Discover Koumac: Caves, Hiking Trails and History

Koumac’s church was built in 1950 using a semicircular structure acquired from the GIs after the Second World War. Inside are stained-glass windows and numerous sculptures by C. Weiss.

Church, Viewpoint and Local History

At the top of the village, the viewpoint on Rue Gaston Clause offers panoramic views across the entire village. Tables and benches are available there. About 8 km from the village is the historic site of Forêt de la Vierge: in a forest stands a statue of the Virgin Mary, erected in 1921 by a family from Koumac.

Tiébaghi also tells the story of the area’s mining history. The former mining village is a historic site. A guided tour introduces its history and remains with an experienced guide; check visit and booking options in advance.

Caves and Natural Landscapes

At the Grottes de Koumac, about 6 km from the village, there is a camping area with tables and a restroom block. The Petite Grotte des vents is free and open to the public; the visit takes 15 to 20 minutes and is considered easy. The Grande Grotte is also free and open to the public. The walk to the cave takes 20 to 30 minutes, the gallery passages are 380 m long, and access is considered easy to moderate.

About 20 km from the village, Parc Provincial de Néhoué is located on the road to Poum. There you will find a shady dry forest by the river, a picnic area, and camping facilities with tables, a faré and a dry toilet. As visitor facilities may change, check their condition before your visit.

The Sentier Roches de Notre-Dame is about 15 km from the village. This easy hiking trail is 1.1 km long, with a stated walking time of 45 minutes. Along the way, you can enjoy views of other limestone formations in the area and Pain de Sucre.

Hikes by Duration and Difficulty

The marked coastal trail at Pandop is an easy 400 m route with viewpoints; the walking time is about 30 minutes. Follow the warnings about cliffs and wet weather. The Thiuvado hiking trail on the heights of Karembé, about five minutes from the village, takes considerably longer: this moderate, 4.8 km out-and-back route takes 2 hours and 30 minutes to walk.

The Haute Néhoué hikes are about 15 km from the village, on the road to Ouégoa near Gîte Chez Alcide et Nicole. They pass through densely vegetated landscapes and karst formations, and follow the Néhoué River. You can hike independently or with a guide.

Activities on the Water, on Horseback and in the Air

Îlot Kendec is located in the pass of the same name off the coast of Koumac. It can be visited or viewed from shore; the possibility of visiting by water depends on local conditions. At Pandop Marina, Eden Blue Caledonia offers introductory scuba diving and freediving sessions, snorkeling at the coral reef, explorations of various dive sites, and training courses for all levels. Check availability in advance.

At the top of the village, the La Crinière Club Hippique riding club offers riding lessons, introductory sessions, equestrian games and rides on a rural estate. Booking and operating details may change; it is best to confirm them in advance. Vertikalédonie offers outdoor climbing at Les Roches Notre Dame, Les Grottes de Koumac, and Chez Alcide et Nicole. The activities are for children and adults, individuals, families and friends, and both beginners and advanced climbers. Check dates and equipment availability in advance.

NORD ULM takes off from Koumac airfield for scenic flights over the village, mines, coral reef, islets and New Caledonia’s lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Flights require reservations and are weather-dependent.

Getting There from Nouméa

The drive from Nouméa to Koumac follows Territorial Road RT1 and takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes. Road and traffic conditions may affect the journey time.

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