Getting Around New Caledonia
Air
Domestic flights are run by Air Calédonie (www.air-caledonie.nc), with regular services from Nouméa to airfields on the island, and the other smaller islands. The principal local airport is Magenta Airport, 6km (4 miles) from Nouméa city centre. From here, Air Calédonie operates regular flights to Touho (east coast), Koné, Koumac, Belep (west coast), and to the neighbouring Ile des Pins and the Loyalty Islands: Maré, Ouvéa, Lifou and Tiga.
Light aircraft and helicopters are available from Air Alizé (www.airalize.com), Air Loyauté (www.air-loyaute.nc), Hélicocéan and Helisud (www.helisud.nc).
Road
The road network consists of 5,000km (3,125 miles) of paved and unpaved roads.
Side of the road
RightCar Hire
International and local companies all have representatives in the capital. Drivers must be aged 21 or over (in some cases, 25 or over).
Taxi
Charges are for time and distance. There is a surcharge after 1900 and on Sundays.
Bike
You can hire bikes, motorbikes and scooters.
Coach
RAI (tel: +687 277 766; www.rai.nc) operates a fleet of modern coaches between towns in New Caledonia.
Documentation
International Driving Permit is required.
Urban travel
Karuia Bus (www.karuiabus.nc) runs public buses in the capital. You can buy tickets from the driver or save money by purchasing them in advance from vending machines or sales outlets.
Rail
Water
An inter-island, high-speed catamaran, 'Betico', runs regularly to Ile des Pins and Loyalty Islands from Grande Terre (reservation.betico.nc). Boats can be hired or chartered to visit smaller islands.