Blue River Provincial Park, Nature reserve in Yaté, New Caledonia
Description
Blue River Provincial Park is a nature reserve in Yaté spanning 22,000 hectares with mixed forest, open scrubland, and a distinctive blue-tinted river system. The landscape transitions from flat valley floors to steep forested slopes with varying vegetation.
History
Mining and logging operations began in the early 1900s, leaving behind abandoned railway tracks and wooden structures that visitors can still spot today. The park's establishment as a protected area later halted these extractive activities and allowed forest recovery.
Culture
The park's name comes from the blue-tinted water created by mineral content in the river, which visitors notice immediately along the main trails. This natural feature has shaped how local communities connect with the valley.
Practical
The park is best explored on foot or by bicycle using the established trail network that connects different sections. Arriving early helps you cover more ground and avoid the midday heat in the valley.
Did you know?
The park shelters roughly 700 kagu birds, a flightless species found only in New Caledonia that inhabits the forest floor in quieter woodland areas. These rare birds feed on the ground and serve as an indicator of forest health.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Yaté).
New Caledonia is a South Pacific territory known for its lagoons, islands, and varied landscapes. Visitors find beaches with turquoise water, islands with their own character and history, and nature worth exploring. The region blends European and Melanesian cultures in interesting ways. The...
Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre
24.6 km
Nouméa Cathedral
28.7 km
Parc zoologique et forestier Michel-Corbasson
26.5 km
Château Hagen
28.4 kmBibliothèque Bernheim
28.9 km
New Caledonia Museum
29.1 km
Vieux temple de Nouméa
28.5 km
Église du Vœu de Nouméa
30 km
Édouard-Pentecost stadium
30.8 km
Marché municipal de Nouméa
29.2 km
Plage de la Baie des Citrons
31.1 km
Chute de La Madeleine
24.8 km
Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Nouméa
28 km
Église du Bon Pasteur de Nouméa
27.7 km
Mission Saint-Louis
17.7 km
Église du Sacré-Cœur de Païta
29.9 km
Golf de Tina
23.9 km
Karting de Dumbéa
24.2 km
Église de la Conception
21 km
Golf de Dumbéa
21.5 km
Ouen Toro Hill
30.8 km
Plage du Château Royal
31.2 km
Plage de Magenta
26.1 km
Plae du Chateau Royale
31.2 km
Plage de Carcassone
19.6 km
Pénitencier de Prony
29 km
Plage de Nouré
28.5 km
Plage de l'Aquarêve
31 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes