Tia Plateau

A steadily ascending track leading to the Tia Plateau, where red and black sandy soils alternate. Panoramic views across the entire valley, with the sea to the west and south, the Kopéto Massif to the east and Koné to the north.

Details

96750062
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 11.82 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 35 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 424 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 424 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 446 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 68 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Park in the car park near the RT1, located on the right as you approach from the south.

(S/E) Follow the track southwards for about 1 km until you reach a first junction with a short climb to the right; you can take this path for a first view of the Tétons de Goyetta, on the other side of the RT1.

(1) Head back down, then continue along the main track towards the east. The climb is steep, the ground is very stony and full of crevices in places, so watch your ankles. At the end of this climb, you’ll reach the Plateau de Tia. Note a cross on the left, as well as information boards about the local flora.

(2) Continue along the main track towards the north-east. From here, yellow markings appear intermittently, sometimes replaced by coloured warning tape tied to the trees. You will reach a junction.

(3) Take the track on the left, following the markings. A little further on, you’ll reach a small lake, the water level of which varies with the season. Walk along its southern bank and you’ll soon come to a wide track.

(4) Follow it to the left; further on, you’ll come to a crossroads with several directions.

(5) Continue straight ahead to complete a circular route. To do this, follow the eastern edge of the plateau and return to this point. There are several magnificent views along this circular route. On thesecond half of the circular route, the route is marked by plastic ribbons tied to the trees. Back at the crossroads at the end of the circular route, keep left to return via a different path from the outward journey, which offers a beautiful view to the south. There are no markings on this path; follow the GPS track, staying on the main track. Return to the junction you passed on the way out.

(3) Turn left, heading in the opposite direction to the outward route, to return to the RT1 car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 74 m - RT1 car park
  2. 1 : km 1.12 - alt. 117 m - Panorama
  3. 2 : km 2.9 - alt. 396 m - Croix du Plateau de Tia 
  4. 3 : km 3.72 - alt. 431 m - Crossroads (out and back)
  5. 4 : km 4.35 - alt. 430 m - Junction – turn left
  6. 5 : km 4.88 - alt. 444 m - Crossroads circular loop
  7. S/E : km 11.82 - alt. 74 m - RT1 car park

Notes

No water along the route, virtually no shade, so make sure you protect yourself from the sun.
This hike is a 3-hour drive from Nouméa, or 1½ hours from Koumac.

Worth a visit

Plateau flora and fauna (geckos/lizards).
Multiple panoramic views.
(2) Croix du Plateau.

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The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.