Roche Percée

Roche Percée, located on the Bourail coast of New Caledonia, is an impressive geological landmark defined by its unique quartz sandstone structures. Its most famous feature is the 'Bonhomme de Bourail,' a massive sea stack that resembles a man's profile and stands as a sentinel against the crashing waves. Over centuries, marine erosion has carved out a spectacular natural walk-through tunnel in the cliffs, which allows access to the secluded Turtle Bay during low tide. The surrounding cliffs offer dramatic vantage points overlooking the Gouaro Channel and the spirited turquoise lagoon. Beyond its scenic beauty, the beach at Roche Percée is an internationally significant nesting site for the endangered loggerhead sea turtle, attracting conservationists and nature enthusiasts alike. Whether exploring the ancient rock formations, surfing the legendary local breaks, or watching for marine life from the heights, visitors find Roche Percée to be one of the most dynamic and spiritually significant coastal sites on the main island.

Nearby cities

Vallée du Tir

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

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.

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

Voh is a northern commune world-famous for a natural heart shape within its mangroves.

Voh Pioneer History

Famous for the 'Heart of Voh', the commune also has a rich history of coffee farming and early European settlement.

Rivière-Salée

Rivière-Salée is a large residential district in northern Nouméa, named after the local 'salty river'.

History & landmarks

Koné City Hall

The city hall of Koné is the administrative center of the North Province of New Caledonia.

Nature

Turtle Bay Reserve

A protected coastal stretch known for its araucaria forests and as a major beach for sea turtle egg-laying.

Roche Percée Reserve

An important coastal protected area in Bourail, known for its unique rock formations and sea turtle nesting sites.

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.

Semaphore of Bourail

A historic viewpoint and signal station on the Bourail coast, formerly used for maritime surveillance.

Bourail New Zealand War Cemetery

A Commonwealth war cemetery for soldiers who died in the Pacific during World War II.

Bourail Museum

Housed in a historical colonial building, this museum showcases the history of rural life and convicts.