Hienghene, New Caledonia

Hienghène is a coastal village on the northeastern coast of New Caledonia, a French island located approximately 1500 km’s east of Australia, in the South Pacific ocean. It is a traditional Kanak village where the locals are friendly, but their customs should be respected.

In the Hienghène Bay is the ‘Brooding Hen’ rock formation which has become an emblem for New Caledonia. Beautiful views of the bay can be seen from a viewpoint called Belevedere.

There is a wide range of activities to do on land or water, or you can learn about the Melanesian culture by visiting the cultural centre, or by heading towards the tribes. There are also beautiful waterfalls, an amazing cave, lagoon, coral reefs and deserted beaches.

Things to see and do

* Melanesian Cultural Centre
* Brooding Hen – rock formation
* Belvedere lookout
* Hienghène beach
* Water sports

Cruise Season – Jan - Dec
Currency – CFP franc (XPF)
Language – French
Land Area – 1068.8 km²
Population – 3,000 approx
Electricity – 2 angled pins and 1 flat pin centred below Australian style
Time – GMT plus eleven hours
International Country Telephone Code – + 687

Port Location – The port is located at the Hienghene marina.

Transport Links – The nearest airport to Hienghene is located at Touho, which is approximately 45 mins drive. New Caledonia Airport is located in Païta, 52km northwest of the capital city of Noumea. Air France provides direct flights from Paris. Regular flights are available from Tokyo on Aircalin, as New Caledonia is very popular with the Japanese. Air New Zealand and Qantas also serve the airport. There are also flights from various Pacific nations, New Zealand, Australia, and Southeast Asia.