• Explore Grande Terre's busy little capital Nouméa, which overlooks one of the world's largest sheltered natural harbours. It's home to attractive squares, a cathedral, museums, a market, many old colonial houses and aquarium, one of the world's leading centres of marine scientific research.

• For extra culture, visit: Nouméa's South Pacific Commission Building and New Caledonia Museum to see a collection of native handicrafts; the Museum of Maritime History for artefacts from numerous local wrecks; and the Tjibaou Cultural Centre (website: www.adck.nc) for concerts, plays and exhibitions celebrating indigenous culture.

• Visit the Botanical and Zoological Gardens, 4km (2.5 miles) from Nouméa, which is home to over 700 species of animals. Also nearby is the Amedée Lighthouse, constructed in Paris during the reign of Napoleon III and shipped to this coral reef in pieces.

• Don't miss a trip out onto, and to go swimming and scuba-diving in, the lagoon, which is the biggest in the world.

• Soak up some scenery at Mont-Dore, a mountain surrounded by magnificent coastal views. On the way, stop at the Melanesian village of St Louis and the Plum Lookout for a spectacular lookout across the surrounding reef. Also in the south, Blue River Provincial Park is well worth a visit.

• Tour the pure white sand beaches, rainforest and offshore atolls of the west coast. There are elaborate and beautiful caves and rock formations shaped by Pacific breakers at Bourail. Further north is the ancient site of Koné. From Koumac, a road loops round the top of the island.

• Explore the east coast. Hienghéne has a lagoon surrounded by 120m- (400ft-) high black cliffs. The region is dotted with churches and Melanesian villages, forests, coconut palms and beautiful beaches. At the southern point of this coast is Yaté, a village surrounded by lakes, waterfalls and rich wooded countryside.

• Venture over to the Ile des Pins, discovered by Captain Cook in 1774, and lying 70km (45 miles) off Grande Terre. This exceedingly beautiful island has many white sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, lush rainforests, pines, orchids and ferns not to mention archaeological remains. Day trips are available from Nouméa.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.