Shop ‘Til You Drop!

Shopping in New Caledonia

If you’re looking to combine tropical paradise with high-end shopping, New Caledonia is the destination for you! Shop from the boutiques or indulge in big-name brands that can’t be found anywhere else in the South Pacific. Check out the local markets for trinkets made from shells, coral, woodcarvings, ceramics and hand painted materials, stock up on fresh local produce or visit the duty-free stores—whatever you want to buy, you’re guaranteed to find it in New Caledonia!

Noumea’s best buys

In Noumea you’ll find a range of French-inspired boutiques selling fashion, luxury goods such as perfume, jewellery, footwear and handbags that come from France and Italy.

Shop for brand names when you head north of the city centre. Visit Rue Georges Clemenceau, Rue de l’Alma and Rue Jean Jaures for duty-free French lingerie, perfume, shoes and handbags. Rue de Sebastopol will treat you to famous brands like Hermés, L’Occitane, Etam, Petit Bateau, Hugo Boss, Lacoste, Dior, Chanel, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Yves Rocher and Aubade.

More duty-free shopping awaits at Marlene. You’ll be able to buy alcohol, handbags, cosmetics, jewellery, tobacco and local souvenirs, plus those with a sweet tooth can pick cup some creamy chocolate from Tonton Jules Chocolate Shop!

Markets

Get your hands on Pacific artefacts at the many markets in Grand Terre. The Jeudi du Centre Ville Street Market in Noumea is on every Thursday and is a good place to pick up locally made arts and crafts. Visit the Noumea Market on a Saturday or Sunday morning to be entertained by local ukulele musicians. Let the music wash over you as you browse the stalls for fresh produce including bread, sweets, flowers, fruit, olives and vegetables!

If you’re holidaying in New Caledonia over December’s Christmas period, make sure you check out the Christmas Markets. These pop up around Noumea and other large towns on the island.

There are so many places to shop in New Caledonia that it’s best to go over there with a good plan in mind. When plotting yours out, always ensure that you check which days the markets are open during your stay. Remember too that most stores close for a siesta between 11.30am and 2:30pm. Arrange your day accordingly or, better yet, join the tradition and squeeze in an afternoon nap to rejuvenate yourself for the evening!