New Caledonia

A vast nature reserve in New Caledonia's south, centred on a river that runs an unusual blue-green through deep gorges, protecting one of the island's most significant remaining patches of humid tropical forest and the largest wild population of the kagu.

New Caledonia's southern island, named for the araucaria pines that crown its headlands, harbouring extraordinary natural swimming pools and some of the Pacific's most intimate, unhurried beaches.

A forested mountain range rising to 1,048 metres above Nouméa, threaded with walking trails through dense humid forest and past the romantic ruins of a nineteenth-century hill-station, with sweeping views over the lagoon.

The largest lagoon system on Earth, sheltering one of the world's richest marine biodiversities, visible from orbit as a jewel-like ring of electric blue encircling the main island.

Nouméa's central square and oldest public garden, bordered by colonial-era buildings and fountains, serving as the living room of the capital since the mid-nineteenth century.

Nouméa's landmark cultural institution, designed by Renzo Piano, dedicated to the living heritage of the Kanak peoples of New Caledonia with sweeping contemporary architecture that echoes traditional forms.