Driving around Grand Terre

Grand Terre's mountain ranges create two distinct climates (have varying terrain). The West Coast is dry and for the most part - cattle country. The major towns on the west coast include Bourail, Koumac and Poum. 

The East Coast is lush and tropical with numerous waterfalls gushing by the side of the road, particularly north of Hienghene. The major towns of the East Coast include Poindimie, Touho, Thio and Hienghene. 

Hienghene and Poum are quite popular with tourists and indeed, cruise ships now dock at both towns. 

The South is a combination of very lush and dense vegetation and sparse with red earth. The major towns in the south include Mont Dore, Plum, Yate and Goro.

There are several roads which will get you from the east to the west coast get from one side of the island to the other but only one major safe road travels to the south with a mainly unsealed road also going south.

Driving around Grand Terre can be a great way to explore the island as the road and street signage is quite good and easy to follow.

However, if you are considering driving around Noumea and indeed Grand Terre, there are several factors you need to bear in mind. 

For English,  Australian and Japanese travellers, you will be driving on the wrong side of the road.

It is almost impossible to hire a car with automatic transmission in New Caledonia. Consider hiring a 4WD or SUV as they are necessary to negotiate some roads, particularly in the South or extreme north.

Plan your fuel stops, fuel is not available in every town particularly in the far North. 

Drivers 

The drivers are European drivers with speed limits being considered as a guide rather than a limit.  Overtaking on the highway at high speed with little distance between that driver and oncoming traffic is a common occurrence.

 You should try to avoid driving anywhere at night at weekends as the fatality rate on the roads is extremely high due to drink driving driving whilst under the influence of both alcohol and/or cannabis.

 Driving conditions

Whilst some of the roads are sealed, the driving conditions can be quite treacherous. The road south to Prony is on an unsealed, bumpy, narrow,  winding steep road without guard rails.  Travel on this road should only be contemplated by 4WD or SUV. Indeed all the residents of Prony drive only 4WDs and SUVs.    

The road south of Goro heading towards Port Boise is extremely steep, winding and unsealed.

Similarly the road north from Poum to Poingam is extremely steep and unsealed.

None of these roads should be attempted after it has been raining as the roads become slushy and muddy.