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LIF destination photo
GEA destination photo

LIFGEA

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

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers superior views of the vast New Caledonian lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the striking contrast of the red soil of the Great South against the turquoise water.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🏖️

Lifou Coastline

Aerial views of the white sand beaches of Chateaubriand Bay shortly after takeoff.

🌊

Loyalty Basin

The deep sapphire waters of the Pacific between the Loyalty Islands and the mainland.

🐠

Great South Lagoon

The world's largest coral reef lagoon with intricate turquoise patterns and small islets.

🔴

Prony Bay

Dramatic red earth landscapes characteristic of the mineral-rich soil of southern New Caledonia.

🏝️

Île Ouen

A large island separated from the mainland by the narrow Woodin Channel, visible during descent.

Sit on the left for the most iconic views of the coral reef systems. Early morning flights are ideal as the sun will be behind you, highlighting the vibrant blues and greens of the lagoon without glare. Keep your camera ready as soon as the mainland appears, as the transition from deep ocean to shallow reef is spectacular.

Right Side Highlights
7.5
🌿

Lifou Plateau

The dense tropical forest and coral limestone interior of the island upon departure.

⛰️

Chaîne Centrale

The mountainous spine of Grande Terre rising sharply from the coast.

🌄

Mont-Dore

The famous 'Golden Mountain' that dominates the landscape just south of Nouméa.

🏙️

Nouméa Suburbs

A bird's-eye view of the residential areas and rolling hills as you line up for Magenta Airport.

The right side is excellent for viewing the rugged topography of the main island. On afternoon flights, this side receives the best lighting for the mountains. During the final approach into Magenta, you'll get a better sense of the urban layout of Nouméa's outskirts and the high-altitude terrain surrounding the city.

Top Activities in Noumea
Route Information

Distance: 183 km (114 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 18 min

Departure: LIF (-20.774799346923828, 167.24000549316406)

Arrival: GEA (-22.25830078125, 166.47300720214844)

Route Type: Domestic

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