Grotte de Lindéralique, Limestone cave system in Hienghène, New Caledonia.
Grotte de Lindéralique is a cave system carved into black limestone cliffs that stretch several kilometers along the coast, containing multiple interconnected chambers. The complex network includes passages and rooms of varying sizes formed within the stone.
The limestone formations originated during the Paleocene epoch millions of years ago. Water erosion gradually created the extensive network of galleries and chambers visible today.
The caves hold deep significance for local Kanak communities, who have long integrated these formations into their relationship with the land. These spaces remain important to how people here understand and connect with the coastal environment.
Visitors can access the caves through two marked hiking trails starting from either the seafront or a nearby road junction. The trails have varying difficulty levels, so consider your fitness before heading out.
Several deep passages traverse completely through the limestone cliffs, connecting the ocean side to sheltered mangrove areas on the opposite end. These natural passages let visitors explore two entirely different landscapes in a single visit.
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