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BACKGROUND ON NEW CALEDONIA
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Background on New Caledonia from Trip Advisor
Some people comment that New Caledonia is the “land of eternal spring.” However, there is distinct variety in the weather patterns throughout the year. Since it is farther south than most of the other islands in the South Pacific, New Caledonia generally has a very sunny, moderate climate. Often, its weather is compared to that of the south of France. The trade winds from the southeast also provide nice cooling breezes. Regardless, there are three seasons. The warm season last from September to March and boast temperatures between 77°F and 80°F; visitors should note that even during this time, there can be short, unpredictable, tropical rains. Then comes the cool season, from April to August, has temperatures averaging between 68°F and 73°F. Again, compared to other climates, this is still good and pleasant weather and meanwhile the water temperature stays warm enough for swimming. After the cool season, from December to March is hurricane season; during this time, the weather becomes warmer but it is also much rainier. Torrential showers can not be predicted and are sporadic, but they do not tend to last the whole day. Regardless, during this time, there can be heavy, tropical downpours and at times, a lot of flooding, which can make travel and relaxing on the beach rather difficult.
Due to these weather trends, most tourists opt to come when the weather is ideal in the summer time.
History:
New Caledonia was first discovered by Captain James Cook on September 4 th , 1774 on his journey to New Zealand on the boat “Resolution”. He named the country because the mountains in the Balade section of New Caledonia reminded him of similar mountains in Scotland. In his trip journal, he described his first meeting with the natives of the island, the Melanasian inhabitants who had arrived 2,000 or 3,000 years before him.
In 1827, the Loyalty Islands were explored by Dumont D’Urville. New Caledonia became a French colony in 1853, after French navigator Bruni D’Entrecasteaux, found Balade and the Isle of the Pines. At this time, the population was abour 50,000 Melanaesians and a couple hundred Europeans. These first European settlers, however, were actually English Missionaries around this time. The French Missionaries settled around 1843. By 1894, Governor Feillet, who was in charge at the time, spurred immigration into the island from Indonesians and Javanese migrant workers, who worked in copper and cobalt mines.
During World War II, over a million Americans were assigned to New Caledonia at one point during the war. New Caledonia became a French Overseas Territory in 1946. Over New Caledonia’s history, the natives have tried to escape French rule, however, unsuccessfully. For instance the violent Kanak Revolt of 1878 lasted over a year. In 1998, the “Noumea Accords” were signed to provide greater autonomy for the country.
In August, 2008 Princess Cruise Lines was offering a 12-day cruise from Sydney Australia to New Caledonia & Vanuatu offering the opportunity to visit " Vila's Secret Garden, cruise through gorgeous Champagne Bay and experience the lush rainforest of Mt. Koghis near Noumea. $2140 for an oceanview cabin.
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