3 Days in the Southern New Caledonian Region

Explore the south of New Caledonia in a van during a 3-day road trip, from the Blue River Park to Prony, passing through Yaté and Goro.

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

Trip 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.

BLUE RIVER PARK

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…

Prony Bay New Caledonia 3-Day Circuit

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).

Explore more road trip ideas

Corsica, Camper Van Road Trip

Discover Corsica in a camper van: set off on an adventure through paradise beaches, hilltop villages, and breathtaking roads.

Sud > 9 days and more

    Recommended vehicles for this road trip

    tasmania ext

    Camper Van Tasmania

    Rental of converted Volkswagen Transporter T6.1 campervan for traveling with up to 5 people with a huge storage compartment…

    • Up to 5
    • Pop-top roof
    • Kitchen and dishes
    • Fridge
    • Heating
    • Outdoor shower (hot water optional)
    • Portable toilet (optional)
    • Awning
    • Isofix system

    From

    70€ /day
    View this vehicle

      What our customers say

      Coralie B.

      Great experience! Excellent communication (easily reachable by phone), the vehicle was very well prepared, and we had an amazing family road trip in Spain. Thank you — we’ll definitely rent from Van-Away again!

      Oliver B.

      Very good experience. The staff is friendly, helpful, and always available. Explanations are clear and precise, and the vehicles are in excellent condition. I’m planning to rent again soon.

      Adrien N.

      A perfect first experience. The van met all expectations, and the manager was attentive and always available. An adventure I’d gladly do again.

      7bf3b3b7 7519 4f6d 8d10 06035c8c668b

      Valérie A.

      Top-quality service, a great feeling of mutual trust, and a spotless van. Exploring the Picos de Europa in the California was amazing!

      Sadette D.

      Wonderful experience renting with Van-Away Toulouse from August 17 to 29. A very warm welcome, the van was in excellent condition and almost new (less than a year old). Clear and detailed explanations about how everything works. I highly recommend without hesitation.

        Nouvelle-Calédonie agency

        BP 819 PAITA La Tamoa, 98890 PAÏTA

        (+687) 77 35 65