New Caledonia once again welcoming tourists - here's your ultimate guide to the island paradise

New Caledonia is an island paradise less than three hours from Australia, and is once again ready to welcome travellers after temporarily pausing tourism due to civil unrest last year.Smart Traveller has recently downgraded its travel advice to the destination following the removal of the nation's curfew on December 2, and with flights increasing again from the east coast, now is a great time to take a trip to the idyllic island. Before travel to the nation was paused, New Caledonia welcomed a record amount of visitors from Australia, where it surpassed its pre-pandemic numbers.READ MORE: Beyond the beach: exploring the other side of the WhitsundaysWhether you want a holiday that's all about lying by the beach and taking the occasional dip or you're more into an adventure trip with hiking, snorkelling, surfing and kayaking, you'll find the perfect mix for you. Here's everything you need to know. Where to stay in New CaledoniaNoumeaNoumea is a classic first place to start off your New Caledonia holiday. It's the capital but doesn't feel too busy or crowded. Avoid staying downtown or near the port: find a hotel near the beach in Anse Vata or Baie des Citrons - this is where you'll find great restaurants, bars, cafes, and things to do. There are also some great resort options around Noumea, like the DoubleTree Ilot Maitre, located on a private island with overwater bungalows.READ MORE: Norwegian Cruise Line has a brand new ship coming - take a look onboardBlue River ParkAdventurers should head to this national park in the south of the country, where you can enjoy the untouched landscapes that are so unique to New Caledonia. Here, you can hike, cycle, swim, or kayak your way around the park, and even pitch a tent for some camping under the stars.BourailHead north from Noumea to explore the rugged coastline of Bourail, a spot beloved by local surfers. Turtle Bay is a must-visit for a beach day, or tackle the 3 Bays Trail for amazing views of the coast. Kitesurfing, golf, horseriding and scenic flights are also popular activities in the area.READ MORE: These are the world's best airline rewards programs, according to Point.meIsle of PinesThis is the most beautiful part of the country. From Noumea you can take a short scenic flight or a boat to the Isle of Pines, a pristine white sand island with towering pines and a coral reef that's great for snorkelling.If you're coming to New Caledonia to relax on the beach, this is the place to be. What to do in New CaledoniaEat amazing foodThe food in New Caledonia is obviously very French-forward, but has some influences from the island and its fresh produce.From local markets and small bakeries to neighbourhood bistros and upscale dining spots, the food in New Caledonia will definitely be one of the best parts of your holiday.SnorkelThere are coral reefs just off the beach - you don't even need to book onto a tour to get in the water. Catch a short water taxi to Ile aux Canards (Duck Island) from Anse Vata in Noumea, where you can rent a deck chair on the beach and access snorkelling spots straight off the sand.Spot wildlifeThe marine life in the waters around New Caledonia is abundant. Humpback whales, dugongs, sharks, sea turtles, and manta rays are all commonly seen in the waters near the coast.Taking a snorkelling tour is a no-brainer, whether you're staying on an island or in Noumea. Whale watching, fishing safaris, and turtle tours are also great ways to get out on the water and see these amazing creatures for yourself.Hike Mont-DoreJust 30 minutes outside the city, this mountain towers above the landscape offering amazing views of the ocean and tree-covered mountains. The hike itself is about four hours to the summit and back, so be sure to stock up on baguettes, cheese and ham for lunch at the top.Is it safe to travel to New Caledonia?Smart traveller advice was downgraded last week and now recommends "exercising a high degree of caution" when travelling to New Caledonia, after civil unrest saw the country shut down to tourism last year."Avoid demonstrations and public gatherings. There's still a high police and security presence in country," smart traveller advises.The news of the updated travel advice was the final stepping stone in the recovery process following the announcement of the curfew being lifted, with increased flights by the national carrier Aircalin and Qantas now back on the cards."The lifting of the curfew in December was a huge relief for everyone in New Caledonia, and with the downgraded travel advice, we can again reassure Australians how safe it is to visit this little slice of paradise," Rebecca Marchal, Account Director for New Caledonia Tourism in Australia, said.Coinciding with the official reopening, the New Caledonia tourism board has launched a new campaign, "New Caledonia, a new chapter awaits".Is New Caledonia expensive to visit?While New Caledonia is more expensive than many other South Pacific islands, it's still a much cheaper place to holiday than Europe or the US.Expect to see prices similar to what we see here in Australia. A nice dinner out for two will set you back around $100, beers are about $10, coffees are $5, and accommodation can range from $100 - $1000 per night depending on what you're after.Though New Caledonia is technically a French territory, they use the CFP Franc - the same as French Polynesia.When is the best time to visit New Caledonia?New Caledonia is one of those places where the weather is sunny and temperate year-round, so you can book a visit at any time of the year without worry.From June through September temperatures drop to about 23°C during the day. December to March is the hot and rainy season, when it hovers around 30-35°C.The dry period in October and November is a popular time to visit, when there is less chance of rain.Do Australians need a visa to visit New Caledonia?As an Aussie, you won't need a visa for a holiday. If you're planning a long trip, you just can't exceed a total of 90 days in the country over a period of 180 days.Make sure you have a passport that is valid for at least three months after your return date.FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest travel news and deals via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.