Like a fusion of South Pacific island and urban France, New Caledonia has been populated since around 1500BC but was named New Caledonia by, unsurprisingly, James Cook in 1774.Fourteen years later the French attempted to reach the island and within 100 years had turned it into a penal colony The resultant tensions between the settlers resulted in suppression and effective destruction of the local Kanak culture and tensions have existed ever since.
Nowadays the situation for the native inhabitants is improving however and visitors should find plenty to see and do here. It is a fairly pricey destination as everything is imported but look on the bright side, you don't have to tip.
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Accomodation
You can camp just about anywhere around the islands, if you want a shower official sites will cost about the same as a good meal. Otherwise stick to homestays or Gites, traditional local homes which will give you an authentic experience for a reasonable price.
A Traveller's Budget for New Caledonia
Because everything is imported, New Caledonia is a little on the expensive side for most things. The cheapest way to travel is by bus, or by hitching or organising a lift. The islands are connected by ferries. If you're travelling in a group it's probably worth hiring a car.
To eat cheaply take advantage of the market when in Noumea. You can also find supermarkets here. In the smaller towns it's more expensive to self cater than in the capital but the restaurants are slightly cheaper, particularly if you chose a set menu option. Cafe's are more reasonably priced.
Activities for the Budget Traveller
-Snorkelling at the world's second largest reef
-Hiking in the Parc de la Rivière Bleue
-Go on a horse riding safari into the mountains
-Windsurf or kitesurf on the beaches around Noumea
-Dive almost anywhere, equipment hire and courses are widely available
