Ouvéa
Ouvéa is an island in Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia.
It is connected via a bridge to Mouli island.
Understand
Ouvéa is an independentist stronghold (more than 84% of the population voted for independence in the 2018 New Caledonian independence referendum), but the population is very friendly, including to French. Expect to be greeted by anyone you will meet on the road.
The island has a single ATM, near the post office and the gendarmerie.
Most of the population speaks French, and basic English. There are many Japanese signs too (virtually everything in the tourist infrastructure is translated to English and Japanese).
Get in
Aérogare d'OuvéaSeveral flights a day to Nouméa with Air Calédonie. Tickets are rather expensive but, the earlier, the cheaper. The aerodrome has minimal facilities, with toilets. No Wi-Fi, no ATM. No shuttle nor bus. Arrange a shuttle with your accommodation or rent a car (also to be arranged in advance).
Get around
The island is too large to be walkable (almost 40 km from South West to North East), and perhaps too small to be done by car. The best option is probably by bicycle. The main road is in perfect condition.
By car
By bicycle
Bicycle rental is expensive (often around 3000 CFP a day).
The camping Le Petit corail rents bikes in good condition for 2000 CFP a day.
See
Soap factory
Ouvéa memorialErected after the Ouvéa cave hostage-taking of 1988.
Pont de Mouli
Falaises de LekinyImpressive cliffs falling into turquoise water.
Trou bleu d'Hanawa
Do
- Swimming (except in the bay South from Pont de Mouli, where it is forbidden)
Buy
ATM
Eat
Alimentation LomelThe only decent option in Ouvéa.
Bunaca Alimentation généraleDon't expect much here, but this is the only option in the North. Fresh bread.
Restaurant options are scarce, very expensive and perhaps not very good.
Le Beaupré
Le Jardin d'Eden
Chez MarcMore a traditional fast-food than a proper restaurant
Drink
There is no bar nor proper café in Ouvéa.
Sleep
Le Petit corail
Hôtel BeaupréFree Wi-Fi. Snack, restaurant.
Le Paradis d'OuvéaSeveral bars and restaurants. Swimming pool. Private beach.
Ouvéa also features a dozen of in-tribe accommodation.
Check for details.