Bellona Reefs

The Bellona Reefs are a remote group of coral reefs located in the southern Coral Sea, far to the west of New Caledonia's main archipelago. As a key component of the Coral Sea Natural Park, these reefs constitute one of the most pristine marine environments remaining on Earth. Due to their extreme isolation, they support an extraordinarily high fish biomass, characterized by a significant presence of top-level pelagic predators such as reef sharks, tuna, and barracudas. The scattered sand cays and islets within the reef complex serve as indispensable breeding grounds for vast colonies of seabirds, including boobies and frigatebirds. The reefs are of paramount importance to international marine research, providing a baseline for understanding healthy reef dynamics in the absence of direct human pressure. The untouched coral structures and bustling lagoons make Bellona a critical reservoir of biodiversity for the entire South Pacific region.

Nearby cities

Koné

Koné is the capital of the North Province and a vital center for the nickel industry in the north.

Kone Economic Pole

Kone has developed into the primary economic hub of the North Province.

Thio

Thio is considered the cradle of nickel mining in New Caledonia, located on the southeast coast.

Païta Pioneer District

Païta is known for its history as the first major settlement outside Nouméa.

Païta

Païta is located west of Nouméa and hosts the territory's primary international airport.

Koumac Old Village

A historic mining and agricultural center in the north.

Koumac

Koumac is a key service center in the far north of the main island, Grande Terre.

Kouaoua

Kouaoua is a mining town on the east coast famous for having one of the world's longest conveyor belts.

Houaïlou

Houaïlou is a town on the east coast known for its lychee cultivation and mining tradition.

Poindimié

Poindimié is the most important economic and administrative center on the northeast coast of the main island.

Canala

Canala is a historical center of nickel mining on the east coast of New Caledonia.

Pouembout

Pouembout is a growing town in the North Province, closely linked to the development of Koné.

Voh Pioneer History

Famous for the 'Heart of Voh', the commune also has a rich history of coffee farming and early European settlement.

Voh

Voh is a northern commune world-famous for a natural heart shape within its mangroves.

Kaala-Gomen

Kaala-Gomen is a rural commune in the northwest with a strong mining and ranching tradition.

History & landmarks

Koné City Hall

The city hall of Koné is the administrative center of the North Province of New Caledonia.

Nature

Entrecasteaux Reefs

A remote UNESCO-protected site serving as a globally significant nesting ground for green sea turtles and seabirds.

More places

Ducos

Ducos is the primary industrial and commercial zone of Nouméa, located on its own peninsula.

Doniambo

Doniambo is the industrial heart of Nouméa, home to the massive SLN nickel smelter.

Bélep

Bélep is a remote archipelago in the far north of New Caledonia with a rich fishing tradition.

Coral Sea Natural Park

One of the world's largest marine protected areas, encompassing a vast ecosystem of coral reefs, whales, and seabirds.

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Poum Historical Mining

The northern tip of the island, where mining history was shaped by the extraction of copper and other minerals.