We started our holiday on the mainland in Noumea. Then we were transported to island time the moment we landed on Isle of Pines. Maybe even a few moments before then. As we flew in, looking down on the reef was breathtaking. The water was so clear that we could see the reefs from up in the air. We couldn’t wait to land and start exploring mother natures beauty.

Endless, untouched greenery framed the transfer from the airport to our accommodation. Then we saw the Oure Tera Lodge sign, and turned into a drive way that took us up to a reception hut. Smiling hosts with fancy welcome drinks made us feel like royalty. A pillow was quickly found for ‘le babe’ who was spoilt rotten, along with her big sister, from the moment we arrived.

Olivia will tell you that she wasn’t asleep on the way, and that she was just pretending. But photographic evidence would suggest otherwise. Clearly the island air and drive had her well and truly relaxed from the very beginning. All Mark and I needed was a refreshing welcome drink, and we were just as relaxed as Livs.

Bilingual Holiday

If you’re looking for somewhere that isn’t too far from Australia, and gives you a different cultural experience, then New Caledonia is a winner. The official language is French. You will hear it everywhere you go. So it is a perfect place to learn how to speak French, or practice your skills.

The majority of locals are fluent in French and English, and will gladly help you improve your French language skills. Then of course, there’s the delicious baguettes and croissants. One word of warning, unless you visit a cafe that we’ve already been to, chances are the barista won’t know what you’re talking about when you ask for a babycinno. Your child wants a “petit lait chaud”. Spoiling your children is what holidays are about.

On our first night we headed straight for the beach. Foolishly we walked across grass paths barefoot, and without a head-torch for the return back. But boy was it fun. The girls weren’t scared, but rather empowered. Not to mention that we made a dog friend, who showed us the way back to our accommodation in the dark. A few nights later they guided us along the hidden grass paths to the restaurant we were going to for dinner.

All the thanks our guide wanted was a good pat under the chin and some water. Yes, we befriended a dog on the Isle of Pines. Everything and everyone seems connected on this tiny island. Communicating with animals like I always do is completely normal here.

Reef Holiday

Whilst on Isle of Pines were were either on the water, in the water, walking along the sand, eating or sleeping. Oure Lodge was the perfect place for our little family. We had a great little hut, and walked barefoot from our front door down to the beach to kayak, SUP, snorkel and finally on the last day just sit on the beach and relax for a little while. Apologies to all the other guests about our adventurous and very loud little people.

Life was slow and easy, we were connected as a family, and we were connected with mother nature. We did one adventure on a traditional outrigger (pirogue) which meant we had to be at reception on time for the bus pick up. But apart from that we didn’t need to be anywhere at any time. It was bliss.

One day we hired a car, and drove around the whole island in one day. Not with a satellite navigator, but an old fashioned paper map. The map was cartoon styled, and not accurate at all. It was so nice to go back to the good old ways.

We tried to explore one cave, but it was cut off by a huge tree across the overgrown road. Since we had no way of knowing how far away it was and the girls were napping, we decided to drive around for a little while, and go to the next cave. Walking towards it was a surreal experience, the trees seemed prehistoric, and the temperature instantly changed. We had entered another world, and our children who normally ask why endlessly could only say ‘wow’. Yet again, New Caledonia’s natural wonders left us speechless.

Reminiscing Our Holiday

Life was slow and simple, our whole family was connected. After being home for two weeks, we are all still longing for our holiday life, just being together. We miss the sunshine and being submerged in salt water every day.

July 2019 Update- As the cold, dark winter days of June really kicked in I started to long for the warm welcoming waters and sandy beaches of Isle of Pines. Then so did Lara and Olivia. Sadly we haven’t gone back this year, but I think we need to next year.

Tips for Isles of Pines

1. Take bottled water from the mainland. The tap water on Isle of Pines is not suitable for drinking, and is expensive. Yes, this did really mess with my greenie head, but it also taught my family to appreciate how easy it is to fill up our water bottles at home.
2. Make sure you take a snorkel and flippers to the natural pool. If you can, pack lunch and spend the day there, we didn’t want to leave.
3. Slow down, and connect with mother nature. If you’re as lucky as me you might just get to have an interaction with an elusive dugong or two.

P.S. Detailed stories and photos of the day we hired a car, and the traditional outrigger adventure are in progress.

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