Hienghene: New Caledonia's Hidden Gem

• HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh reh-vwahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [seel voo pleh / deh ryen]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ex-kew-zay mwah / day-zo-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byen. ay voo]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr luh meh-noo, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnzh pah deh vee-and]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh seh-coor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay vooz ahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-peh-lay lah poh-leece]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-peh-lay uh may-deh-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu(e)
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray zah-shey...]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gahrd zhewst]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vay voo bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kell ur ay-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay oon ur]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [deeze ur eh duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tahn]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [yehr]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [uh]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kah-truh]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [sept]
• 8Huit
  [weet]
• 9Neuf
  [nurf]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [oo ay...]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kell ay lah-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-vay voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahn ay luh proh-shahn (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

The history of Hienghene dates back over 3,000 years when the Lapita people, renowned for their pottery, first settled in the area. Their arrival marked the beginning of human habitation in New Caledonia, bringing with them advanced navigational skills and a rich cultural heritage.

The indigenous Kanak people have inhabited Hienghene for centuries, developing a unique culture characterized by communal living, traditional fishing methods, and intricate wood carvings. The Kanak social structure is organized around clans, each with its own chief, and traditional practices continue to be a vital part of daily life.

In the late 18th century, European explorers, including Captain James Cook, arrived in New Caledonia. This period marked the beginning of significant cultural exchanges, as well as conflicts. The introduction of new goods, technologies, and diseases had a profound impact on the local population.

In 1853, New Caledonia was officially claimed by France, leading to the establishment of a penal colony. The French colonial period brought significant changes to Hienghene, including the introduction of new agricultural practices and the construction of infrastructure. However, it also led to the displacement of many Kanak people and the disruption of traditional ways of life.

Throughout the 20th century, Hienghene became a focal point for the Kanak independence movement. In the 1980s, tensions escalated, leading to periods of unrest and conflict. Key figures, such as Jean-Marie Tjibaou, emerged from Hienghene, advocating for the rights and sovereignty of the Kanak people. The Matignon Agreements of 1988 and the Nouméa Accord of 1998 eventually paved the way for greater autonomy.

Today, Hienghene is a vibrant community that celebrates its rich cultural heritage while embracing modernity. The area is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including the iconic ‘Brooding Hen’ rock formation and the cascading waterfalls. Efforts to preserve Kanak culture are evident through local festivals, traditional music, and crafts that attract visitors from around the world.

Hienghene is located on the northeast coast of New Caledonia's main island, Grande Terre. The nearest airport is Nouméa Magenta Domestic Airport, approximately 380 kilometers away. From Nouméa, you can rent a car and drive to Hienghene, which takes around 5 to 6 hours. Alternatively, you can take a domestic flight to Koumac Airport and then drive around 2 hours to Hienghene. There are also bus services and organized tours available from Nouméa to Hienghene.

Hienghene is a small town, and most attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, local taxis are available but may need to be booked in advance. Renting a car is a convenient option for exploring the surrounding areas. Public buses operate within the region but are less frequent. Bicycles can also be rented for a more eco-friendly way to explore the town and its scenic routes.

The official currency in New Caledonia is the CFP Franc (XPF). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and shops in Hienghene, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available in Hienghene, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash in Nouméa before traveling to ensure you have enough funds.

Hienghene is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 17 for police assistance, 18 for fire services, and 15 for medical emergencies. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Hienghene. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting cultural sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes before entering a traditional Kanak house. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a warm smile and a handshake. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Hienghene like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Kanak crafts. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the iconic 'La Poule' rock formation and the Lindéralique Cliffs. For a unique experience, take a boat tour to explore the beautiful lagoon and its marine life.