The Western Pacific - Pacific Crossing Notes: A Sailor's Guide to the Coconut Milk Run - page 405

Post Script: Inland Sights
Inland travel will reveal an entirely different side of New Caledonia: rugged red mountains
sprinkled with sleepy Kanak (native Melanesian) hamlets. With a one or two day car rental
(check Pointe Rouge near Orphelinat for the best rates), it's possible to quickly tour north
to Bourail with its intriguing coastline and Sarramea for lush mountain scenery. The most
spectacular coastal scenery is found in the far north, in places like Voh and Hienghene. Our
top pick for an active day trip is Riviere Bleu, a provincial park located ninety minutes
south of Noumea by car. There, we exercised long-forgotten muscles with a combination
mountain bike / kayak excursion (call ahead to reserve; see www.sudloisirs.nc [#1] ) . The
hiking trails at Riviere Bleu are a good bet for spotting wild cagou, the graceful national
bird of New Caledonia.
[#1] http://www.sudloisirs.nc