Search hotels on Isle of Pines, New Caledonia

Spent time snorkelling at the Piscene Naturelle, which was amazing. Did a couple of tours. We did a half day island tour and would have preferred a full day as we could have gone snorkelling and walking more. Would suggest doing the tour at the beginning of the stay. The outrigger tour was very relaxing and the scenery was spectacular. Our stay of the Isle of Pines was the highlight of our New Caledonian holiday

Kuto Bay was awesome, pristine, with lovely trees and palms. Pure white sandy beach instead of crunchy coral like some beaches on the islands. The pencil shaped pine trees were attractive, and grow densely in some forested areas to create a great backdrop to natural swimming spots. Food was very expensive and not what we preferred. We bought some supplies at the local shop about a one mile walk from Kou Bugny. The small marketeers appear on Cruise ship days around the corner on the foreshore from Kou Bugny, and some green coconuts are nice to eat and drink the juice. Yes, there were dogs roaming around the restaurant which could be disconcerting for some people, but they were well behaved and "fitted in", if you like dogs. LoL. We took a couple of tours, one to Ori Bay swimming hole, but you had to walk ankle deep though a stream and along the banks to get there. Once there it was a stunning location with white sand and pine trees backdrop. The second tour was a 2 hour shuttle tour around features of the island. We enjoyed that. Otherwise, rent a car (at reasonable day rates). You need to be cashed up to spend time on Isle of Pines, so if on a budget, plan for a short stay. It is well worth seeing. I rate Kuto Bay with Lake Taupo in New Zealand, and Lake McKenzie on Fraser Island in Queensland as a pristine location for sand and water quality and tranquillity.