Chaîne Centrale

The Chaîne Centrale is the majestic mountain range that serves as the backbone of New Caledonia's main island, Grande Terre, stretching for over 400 kilometers. This imposing range plays a pivotal role in shaping the island's environment, acting as a massive climatic barrier between the humid east coast and the significantly drier west coast. Geologically, the Chaîne Centrale is a complex formation, consisting partly of ancient volcanic rocks and peridotite, the mineral-rich rock that contains the island's vast nickel reserves. The high peaks and deep valleys harbor an extraordinary level of biodiversity, featuring many endemic plant and animal species that have evolved in isolation across various altitudes. For hikers and nature lovers, the range features some of the most spectacular scenery in the South Pacific, with trails leading through dense rainforests to vistas of the surrounding turquoise lagoons. As the central watershed of the island, it is the source of numerous rivers and waterfalls, defining the wild and rugged character of New Caledonia's interior.

Nearby cities

Vallée du Tir

Vallée du Tir is a popular and historical district of Nouméa, located near the harbor.

Dumbéa

Dumbéa is a rapidly growing suburb of Nouméa and part of the Great Nouméa metropolitan area.

Kone Economic Pole

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

Koné

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

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.

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

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

Voh Pioneer History

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

Rivière-Salée

Rivière-Salée is a large residential district in northern Nouméa, named after the local 'salty river'.

History & landmarks

Koné City Hall

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

Nature

Mont Arago

Mont Arago is located in the heart of the central range near Bourail.

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.

Ouvéa

Ouvéa is a stunning coral atoll in the Loyalty Islands featuring a 25-kilometer long sandy beach.