Oubatche Historic Site

The Oubatche Historic Site, located on the wild northeast coast of New Caledonia near Pouébo, serves as a silent reminder of a once-booming colonial era. In the late 19th century, particularly during the 1870s and 1880s, Oubatche was a bustling trading hub and one of the island's most important ports. The town thrived due to the nearby gold mines, boasting infrastructure that included a customs office, several hotels, and large trading stores. It was a focal point for maritime traffic and administrative activities in the northern region. However, as the gold deposits were exhausted at the turn of the century, the settlement's importance rapidly declined, leading to its eventual abandonment. Today, only stone ruins and foundations remain, partially reclaimed by the surrounding tropical forest. The site provides a poignant look at the transience of economic booms, set against a backdrop of dramatic coastal scenery where the mountains of the Grand Terre range meet the Pacific Ocean.

Nearby cities

Dumbéa

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

Kone Economic Pole

Kone has developed into the primary economic hub of the North Province.

Koné

Koné is the capital of the North Province and a vital center for the nickel industry in the north.

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

Koumac is a key service center in the far north of the main island, Grande Terre.

Koumac Old Village

A historic mining and agricultural center in the north.

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

Mont Ignambi

Mont Ignambi is located in the far north of Grande Terre.

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.