New Caledonia
The small arc of islands that make up New Caledonia are found in the South Pacific to the south of Vanuatu. After two referendums held in 2018 and 2020 New Caledonia voted to remain as an overseas territory of France though the currency is in XPF (Pacific Francs) rather than Euros. French is still spoken widely throughout the islands with English less commonly so. The beautiful palm fringed beaches, forested mountains and pleasant climate has made it a popular holiday destination particularly with French speakers. In recent years cruise ships have become very big business.
There is one large island, Grande Terre, and numerous small islands, of which, along with Grand Terre, Lifou with its endemic Large Lifou White-eye and Small Lifou White-eye and Ouvéa with its endemic Ouvéa Parakeet, hold most interest for the birdwatcher. Grand Terre itself has a total of 22 extant endemics. The total bird list for the island group is recorded at 222. Many of these are seabirds and unlikely to be seen without a pelagic.
New Caledonia Tours
Location : New Caledonia
New Caledonia and the adjacent Loyalty Islands are a great place for birders. The islands have a total of 21 extant endemic birds. All but 3 of these can be seen, most relatively easily, on the main island of Grand Terre. The jewel in the crown is the iconic Kagu. The “Grey Ghost”, as it is affectionately known, is the only member of its monotypic family. In the last century this long-legged, flightless bird, which is endemic to the dense mountain forests of Grand Terre, was on the brink of extinction.
Price on Request
Per Person (EUR)
Tour Duration
6 Days