02 Apr 2013

Noumea

After a couple of days at sea on the lookout for sea birds we arrived at Noumea Harbour at 01:00 where the pilot boarded and guided us to the wharf.

Those taking the trip to Riviere Blueu National Park were awoken at 03:15 and after a quick breakfast transferred to the park at 04:30 to maximise their viewing time. The weather was kind, as it was overcast with a light drizzle, keeping the day cooler than expected. The excursion was deemed a big success with views of the Kagu, Cloven-feathered Dove, Yellow-bellied Robin, New Caledonian Whistler and Green-backed White-eye. New Zealand Geographic Photographer of the Year Bruce Mercer also got a great shot of the New Caledonian Parakeet. Those who didn't take part in the bird watching trip toured the island's sights and met back at the ship at 16:00 to continue our journey towards the Solomons.