A diversewilderness environment and hiking and biking adventures await visitors to thedeep south of Grande Terre, New Caledonia’s main island.
Coastlines and countryside, blue lakes and wildlife, Yatéis a town blessed with unrivalled natural beauty. Discover nature reserves andscenic coastal routes that are ideal for road trips, bike tours and hiking.
Yaté sits in the far south of Grande Terre, thelargest and principal island of the New Caledonia archipelago. It is a gatewayto miles of unspoiled wilderness.
The main outdoor attractions are situated a shortdistance from the town. A little drive north is Réserve Naturelle de Yaté Barrage, where you can visit theimpressive Barrage de Yaté dam.Travel along the shores of Lac de Yaté toBlue River National Park. Hikethrough thick forests, kayak on the vast lake and spot varied birdlife,including the endangered cagou. Alternatively, take the coastal road toward Mamié and explore the deep valleys,rivers and dramatic cliffs that spill down to the Pacific Ocean.
Head inland to witness more stunning scenery such asthe Plains des Lacs, which sheltersa remarkable sunken forest. While you are in this lowland area, be sure to visitthe Chutes de la Madeleine, awaterfall surrounded by fields of wildflowers. Nearby, the Réserve Naturelle de la Fausse Yaté and Réserve Naturelle du Pic du Pin present further opportunities forpicturesque walks.
From Yaté, a coastal road runs south toward the quietvillage of Goro. Along the way youcan admire views of forest-clad islets set in the Baie de Taaré. Just beyond Goro is Waidana Falls. Walk to the top of the cascade from where you canspot the distant Isle of Pines. Cool off on a warm day with a swim in thewaterfall’s plunge pool.
Yaté is about a 90-minute drive from Nouméa andreached via a road that passes barren plains, orchards and mountains. Busesconnect Yaté and Nouméa, although a rental car is the most convenient way toget around the region.
A 90-mile (145-kilometre) route circles NewCaledonia’s southernmost peninsula, linking Yaté with the area’s attractions.Campsites, eco-lodges and gîtes offer accommodation amid this picturesquesetting.
