We travelled to Isle of Pines with our 2-year-old Kidsetter in tow. The Isle of Pines is an island in the archipelago of New Caledonia. New Caledonia is an overseas territory of France in the Pacific Ocean.
Isle of Pines is found around a hundred kilometres east of New Caledonia’s main island. And like all of the dispersed isles and islets of the archipelago, Isle of Pines is formed from raised coral covered in dense scrubland and known for its tall pine trees.
The island is rich with animal life and is home to unusual creatures such as the crested gecko. The lush island has an abundant of vegetation, dense interior jungles, fertile soils, breath-taking reefs and corals.
Upon arriving in Kuto Bay we were greeted by the friendly and hospitable indigenous Melanesian peoples called Kanaks. We enjoyed watching a traditional welcoming dance opened by the high chief of the island. Surrounded by food stalls and a beach bar, it is the place to buy the ever-popular coconut with its top sliced off and a straw to drink its fresh milk.
We had heard that it was a must to visit Vao Beach. One of the most incredible white sand beaches. What Kidsetter doesn’t love the water? Ours too. We stayed close to the shore and as the ocean was shallow, we used it like a paddle pool. The snorkelling is fabulous on Isle of Pines however we didn’t embark on this, due to the age of our Kidsetter. Enjoying the beautiful view and warm white sand was extraordinary.
Next stop was Queen Hortense’s Cave. We took a short walk through a thriving rainforest to reach the cave. It was gorgeous to watch our confident Kidsetter wander off into the distance trekking through the jungle taking the lead as though he’d walked this path before ! Priceless. We reached a wide entrance to the cave which was set amidst stunning gardens. This was our Kidsetter’s first cave experience and we enjoyed observing him wonder at the different colours of the cave and ‘pointy bits hanging from the ceiling’, akas ‘Stalactites’ or ‘Stalagmites’.
Known as ‘the Jewel of the Pacific’, the Isle of Pines is one of the most spectacular islands in the Pacific. Fringed with white sands, turquoise lagoons and its signature Araucaria soaring pine trees, it is an evocative and exotic landscape of ancient botany and raw beauty.
Kidsetters will love the laid-back vibe of Isle of Pines, with not a care in the world. Swimming in pristine waters, eating delicious fresh foods, having fun with friends and family – what else is there in life ?
