Parc Zoologique Et Forestier Michel-Corbasson is a wonderful 36-hectare reserve brimming with animals and plants, many native to New Caledonia. Accessible via a very bumpy road about two kilometres from Noumea’s city centre, it's a great spot to spend a morning or afternoon with the family.
Creatures galore
The park is home to New Caledonia's national bird, the kagus (cagou in French), as well as the roussette (fruit bat), notou, various birds, monkeys and baboons. Peacocks strut around the grounds showcasing their bright feather outfits. You can pat tame donkeys, goats and deer or feed ducks and geese. There aren't any elephants or lions or bears, but the collection of animals in this beautiful setting is worth seeing.
See it on a Segway
A fabulous way to get around the gardens is on a Segway. You'll be given a training session on how to use it and assistance from guides as you move around the park. The guides also introduce the animals and birds as you go around.
The park also features a children's playground and some picnic benches. Friendly staff are around to guide you and a café at the entrance sells provisions for lunch as well as snacks like Tahitian cake.
Getting to the park
You can travel to the park in a taxi – these are metered, reliable and relatively inexpensive in Noumea. Someone at the ticket office will call a taxi for the return. The hop-on hop-off bus is quite expensive and infrequent, especially in the middle of the day. There is a nearby bus route but it requires a short steep walk and some know-how. The Le Petit Train also runs here from Anse Vata.
