilst we waited for our room to become available.

Whilst no mention was made of not being able to swim at the beach we were told that the hotel was full so they could ot upgrade us (or extend our stay) but had given us a high floor room.

Our delux Two Bedroom Apartment was on the 6th floor. The lifts are being refurbished, so only one was operational and they are small.

The Balcony off the lounge room:

The lounge room:

Kitchen and laundry:

2nd Bedroom:

Master Bedroom:

Master Ensuite (horrible SHUB, no way to position the shower head which didnt result in the water spraying beyond the screen and a wet floor), toliet the left (not shown)

Second bathroom (better as had a walk-in shower and full screen):

Separate toliet next door.

VIew from the master balcony




The pool is very small and full of kids when it isnt raining

 

[Lynda2475]

The rain arrived with a vengence, about 2pm. We wondered if there was a monsoon no one mentioned.

Jumped in the car and headed for Lemon Bay intending to get a late lunch, but learned that almost all the resturants along the coast only do lunch from 12-2pm; then dont re-open until dinner service.

So a little wet (the rain was coming side ways) and still hungry jumped back in the car and drove into the town centre. Found a bakery that was open and had some baguettes.

As it was still miserable, we headed for the large Geant store about 10 mins drive away. It is like a cross between David Jones Food Hall combined with a Coles, Kmart and Dan Murphys. We spent about an hour checking out all the french (and other european) food items (making mental notes of what to bring back to Australia later) and brought some drinks.

On way back into town we also stopped at Thiriet (Surgelés à domicile et en magasins | Maison Thiriet) its a very fancy supermarket that only sells frozen goods but they are the pretiiest desserts, pies and meals you will every see. Very expensive, but if there was a special occasions the icecream cakes etc would be a winner.



Back at the hotel we decided to chill and plan what to do the next day, as google said the weatherwas not going to improve in a hurry.

The TV only had one english channel (BBC News), but had a chromescast so we could cast netflix.

By dinner time were exhausted as had been up since 3m and uninterested in going far in the rain, so walked to a resturant at the Promenade called Pizza & Pasta for a lazy dinner (as we didnt need an umbrella to get there, as could walk undercover from room to table). There seems to be a crazy number of pizza places.

I do not recomend Pizza & Pasta, although the service was quick, the food was bland.



An early night and a sleep in followed. The hilton beds were comfy; the air con is set to 23C and you cannot adjust the temperature (but you can turn it off) and the bathrooms need renovating.

 

[Lynda2475]

I slept well, the block curtains were great at keeping out the light and very quiet at the hotel we didnt hear any other guests.

Whilst it wasnt raining when I woke up on Thursday, there were ominous signs on the horizen.



Headed down to check out what our free breakfast offered. Undercooked bacon, the worlds smalled sausages, only runny scambled eggs and machine cofee. But they did have gluten free bread to toast.









We had sufficient to eat, but I would not have paid for this buffet breakfast if not a Gold freebie. There is a bakery downstairs if you want to grab something quick and cheaper.

During breakfast the storm arrived, the rain came down in buckets, but as we were finsihing up we saw a glimmer of blue sky so headed out

 

[Lynda2475]

Drove to the Tjibaou Cultural Centre and arrived to sunshine The centre focuses on the native Kanak culture, it is part museum and part art gallery. The architecture of the centre itself is very interesting.

If you are over 65 you get 50% off admission. Also you can return and reuse your ticket another day during your stay.

The majority of the exibits only have signage/descriptions in French but there are signs everywhere in English suggesting you connect to the free wifi and then use google translate to enjoy your visit. We observed many manily aussies doing this.

You can comfortably see the exhibits and walk the gardens in about 90 mins.

Note despite the signage stating there is a cafe, there is none oeprating on site. There are vending machines where you can get water/softdrink/coffee but if you are planning to spend longer enjoying the gardens bring a picnic.

Just as we were making our last stop to see replica huts, the rain returned and coincided with the arrival fo a coach full of cruise passengers. So arrive before 11am so you can be wrapping up by 12:30pm when the crowds appear.

On the way out we noticed, some other toursists waiting for the local bus, and others were getting into a private guided tour vehicle.

The gardens and outside buildings:

 

[Lynda2475]

Some of the exhibits and art from inside:

 

[Lynda2475]

Determined not to miss out on the best lunch options, we left just after 12:30pm and headed for lunch at Le Roof.



We couldnt see any fish below as the rain had made the bay murky and the wind made the water choppy.


There were only a couple of other tables in use, so the dining experience felt private and as the weather started to clear again we enjoyed watching the kite surfers do their acrobatics whilst we feasted.

Noting that all the resturants seem to allow smoking indoors, we were mostly lucky but one lady lit up as our dessert arrived.

As others have noted on the other noumeau threads they do offer a lucnh special set menu but we opted to order a la carte. Ended up being about AU $160 ahead, not cheap but a fantastic dining experience.

Amuse bouche:


Entree: Poisson du marche coulis de tomatoe a la vanille, sponge cake olive verte et chips dáil


Main: Filet de bouef, terrine de pomme de terre aux artichauts & parmesan, endive braisee au miel di pays, emulsion de raifort & jus infuse a lea fieve de Tonka



Desserts:

Apple tarte flambe in Calvados with vanilla icecream



Poached pears with almond sable and sorbet

 

[Lynda2475]

Needing to walk off lunch we headed to the Aquarium, despite numerous posters of a Dugong there was none to be found inside, but they did have some large turtles (which I neglected to photograph), the usual tropical fish, lots of Jellyfish, a bunch of natelus and a nice gallery of marine photos.

 

[Lynda2475]

A more budget friendly dinner at Lemon Bay at Cacao Sampaka; warning this place hs a couple of pet cats who wander around and under the tables, so if you are allergic like me you will spend time shooing them away.

The rain returned with a vnegence during dinner, but had subsided by the time we were done and needing to walk to the car.

Prawns in passionfruit sauce with coconut rice:



Seafood taster plate:

 

[Quickstatus]

young child (maybe 3 or 4 years old) in 3F had thrown up all over himself

The Dad back in Y got the good deal this time...

much to the chargrin of my friend who is back in row 10

One time (preRona) Mrs QS was at the back and i had a window seat shadow in row 3. She also did not get upgrade as she was a separate booking and NB)
As I don't drink alcohol especially on a flight i asked the FA if he could bring her a glass of bubbly.
So after meal service he brought the bubbly down to her and suddenly she appeared and the FA told her to sit in the shadow seat. A lot of brownie points was credited on that day. (SYD-CHC). However, Mrs QS never returned the favour when we went A380 to LAX she in F and me in J. She said to me as she disappeared down the F boarding lane - "see you in LA"

 

[MEL_Traveller]

sorry to hear about the bad weather!

I’ve been wondering about Noumea but concerned about the weather

The swimming ban is a shame!

thanks for the report!

 

[Brissy1]

Once service resumed I was offered a choice of a pumkin quiche or bacon/egg/sausage/spinach/baked beans thingy (cant remeber what they called it) shown below. It was uninspiring (luckily I had eaten more apetising better bacon/eggs/sausage/hashbrown in the lounge), but the peach danish was nice.

View attachment 322634

If you're returning codeshare Air Cal I think you will be staggered by the food comparison, it's like chalk and brie.