New Caledonia

A unique mixture of European style and Melanesian friendliness lends this French-run outpost an atmosphere unlike its neighbours. Fresh island produce is used to great effect in Gallic-inspired recipes. Gorgeous beaches are lined with European-style cafés and bars. You can laze away your days in sophisticated resorts or explore canyons, caves and shipwrecks.

And let's not overlook the wonders of nature. The main island, otherwise known as La Grande Terre, offers a stunning range of scenery. The 9,000 hectares of the Blue River Provincial Park shelter numerous bird species, including the flightless cagou – a bird that barks! You can also visit Kanak tribes in the valleys and be surrounded by beautiful settings that show off the island's tropical vegetation to stunning effect.

New Caledonia is big enough to offer an impressively diverse range of holiday experiences. The palm-shaded boulevards of Noumea offer a taste of the French Riviera, while the west coast is home to fabulous beaches and wide-open plains full of cattle ranches. The east coast is lusher, with waterfalls and hidden valleys to discover. The offshore Loyalty Islands offer white-sand beaches and turquoise lagoons, while the Ile de Pins (Isle of Pines) is world-famous for its beauty.

While nature will get plenty of accolades we recommend making time to discover the cultural riches of New Caledonia as well. Visit the Tjibaou Centre in Noumea to learn about Kanak culture and immerse yourself in their art. Experience local arts, music and dances while tasting the finest local food and drink at the Noumea night market every Thursday. Play a game of petanque or try your hand at chess on a giant chessboard in the Place des Cocotiers, shaded by magnificent flame trees.

Raise a glass of champagne to New Caledonia. Only a short flight from New Zealand, it's a South Pacific experience unlike any other.