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Historic Route Territoriale 1

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Historic Route Territoriale 1 (New Caledonia)

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Route Territoriale 1 (RT1) is the historic backbone of New Caledonia's road network, stretching from the capital of Nouméa to the northern reaches of the main island, Grande Terre. Its origins date back to the 19th century when the French colonial administration prioritized a land link between the southern administrative centers and the developing northern regions. Historically referred to as the 'convict road,' much of its early construction was carried out by penal labor, often following ancient trails long established by the indigenous Kanak people. The RT1 winds along the western coast, passing through diverse terrain ranging from vast cattle ranches to the rugged foothills of the central mountain range. Many of the original colonial-era stone bridges remain standing as testament to the engineering challenges of the period. Today, the RT1 is a vital economic lifeline, essential for the transport of nickel, the island's primary export, and serves as a cultural thread connecting the diverse communities of the archipelago.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Sep, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262625242221202021222325
Rain mm1241221711059175636141455787

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The historic Route Territoriale 1 is a public road, accessible at any time. You can explore the entire route or selected sections by car.
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Typical hours
As a public road, there are no opening hours. The best travel time is during the dry season when road conditions are best.
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Photography
Photography is allowed from the road, but watch out for traffic. The route has many scenic stopping points for pictures.
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Time needed
The entire drive from Nouméa to the northern end can take several hours depending on stops. Allow at least half a day for the most scenic sections.
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Combine with
Combine the drive with visits to attractions along the route, such as the churches of Pouébo or the Poya petroglyphs. The coastal beaches also invite stops.
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Getting there
Route Territoriale 1 is the main road along the west coast from Nouméa to the north. It is fully paved and well signposted.
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Insider tip
Start early in the morning to avoid traffic and enjoy cooler temperatures. Stop at viewpoints to truly appreciate the landscape.

Geography

Coordinates
-21.89110, 166.04220

Facts

  • Total length of approximately 450 kilometers across Grande Terre.
  • Connects Nouméa to the northern town of Koumac.
  • Underwent significant expansion during the 1960s nickel boom.
  • Runs mostly along the West Coast of the main island.
  • Serves as the primary logistics route for major nickel mines.
  • Most sections were only paved after World War II.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Boulouparis Solar FarmBoulouparis Solar Farm2 km · WExplore →
Ouaménie MangrovesOuaménie Mangroves4 km · SWExplore →
Mont DoMont Do15 km · WExplore →
Mont NinguaMont Ningua20 km · NWExplore →
Tontouta Historical AirbaseTontouta Historical Airbase23 km · NEExplore →
Mont TandjiMont Tandji23 km · NExplore →
Mont NékandiMont Nékandi30 km · NWExplore →
La Foa Marguerite BridgeLa Foa Marguerite Bridge30 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Historic Route Territoriale 1 (1)

Église Sainte-Anne

Sainte-Anne church located in New Caledonia, France.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why is Route Territoriale 1 historic?
It was the island's first modern transport artery.
What is the road condition?
The main route is very well developed throughout.
How long does a transit take?
It depends heavily on the selected section.
Are there scenic highlights?
Yes, especially along the coastal sections.
When is there the least traffic?
Avoid commute hours in the morning and evening.
Historic Route Territoriale 1: where is it located?
Historic Route Territoriale 1 is located in New Caledonia.
Historic Route Territoriale 1: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Sep, Oct.
Historic Route Territoriale 1: why is it worth visiting?
Route Territoriale 1 (RT1) is the historic backbone of New Caledonia's road network, stretching from the capital of Nouméa to the northern reaches of the main island, Grande Terre.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Oceania
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Nearby cities

Vallée du Tir — Historic Route Territoriale 1 (New Caledonia)
Vallée du Tir
Vallée du Tir is a popular and historical district of Nouméa, located near the harbor.
Nouméa — Historic Route Territoriale 1 (New Caledonia)
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 — Historic Route Territoriale 1 (New Caledonia)
Vallée des Colons
Vallée des Colons is a historical residential district in Nouméa with many traditional colonial-style houses.
Lemon Bay — Historic Route Territoriale 1 (New Caledonia)
Lemon Bay
Baie des Citrons is a popular neighborhood in Nouméa featuring a sheltered bay ideal for swimming.
East Vallée des Colons — Historic Route Territoriale 1 (New Caledonia)
East Vallée des Colons
East Vallée des Colons is the extension of the historical district towards the hills of Nouméa.
Anse Vata — Historic Route Territoriale 1 (New Caledonia)
Anse Vata
Anse Vata is the tourist heart of Nouméa, characterized by hotels, restaurants, and a long beach.
Dumbéa — Historic Route Territoriale 1 (New Caledonia)
Dumbéa
Dumbéa is a rapidly growing suburb of Nouméa and part of the Great Nouméa metropolitan area.
La Conception — Historic Route Territoriale 1 (New Caledonia)
La Conception
La Conception is a mission village in Mont-Dore with a significant religious history.
Boulari — Historic Route Territoriale 1 (New Caledonia)
Boulari
Boulari is the administrative center of the Mont-Dore commune, situated on a picturesque bay.
Thio — Historic Route Territoriale 1 (New Caledonia)
Thio
Thio is considered the cradle of nickel mining in New Caledonia, located on the southeast coast.
Païta Pioneer District — Historic Route Territoriale 1 (New Caledonia)
Païta Pioneer District
Païta is known for its history as the first major settlement outside Nouméa.
Païta — Historic Route Territoriale 1 (New Caledonia)
Païta
Païta is located west of Nouméa and hosts the territory's primary international airport.
Kouaoua — Historic Route Territoriale 1 (New Caledonia)
Kouaoua
Kouaoua is a mining town on the east coast famous for having one of the world's longest conveyor belts.
Canala — Historic Route Territoriale 1 (New Caledonia)
Canala
Canala is a historical center of nickel mining on the east coast of New Caledonia.
Magenta — Historic Route Territoriale 1 (New Caledonia)
Magenta
Magenta is a district of Nouméa that hosts the territory's domestic airport.

History & landmarks

Nouméa City Hall — Historic Route Territoriale 1 (New Caledonia)
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 — Historic Route Territoriale 1 (New Caledonia)
Ducos
Ducos is the primary industrial and commercial zone of Nouméa, located on its own peninsula.
Doniambo — Historic Route Territoriale 1 (New Caledonia)
Doniambo
Doniambo is the industrial heart of Nouméa, home to the massive SLN nickel smelter.