<BR>My husband and me like travelling. Two years ago we've planned a trip to New Caledonia (pine island), which we had to cancel a few days before our departure. <BR>We love nature (plants and animals) and we enjoy to have contact to the people in the country we visit. <BR>The dream "New Caledonia" is still there. On the other handside: after a stay in Tonga we were interested to visit Niue, because of the caves and butterflies. If we'll find the time for a 3 weeks visit, what's the best choice?

Hello Sabine <BR> <BR>I have travelled to both Niue and New Caledonia on business. Niue is very undeveloped, forget restaurants and nightlife, there are a couple of hotels with bars but that's about all. However the fishing is good and the beaches are all cliffs and rock formations of natural pools - very romantic and different as long as you get good weather. If it's raining (which it frequently does) it's not easy to amuse oneself. However the locals are wonderful, very friendly charming people. But if you are going for three weeks, you might get bored in Niue. <BR> <BR>I have not been to the Isle of Pines in New Caledonia but a business acquaintance was telling me about it the other day - he says it is one of the most beautiful places he has ever seen. I think for 3 weeks New Caledonia would be your better option because you have the option of spending some time in Noumea which has a very sophisticated french feel to it but you can explore other parts of New Caledonia (nrth and south and the small islands around it) very easily, all of which have places worth seeing. <BR> <BR>Hope this helps <BR> <BR>Robyn

Just to reiterate what Robyn said - Niue is a fantastic, somewhat off the beaten track place that you will love. Unusual, interesting, unspoilt, and as friendly as the rest of the Pacific. But it's small. Three weeks is too much, but the more metropolitan area of New Caledonia would not be. <BR> <BR>If you can arrange somehow to get to Niue. But make that a side trip. Or if your budget allows, possibly combine Niue with some other place(s). <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>