New Caledonia Road Trip: 3 Days in the South| VAN-AWAY, give yourself the freedom to roam

About this road trip

270 km

Short (2 to 4 days)

Îles

Plan for about an hour and a half drive from the Van-Away agency in Païta to the Yaté Lake area where you can spend the night, either off-grid in nature or at a campground.

If you leave in the afternoon, try to arrive before sunset, when the low rays of the sun ignite the ochres of the earth, bathing the distinctive vegetation in a golden aura…

View the itinerary

Day 1: Blue River Park

You can access the park with your van but not stay overnight (entrance fee required, no pets allowed, closed on Mondays).

Set off on marked trails in search of the iconic Cagou, meet the giants of the forest, marvel at the strange shapes of the endemic flora… on foot or by mountain bike available for rent from Aventure Pulsion. The same provider will share our favorite experience: the drowned forest by kayak, a surreal trip that turns magical on full moon evenings.

For the night:
Camp at a campground or independently, for example near the lake (be careful not to slip on the red earth in wet weather), or on the old closed road at Creek Pernod (that’s a good sign…). Note: one side is flatter than the other for parking on the shore, check the park4night app.

Day 2: Yaté Dam and Madeleine Falls

If you’re not fishing for black bass in the lake (check regulations), drive to the impressive Yaté Dam (a must-see!). A well-marked 9 km loop of moderate difficulty starts on the scheduled-access road that previously connected to Yaté village. Canyon atmosphere, magnificent viewpoints, waterfalls…

Spend the rest of the day in a sanctuary of the country’s remarkable biodiversity at the Madeleine Falls Park (be mindful of opening hours) then spend the night in nature or at Netcha Campground, along the riverside, with facilities for swimming, friendly and comfortable.

Madeleine Dam Roadtrip New Caledonia Van Away

If you reverse the activities, the dam’s rest area is a peaceful place to camp.
And if you’re drawn to the sea, the campsite at Gite Iya, between the Waho and Touaourou tribes in Yaté, offers access to a magnificent snorkeling site with a drop-off 25 meters from shore. Inquire beforehand, parking fee required for the day.

Day 3: Goro – Prony

Heading toward Goro, you’ll cross through the Touaourou tribe where some buildings bear witness to the mission era. You’ll soon leave behind the deep forests of the Kubini River and the refreshing Wadiana Waterfall of the Goro tribe for impressive mining landscapes that reveal the southern metallurgical plant around a bend. A striking contrast amid these botanical reserves of micro-endemism…

Continue to Prony Bay. Historical village, remains of the penal colony, majestic banyan trees… a short distance away, the table d’hôte at La Cabane a bit further along the GR®NC1 trail from Baie de la Somme. During whale season (mid-July to mid-September), boat trips are organized, departing at 8am and returning at 4pm.

An opportunity for a fourth day in the Grand South? Camping is possible at the viewpoint and in the landing stage parking lot.
The return to Païta embraces magnificent landscapes along a road that exudes adventure with its small fords to cross.

Allow an hour and a half, not counting the essential high-pressure cleaning time at the Casino roundabout station in La Coulée, or another in Mont-Dore.

Find typical locations, leisure activities, dining options… in Le Globe-Trotter New Caledonia (available in your camper van or online).