Rivière Bleue Provincial Park, from Pont Pérignon to the Vieux Refuge

Start from the Pont Pérignon car park. This is accessible by car, following a 30-minute track from the entrance to the Parc Provincial de la Rivière Bleue. You can hire bikes and kayaks here, or take a shuttle bus to go further into the park.

(S/E) Cross the Pont Pérignon on foot – the only time you’ll needto dismount (excluding breaks and stops, of course). Followthe park’s main track, which is closed to cars. A very pleasant route where you may encounter the shuttle bus and park staff.

(1) At the junction, continue straight ahead. Those feeling particularly energetic can turn left on the climb for a magnificent viewpoint. Follow the track that leads to the Rivière Bleue and reach the viewpoint over the Forêt Noyée.

(2) Continue to the next path on the left (end of the viewpoint).

(3) Continue along the track and head straight to the start of the Sentier des Cagous.

(4) You can leave your bike here to take this short footpath, which takes about ten minutes and where you might be lucky enough to spot a family of cagous. Then return to the track to the next point of interest, the Sentier du Grand Kaori.

(5) You can leave your bike here and take this short footpath to see one of the country’s oldest trees: 1,000 years old and 40 metres tall, a true monument towering over the forest. The circular route through the forest takes a good half an hour.You may spot more cagous (and many other birds for birdwatchers). Head to the start of the Sentier des Méliphages.

(6) You can leave your bike behind to take this short footpath. A walk of just under an hour through the rainforest, to try and spot this rare endemic bird. Continue to Pont Germain and its picnic area.

(7) Cross the bridge over the Rivière Bleue and continue for three kilometres. Pass a succession of four or five rest areas along the banks of the Rivière Bleue and reach the shuttle bus terminus and its riverside picnic area. Swimming is possible at each stop, and there are picnic tables and barbecues available. Leave your bike at the secure parking area and walk the few metres down to the river.

(8) Turn around and follow the route back to the Pont Pérignon car park (S/E).

Accessible by car in 1 hour 20 minutes from the centre of Nouméa.

Several picnic tables are set up along the roadside throughout the route.

Entrance fee to the PPRB (600 CFP per person, season tickets available). Park closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Mountain bikes (standard or electric) can be hired at Pont Pérignon (hire opens at 9am).

https://www.province-sud.nc/decouvrir-et-visiter/pprb

Many other trails are accessible from this path; see the park map on the website.

Rivière Bleue, Forêt Noyée.

(4) Sentier des Cagous.

(5) Grand Kaori Trail.

(7) Crossing the bridge over the Rivière Bleue may not be possible in heavy rain; check at the park entrance.

Between (7) and (8), there are several swimming and picnic areas.