Coral Sea Natural Park

The Coral Sea Natural Park (Le Parc Naturel de la Mer de Corail) is a monumental marine protected area encompassing the entire Exclusive Economic Zone of New Caledonia. Spanning 1.3 million square kilometers, it is one of the largest conservation initiatives on the planet, established in 2014 to safeguard a vast wilderness of coral reefs, deep-sea trenches, and underwater volcanoes. The park is a critical sanctuary for marine megafauna, providing essential migratory pathways for 25 species of whales and dolphins, as well as a safe haven for the world's third-largest population of dugongs. It includes the striking New Caledonian lagoons, which are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list for their exceptional natural beauty and biological diversity. Remote reefs such as the Chesterfield and Bellona atolls are part of this reserve, serving as vital nesting grounds for green sea turtles and thousands of seabirds. By strictly regulating fishing and industrial activities, the park aims to maintain the resilience of the ocean's ecosystems, serving as a global model for large-scale marine spatial planning and environmental stewardship.

Nearby cities

Dumbéa

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

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.

History & landmarks

Koné City Hall

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

Nature

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Bellona Reefs

Remote coral reefs in the Coral Sea Natural Park, hosting vast populations of seabirds and large pelagic fish.

Entrecasteaux Reefs

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

More places

Ouvéa

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

Bélep

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