Car Rental at Tontouta Airport

Airport travel guide

Located in the very remote Western Pacific, the French overseas archipelago of New Caledonia is known for having some of the most idyllic beaches on the planet. Just as interestingly, though, the region is also home to a unique local Melanesian culture. These are three of the most interesting attractions located in and around New Caledonia’s capital, Noumea:

• Tjibaou Cultural Center. Known for its distinct wooden houses, the center is a great place to learn about New Caledonian culture and traditions. It frequently hosts various song and dance events, and also has several exhibitions on contemporary Oceanic art from New Caledonia and elsewhere in the region. The museum is about a 15-minute drive northeast of Noumea city center. Most of the museum’s website is only available in French, but if you speak it, it’s an excellent source of information. 
• Maritime History Museum. The Austronesian peoples, of whom New Caledonians are a part, are some of the most excellent sea navigators the planet has ever seen. Originating in East Asia, they peopled most of Oceania and reached such faraway places as Hawaii, Eastern Island, and even Madagascar. Noumea’s Maritime Museum is a great place to learn about this aspect of local culture, telling many interesting stories and even displaying several traditional ships.
• Mont-Dore. Located just half an hour’s drive northeast of Noumea, the town of Mont-Dore is one of the most popular day trips in the area. Its elevated location provides visitors with wonderful views of the sea above, and the area is also home to the Cape Ndua Nature Reserve known for a variety of local wildlife. Last but not least, Mont-Dore is also a popular destination for both hiking and diving.

Top international routes

• Tokyo
• Port Vila
• Auckland
• Sydney
• Nadi
• Melbourne

Main airlines

Aircalin, Air Vanuatu, Qantas, and Air New Zealand

Terminals

The single airport terminal serves all domestic and international flights. It was renovated and expanded in 2012.

Location

La Tontouta Airport is about 52 km (32 mi) north of Nouméa, the capital city of New Caledonia. RT1, Voie Express, and Route Provinciale du Normandie are the main roads connecting the airport to the city.

Car rental desks

Some are in the arrivals hall. The exact location of your car rental provider's desk will be listed on your Confirmation Voucher.

Services and facilities

Although the airport is small, it has quite a few services and facilities: an ice cream parlor, a bar, and a restaurant, as well as a small selection of shops, including duty-free outlets, a gift shop, an arts and crafts shop, and a convenience store. There are also ATMs, currency exchanges, a first aid service, and a hotel right next to the airport. Some of the airport facilities are equipped for travelers with reduced mobility. Special assistance is also available, but you should contact your airline in advance if you’d like this service.

Nearest gas station

Station Total gas station can be reached in about four minutes and is open 24/7. It will be on the left side of RT1 when driving from the airport towards Nouméa. There are other gas stations near La Tontouta Airport and in New Caledonia.