A foodie's guide to: New Caledonia

An island paradise that boasts the very best of French cuisine – with white sandy beaches and minty fresh Mojitos to boot.

If your idea of a vacation includes a bottle of Burgundy, wedge of blue cheese and a bikini, we suggest you read on.

New Caledonia, the Melanesian paradise dotted in the south-west Pacific Ocean, may not be the first island on your radar when it comes to planning the ultimate tropical getaway. As Kiwis, we naturally gravitate towards Fiji, Samoa or Rarotonga first and foremost.

Yet, this enchanting French-speaking nation is a mere two-hour trip away from Auckland. In a bid to unearth the hidden deliciousness that New Caledonia has on offer – from the rare blue prawns to the buttery patisseries – Dish have rounded up eight destination drawcards that'll leave you craving an impromptu New Caledonian escape.

1. Sample the patisseries and petit fours at A la Vieille France
Start your day the Parisian way with a cup of a coffee and a freshly baked croissant. Arguably the best in Noumea, A la Vieille boasts an adorable line-up of baked goods, included too-pretty-to-eat macarons, eclairs and beurre de bleu. The teeny, tiny baguettes are worth the journey alone.
Top tip: To have first dibs and avoid the lines, make this boulangerie your first stop, bright and early.

2. Go al fresco and pick up your picnic supplies at Chez Alexandre and Maison Ballande
This gorgeous seaside community is home to a string of well-vetted wine merchants and fromageries. Make the most of the balmy climate and venture outside for lunch. Pick up a baguette and a variety of different cheeses, charcuterie, corchicons, olives, pâtés and tapenades at Chez Alexandre, before heading to Maison Ballande, located in the picturesque Baie de l'Orphelinat or Orphanage Bay. We suggest making the journey on foot as the small producer wines on offer here are too good to ignore.
Top tip: Noumea can be expensive, so choose wisely. Enlist the help of friendly staff when selecting that must-try bottle of Burgundy.

3. Dine at Le Roof
Popular among tourists for its panoramic ocean views, Le Roof is situated down on a pier, hovering above the bay. At night, the glowing lights draw schools of fish and make for entertaining dinner-time viewing. If you're paying a visit, opt for a table on the balcony and enjoy the glittering view.
Top tip: If you're sitting outside, armour up on the mozzie repellent. Nothing spoils a good meal like those incessant little blood-suckers.

4. Go for Negronis at L'Amirauté
A favourite among wine-lovers and art connoisseurs alike, no trip to Noumea is complete without a wander around L'Amirauté. Banker turned art patron Guy Sanchez, has virtually decked out this stunning Art Deco estate with years worth of acquired treasures. From the Impressionists to the Surrealists to a Christian Lacroix upholstered chair; you'll be pleased you paid a visit. After all the oohing and aahing, settle in poolside for a cheeseboard and imbibe on a cocktail while you're at it.
Top tip: Allocate a good hour when paying a visit to L'Amirauté, to ensure you have plenty of time to view Guy's stunning collection.

5. Savour the flavours of the local market
Boasting the very best of provincial France, Noumea's Sunday market is a showcase of the city's best. From preserved lemons to baked goods, cheese cut to order and other fabulously French finds, be sure to work your way around – and start bright and early.
Top tip: Like many markets, Eftpos is unavailable – we suggest you carry cash.

6. Take a roadtrip to an authentic Kanak village
An ideal way to see the arid New Caledonian landscape, consider enlisting the help of a French-speaking guide and taking a roadtrip to one of the outer Kanak villages. The traditional bougna, similar to the Māori hangi, is a meal prepared in banana leaves and cooked underground. Noumea is a hot bed of tropical produce, namely mangoes, sweet bananas, yams, taro, sweet potato and coconuts – making the bougna a unique cultural and culinary experience.
Top tip: It's customary to offer a Kanak tribe a gift on arrival. Ensure you speak to your tour guide or travel agent about the cultural customs ahead of your visit.

7. Sip on Terre du Sud
The local white rum or 'rhum' favoured by visitors the world over, is one drop we recommend prioritising. Matched perfectly to the Caledonian blue prawn – a rare and highly sought-after crustacean favoured by Michelin-starred chefs and critics alike; we imagine this hard-to-find local spirit would make for the perfect cocktail base come summer.
Top tip: Mojitos.

8. Stay at the Le Meridien Noumea Resort & Spa
Located in the very heart of Noumea, Le Meridien is the ultimate home base when travelling to this tropical paradise. Neighbouring Anse Vata Bay, this 5-star hotel spans the beachfront and provides more than 200 guest rooms and 22 suites. Offering a well-rounded line-up of bars and restaurants, multiple swimming pools and the idyllic Deep Nature spa; when the rainy season rolls around consider yourself well and truly taken care of.
Top tip: If you fancy a king-sized bed, speak to the hotel staff about securing one at the time of booking. Rooms start at around $200 a night.

Our writer travelled courtesy of New Caledonia Tourism, Aircalin and Le Meridien Noumea. To learn more about New Caledonia travel options, see here.