Discover the unparalleled beauty of New Caledonia on this exclusive Bird-Photo-Tour, a premium journey designed for passionate bird photographers and nature enthusiasts alike. Over the course of this carefully curated expedition, you will explore Grande Terre, the main island, and venture to the remote Loyalty Islands to the north, capturing images of the archipelago’s extraordinary endemic birds, including the iconic Kagu and the rare Cloven-feathered Dove. Each day combines expert-led photography sessions with immersive encounters in New Caledonia’s lush rainforests, where the light filters through towering trees and the vibrant calls of exotic birds echo through the canopy.
Beyond its remarkable avifauna, New Caledonia is a visual feast for photographers. Marvel at the stunning coastline, where pristine white sandy beaches meet turquoise lagoons, or hike through verdant, untouched forests that seem almost otherworldly in their richness and diversity. Throughout the trip, you’ll enjoy premium accommodations chosen for comfort and style, providing the perfect base after a day of exploration and photography. Your journey will be led by one of the South Pacific’s top bird photographers, ensuring not only expert guidance on capturing the perfect shot but also insider access to the region’s most photogenic and elusive species. This is more than a tour, it is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for those seeking to combine world-class bird photography with the magic of New Caledonia’s landscapes.
Endemic Birds: Kagu / Cloven-feathered Dove / Horned Parakeet / New Caledonian Parakeet / Ouvea Parakeet / New Caledonian Myzomela / New Caledonia Friarbird / Crow Honeyeater / Barred Honeyeater / New Caledonian Streaked Fantail / New Caledonian Crow / Yellow-bellied Flyrobin / New Caledonian Thicketbird / Green-backed White-eye / New Caledonian Goshawk / Goliath Imperial Pigeon / New Caledonian Island Thrush / Striated Starling
Near Endemic Birds: Red-bellied Fruit Dove / Pacific Imperial Pigeon / Metallic Pigeon / Melanesian Flycatcher / Melanesian Whistler / Collared Kingfisher / Silvereye / Fan-tailed Gerygone / Grey Fantail / Southern Shrikebill / South Melanesian Cuckooshrike / Long-tailed Triller / Polynesian Triller / White-breasted Woodswallow / Common Waxbill / Blue-faced Parrotfinch / Chestnut-breasted Mannikin / Coconut Lorikeet
Guiding Fees / Ground Transportation / Accommodation / Meals / Entrance Fees / Tipping for Drivers, Boatsmen, Hotel and Restaurant Staff.
International Flights / VISA Fees / Travel Insurance / Tips for Local Guide / Alcohol / Laundry / Items of a Personal Nature
Day 1 South Province [1N, 0D, 0S]: Arrive at Tontouta International Airport and transfer to hotel.
Days 2-5 Ouvea Island, Loyalty Islands Province [3N, 2D, 5S]: Domestic flight 1-hour to Ouvea Airport [Overnight: Ouvea]. Photographic Targets: Ouvea Parakeet / White-bellied Goshawk / Green-backed White-eye / Red-throated Parrotfinch / Striated Starling / Red-bellied Fruit Dove / Pacific Imperial Pigeon / Metallic Pigeon / Melanesian Flycatcher / Melanesian Whistler / Collared Kingfisher / Silvereye / Fan-tailed Gerygone / Grey Fantail / Southern Shrikebill / South Melanesian Cuckooshrike / Long-tailed Triller / White-breasted Woodswallow / Common Waxbill / Chestnut-breasted Mannikin / Coconut Lorikeet
Days 5-11 South Province [6N, 5D, 11S]: Domestic flight 1-hour to Tontouta International Airport [Overnight: Grande Terre]. Photographic Targets: Kagu / Cloven-feathered Dove / Green-backed White-eye / Horned Parakeet / New Caledonian Parakeet / New Caledonian Myzomela / New Caledonia Friarbird / Crow Honeyeater / New Caledonian Streaked Fantail / New Caledonian Crow / Yellow-bellied Flyrobin / New Caledonian Thicketbird / New Caledonian Petrel / New Caledonian Cuckooshrike / White-bellied Goshawk / Goliath Imperial Pigeon / New Caledonian Island Thrush / Red-throated Parrotfinch / striated Starling / Red-bellied Fruit Dove / Pacific Imperial Pigeon / Metallic Pigeon / Melanesian Flycatcher / Melanesian Whistler / Collared Kingfisher / Silvereye / Fan-tailed Gerygone / Grey Fantail / Southern Shrikebill / South Melanesian Cuckooshrike / Long-tailed Triller / White-breasted Woodswallow / Common Waxbill / Chestnut-breasted Mannikin / Coconut Lorikeet
Day 11 South Province [1N, 0D, 0S]: Transfer to La Tontouta International Airport for international departures [END].
Extension Option
Days 1-3 Lifou Island, Loyalty Islands Province [2N, 1D, 3S]: Domestic flight 1-hour to Ouanaham Airport [Overnight: Lifou]. Photographic Targets: Small Lifou White-eye / Large Lifou White-eye
Days 3-4 South Province [1N, 0D, 1S]: Transfer to La Tontouta International Airport for international departures [END].
[Key: N: Night / D: Full Day / S: Session / Half-Day]
Nick Ludovic Green has spent much of his life travelling and photographing birds across Asia and Oceania, developing a depth of field experience that few bird photographers achieve. Over more than 15 years in the region, Nick has led 150+ bird photography tours in 35 countries, carefully designing each itinerary to give photographers the best possible access to light, behaviour and habitat.
Through extensive long-term travel, Nick has photographed 2,500 bird species across Asia and Oceania, many at portrait-quality standard. In China alone he has documented over 1,200 species, working in every province and returning repeatedly to key locations to refine photographic opportunities, an experience that directly benefits photographers travelling with him.
His longer bird photography expeditions include a four-month journey across Melanesia, a three-month traverse of Xinjiang Autonomous Region in China's western frontier, and a four-month Himalayan journey from Kashmir, Ladakh and Bhutan to Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. These extended field projects have helped build deep regional knowledge and trusted local relationships.
Nick’s images have been published internationally, and his methods reflects a long-term commitment to careful, respectful bird photography. On tour, he is known for his organized, supportive approach and practical in-field guidance, helping bird photographers of all levels improve their work whilst enjoying unhurried time amongst the region’s most sought-after species.
(i) The guesthouses are all in close proximity to the bird photography locations (ii) Walking is at a light pace (iii) There is no requirement to hike nor climb. (iv) None of the locations are at altitude (v) There is no camping.
