New Caledonia is encouraging Kiwi agents to recommend it with confidence, as its 2026 visitor numbers to Sep from New Zealand have already exceeded 2025 arrivals.
At an appreciation lunch on Wed, New Caledonia Tourism’s Caroline Brunel says it has been a year of rebuilding with Aircalin and restoring consumer trust.
“Any growth is great for us at the moment, but we’re seeing a really good trend upwards for the destination,” she says. “I think the next year we can be ambitious and hopefully look at a good decent growth from the Kiwi market. The big thing though, it’s going to depend on access. Right now we obviously have three flights a week.”
New Caledonia Tourism’s Manuela Nielsen says Jul was its strongest month of the year so far, with holiday travel accounting for 74% of Kiwi arrivals and visitors staying an average of 10.7 nights.
New Caledonia was named the top island destination for Kiwi travellers in Expedia’s Island Hot list this year, and has been included in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027—one of only 50 destinations worldwide.
. . . More SB Flights
SB country manager ANZ Chris Thistlethwaite says the Kiwi market is performing exceptionally well for the airline at the moment. “In fact, we need probably another flight,” he quips.
Fares ex Auckland currently start at $619, including 23kg of bags, a meal, beverages and entertainment.
Golf clubs travel free on SB-operated flights. “New Caledonia is definitely back,” he adds.
. . . Misconception
Brunel says the biggest misconception is that New Caledonia is an expensive place to visit.
“…yes, it’s not a cheap destination, but we are becoming a lot more accessible compared to other Pacific islands.” Travellers don’t have to dine out every night, thanks to the local supermarkets and bakeries.
French wine and cheese also ‘cost about half what they do in New Zealand’, she adds.
Agents are ‘an essential, critical part of the equation’, she adds. “Our goal with agents is to educate them, is to send them to the destination first …and then obviously help them sell the destination to their clients.” The NTO is hosting an agent famil next month highlighting lesser-known regions and new product. See upcoming issues for more.
