Heart of Voh

The Heart of Voh is a world-renowned natural formation located on the west coast of New Caledonia’s main island, Grande Terre. This memorable glade within a dense mangrove forest naturally forms the shape of a giant heart when viewed from above. The phenomenon is caused by varying levels of salinity in the soil, which affects the growth and density of the mangrove vegetation, creating distinct color contrasts. It gained global recognition in 1990 when French photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand featured it on the cover of his best-selling book, 'Earth from Above.' Since then, the heart has become an iconic symbol of New Caledonian nature and environmental awareness. Because the shape is indistinguishable from the ground, most visitors experience the Heart of Voh via microlight aircraft or helicopter tours starting from Kone. Alternatively, a hike up the nearby Mount Kathépaïk gives a terrestrial viewpoint overlooking the lagoon and the mangroves. It remains one of the most photographed natural sites in the world and a testament to the unique biodiversity of the South Pacific's coastal ecosystems.

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

Heart of Voh Mangroves

A natural clearing in the mangroves forming a heart shape, symbolizing the resilience of the coastal ecosystem.

More places

Ducos

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

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.