Grandes Fougères Provincial Park

Grandes Fougères Provincial Park covers approximately 4,500 hectares in the heart of New Caledonia’s South Province, near the villages of Farino, Sarraméa, and Moindou. Established in 2008, the park's primary mission is to protect the extraordinary biodiversity of the tropical rainforest, with its namesake giant tree ferns (genus Cyathea) being the most striking feature. The park forms part of the buffer zone for the UNESCO World Heritage site and provides a sanctuary for numerous endemic species, including the rare Cagou bird, New Caledonia’s national emblem. A network of over 40 kilometers of well-marked trails guides visitors through dense canopy, past crystal-clear streams, and to viewpoints offering panoramic highland vistas. In addition to hiking, the park is a popular destination for mountain biking and birdwatching. The cooler mountain air and the ancient, primeval atmosphere of the fern forest make it a premier location for nature enthusiasts seeking to experience the island’s unique botanical heritage inland from the coast.

Nearby cities

Vallée du Tir

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

Nouméa

Nouméa is the capital and largest city of New Caledonia, situated on a peninsula in the southwest of the main island.

Vallée des Colons

Vallée des Colons is a historical residential district in Nouméa with many traditional colonial-style houses.

Lemon Bay

Baie des Citrons is a popular neighborhood in Nouméa featuring a sheltered bay ideal for swimming.

East Vallée des Colons

East Vallée des Colons is the extension of the historical district towards the hills of Nouméa.

Anse Vata

Anse Vata is the tourist heart of Nouméa, characterized by hotels, restaurants, and a long beach.

Dumbéa

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

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.

Magenta

Magenta is a district of Nouméa that hosts the territory's domestic airport.

History & landmarks

Nouméa City Hall

The city hall of Nouméa is housed in a prominent building located at the edge of the Place des Cocotiers.

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.

Col d'Amieu

The Col d'Amieu is an important mountain pass connecting the west coast with the east coast in the center of the island.

Sarraméa Church

The small church of Sarraméa is idyllically situated in the mountains and is part of a quiet rural community.

Plateau de Dogny

The Plateau de Dogny is located near Sarraméa and offers vast grassy areas and forests.

Dogny Plateau

The Dogny Plateau near Sarraméa offers breathtaking views of both the east and west coasts of Grande Terre.