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GEA destination photo
MEE destination photo

GEAMEE

Which side of the plane to sit from Nouméa Magenta Airport (Noumea) to Maré Airport (Mare)?

Our Recommendation
8.5

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.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🏙️

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.

Right Side Highlights
7.8
🏖️

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.

Top Activities in Mare
Route Information

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

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