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Grand Terre ('Big Land'), is by far the largest island of New Caledonia, being 400km long and 50km wide which makes it the 6th largest island in the South Pacific.
The
island is montainous with the highest peak (Mt Panie) reaching 1628m. It also
has 2 main coastlines. The East coast is wet, lush and mountainous. The west
is dry but windy with large coastal grassy plains and mangrove forests. To
the south there lies a 250m high plateau with small lakes and marshlands.
The island is surrounded by coral reefs.
Tourism
is centred in and around the charming port town of Noumea on the southern
end of the island, with its french style boulevards and cafes, plush shopping
and fine restaurants. The northern part of Grand Terre is mountainous with
gorgeous tropical rain forest and a more traditional village system and culture.
There are many Satellite
towns as you head out of Noumea but nearly all towns and the only city (Noumea)
are all situated on or near the coast. Some of the larger town include: Koumac,
Kone, Borail, Tontaouta, and Poum.
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