Loading map...
GEA → MEE
Which side of the plane to sit from Nouméa Magenta Airport (Noumea) to Maré Airport (Mare)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the dramatic transition from Nouméa's urban bays to the rugged, red-earth mountains of Grande Terre's southern tip before crossing the turquoise lagoon.
Magenta Bay
Immediate views of Nouméa's eastern coastline and the Magenta district's marinas upon takeoff.
Mont Dzumac Range
The towering peaks of the central mountain chain, often shrouded in light clouds.
Yaté Red Earth
The striking visual of the 'Grand Sud' region, characterized by its iron-rich, vibrant red soil and scrubland.
Yaté Lake
New Caledonia's largest freshwater reservoir, surrounded by unique endemic vegetation.
Lagoon Fringes
Breathtaking views of the turquoise waters meeting the deep blue of the Pacific as you leave the main island.
Sit on the left for the best views of the New Caledonian mainland's unique topography. Morning flights are ideal as the sun will be behind you, illuminating the red earth of the Yaté region without glare. Keep your camera ready shortly after takeoff to capture the contrast between the green mountains and the blue lagoon.
Lagoon Islets
A bird's-eye view of small, white-sand coral islets scattered across the Great Southern Lagoon.
Cape Queen Charlotte
The final southern tip of the main island, Grande Terre, as the plane heads into the Coral Sea.
Havannah Channel
The deep-water passage between the lagoon and open sea; look for whale breaches during winter months.
Coral Sea Crossing
A vast expanse of deep blue water during the middle of the flight toward the Loyalty Islands.
Maré Coral Terraces
Aerial view of the uplifted coral atoll structure of Maré, featuring dramatic limestone cliffs.
The right side is perfect for spotting humpback whales in the Havannah Channel from July to September. It also provides a better view of the southern reef systems. If the weather is exceptionally clear, you might catch a glimpse of the Isle of Pines far to the south shortly after departure.
Distance: 183 km (114 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 18 min
Departure: GEA (-22.25830078125, 166.47300720214844)
Arrival: MEE (-21.4817008972168, 168.03799438476562)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.