Nicky Park stays at a beachside hotel near the New Caledonia capital.

Liz Light checks out the delights of Noumea and finds plenty to catch the eye in the lush capital of French territory New Caledonia.

In an azure and cobalt bay, gentle sea creatures welcome Phil Welch to the 'closest island to paradise'.

Belinda Henley explores beyond Noumea and discovers a land of red earth and dramatic scenery.

Experience French fare or go kite surfing, says Megan Singleton.

Language is no barrier where enjoyment is a universal concept, writes Julia Carlisle.

Immerse yourself in French culture for a slice of the price, says Megan Singleton.

French food and wine are the tops in Noumea, finds Sarah Lawrence.

Smiles, spinnakers and hangovers prevail in the world's friendliest yacht race, writes Ian Lloyd Neubauer.

Behind Lifou's idyllic facade lies adventure, discovers Belinda Merhab.

A New Caledonian island offers a rustic, unspoilt escape, discovers Nikki Birrell.

Every November, New Caledonia swings to the rhythms of gypsy jazz - a style popularised in Paris in the 1930s to 1950s by guitarist Django Reinhardt and violinist Stephane Grappelli.

New Caledonia's Napoemien tribe live a self-sufficient lifestyle, writes Sue Baxalle.

If a cruise seems like an old-age holiday, think again. By Chris Marriner.

Carnaval de Noumea - the Noumea Carnival - is a major festival held in the New Caledonian capital every April.

A developing tropical cyclone could threaten New Zealand next week, a weather prediction website has warned.

New Zealand may be whipped by the remnants of two tropical cyclones which are expected to merge on Tuesday. Cyclone Vania has been downgraded to a tropical depression, but is moving south.

New Zealand could face strong winds and rain from a tropical cyclone battering the Pacific Islands with winds of up to 225km/hr.

Forget Paul Henry’s narrow vision of a New Zealander. People from nearly every country in the world have made Aotearoa their home. Five new New Zealanders tell Shelley Bridgeman how they came here and why they became Kiwis.

Kanaks are regaining their land and pride, says Pamela Wade.

Broadband, as hundreds of thousands of New Zealand users already know, provides fast access to the internet and email.

The festival combines traditional and contemporary elements, presenting concerts, dance, modern theatre and traditional performances.