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Heart of Voh Mangroves

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Heart of Voh Mangroves (New Caledonia)

Weather…

The "Heart of Voh" is a world-famous natural formation located within the mangroves on the northwest coast of New Caledonia. Spanning approximately four hectares, this clearing occurred naturally due to variations in soil salinity and, when viewed from above, reveals a nearly excellent heart shape. The formation gained international fame through the aerial photography of Yann Arthus-Bertrand, featuring prominently on the cover of his book "Earth from Above," and has since become a global symbol for environmental conservation. These clearings, known locally as "tan," are barren patches within the dense mangrove ecosystem, which is crucial for coastal protection and local fisheries. To see the heart clearly, visitors typically ascend the nearby Mount Voh, where observation points offer the best vantage for viewing the formation against the backdrop of the lagoon. The Heart of Voh is not only a remarkable natural wonder but also serves as a reminder of the fragility and ecological significance of Pacific coastal wetlands, remaining one of the territory's most iconic sights.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272727262423222122242526
Rain mm1331512031139175474635385993

📋 Practical info

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Best season
The cooler, dry season months from May to October offer the clearest skies for observing the surrounding landscape. Mangrove ecosystems are fascinating year-round, but avoiding heavy rains ensures easier trail access and better visibility.
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Best time of day
Mid-morning to early afternoon is generally good for hiking up to the viewpoints, as the sun is high enough to properly illuminate the lively green hues of the dense mangroves. Early morning can sometimes be misty along the coastal mountains.
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Etiquette
Do not deviate from the established viewing trails or attempt to walk directly into the fragile mudflats of the heart formation. Taking natural souvenirs or disturbing the diverse birdlife nesting in the coastal vegetation is strongly discouraged.
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What to bring
Sturdy hiking boots are essential if you intend to climb the nearby mountain paths for a panoramic perspective. Pack plenty of drinking water, a wide hat, and use a strong insect repellent, as the humid mangrove environment often attracts mosquitoes.
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Getting there
The most famous shape is best appreciated from a high vantage point, often requiring a steep but rewarding hike up the Mount Kate massif. Alternatively, some local operators might offer specialized microlight flights for those seeking an unhindered aerial view of the natural phenomenon.
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What to expect
Reaching the summit overlook involves sustained physical effort, so take your time and pace yourself on the ascent. Once there, let your eyes scan the sprawling green patterns below to fully grasp the vast scale of this incredible coastal ecosystem.

Geography

Coordinates
-20.93330, 164.65000

Facts

  • The formation consists of mangroves of the genus Avicennia.
  • It is located near the commune of Voh.
  • The heart-shaped clearing covers approximately 4 hectares.
  • Featured on the cover of 'Earth from Above' in 1999.
  • The shape is best viewed from the top of Mount Katépa.
  • The phenomenon is known as a 'tanne' in mangrove ecology.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Heart of VohHeart of Voh2 km · NEExplore →
Voh Pioneer HistoryVoh Pioneer History6 km · NEExplore →
Koniambo Nickel PlantKoniambo Nickel Plant7 km · NExplore →
Vavouto Industrial AreaVavouto Industrial Area9 km · NEExplore →
Koniambo MassifKoniambo Massif21 km · NEExplore →
Ouaco Cattle StationOuaco Cattle Station23 km · SExplore →
Lapita Archaeological SiteLapita Archaeological Site25 km · NEExplore →
Mont TsibaïMont Tsibaï27 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Heart of Voh Mangroves (2)

Coeur de Voh

A natural clearing in the mangroves of Voh, shaped like a heart, made famous by an iconic aerial photograph.

Plage de Poaboaudifingue

A secluded sandy beach on New Caledonia's west coast, surrounded by dense vegetation and calm waters.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How can I best see the Heart of Voh?
You must book a scenic flight with a light aircraft or helicopter.
When is the best time for a flight?
The heart is most clearly visible at low tide.
Is it possible to hike to the mangrove heart?
No, the area is protected and accessible only by air.
How long does the flight last?
Scenic flights usually last about 30 to 60 minutes.
Do I need a permit?
No, booking through certified operators is sufficient.
Heart of Voh Mangroves: where is it located?
Heart of Voh Mangroves is located in New Caledonia.
Heart of Voh Mangroves: what is there to see?
Highlights include Coeur de Voh, Plage de Poaboaudifingue.
Heart of Voh Mangroves: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Heart of Voh Mangroves: why is it worth visiting?
The "Heart of Voh" is a world-famous natural formation located within the mangroves on the northwest coast of New Caledonia.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Dumbéa — Heart of Voh Mangroves (New Caledonia)
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Dumbéa is a rapidly growing suburb of Nouméa and part of the Great Nouméa metropolitan area.
Koné — Heart of Voh Mangroves (New Caledonia)
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Koné is the capital of the North Province and a vital center for the nickel industry in the north.
Kone Economic Pole — Heart of Voh Mangroves (New Caledonia)
Kone Economic Pole
Kone has developed into the primary economic hub of the North Province.
Thio — Heart of Voh Mangroves (New Caledonia)
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Thio is considered the cradle of nickel mining in New Caledonia, located on the southeast coast.
Païta Pioneer District — Heart of Voh Mangroves (New Caledonia)
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Païta is known for its history as the first major settlement outside Nouméa.
Païta — Heart of Voh Mangroves (New Caledonia)
Païta
Païta is located west of Nouméa and hosts the territory's primary international airport.
Koumac Old Village — Heart of Voh Mangroves (New Caledonia)
Koumac Old Village
A historic mining and agricultural center in the north.
Koumac — Heart of Voh Mangroves (New Caledonia)
Koumac
Koumac is a key service center in the far north of the main island, Grande Terre.
Kouaoua — Heart of Voh Mangroves (New Caledonia)
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Kouaoua is a mining town on the east coast famous for having one of the world's longest conveyor belts.
Houaïlou — Heart of Voh Mangroves (New Caledonia)
Houaïlou
Houaïlou is a town on the east coast known for its lychee cultivation and mining tradition.
Poindimié — Heart of Voh Mangroves (New Caledonia)
Poindimié
Poindimié is the most important economic and administrative center on the northeast coast of the main island.
Canala — Heart of Voh Mangroves (New Caledonia)
Canala
Canala is a historical center of nickel mining on the east coast of New Caledonia.
Pouembout — Heart of Voh Mangroves (New Caledonia)
Pouembout
Pouembout is a growing town in the North Province, closely linked to the development of Koné.
Voh Pioneer History — Heart of Voh Mangroves (New Caledonia)
Voh Pioneer History
Famous for the 'Heart of Voh', the commune also has a rich history of coffee farming and early European settlement.
Voh — Heart of Voh Mangroves (New Caledonia)
Voh
Voh is a northern commune world-famous for a natural heart shape within its mangroves.

History & landmarks

Koné City Hall — Heart of Voh Mangroves (New Caledonia)
Koné City Hall
The city hall of Koné is the administrative center of the North Province of New Caledonia.
Heart of Voh — Heart of Voh Mangroves (New Caledonia)
Heart of Voh
The Heart of Voh is a natural heart-shaped glade within a mangrove forest.

More places

Ducos — Heart of Voh Mangroves (New Caledonia)
Ducos
Ducos is the primary industrial and commercial zone of Nouméa, located on its own peninsula.
Ouvéa — Heart of Voh Mangroves (New Caledonia)
Ouvéa
Ouvéa is a stunning coral atoll in the Loyalty Islands featuring a 25-kilometer long sandy beach.
Bélep — Heart of Voh Mangroves (New Caledonia)
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Bélep is a remote archipelago in the far north of New Caledonia with a rich fishing tradition.