Giant Fern Park, Farino, New Caledonia

To another big national park, this one divided into three areas - one closed for conservation, one open for visitors and one open for hunters. Actually the visitors’ one is open to hunters too, on Tuesdays.

Our park guide was Marie-Claude who we’d met two days earlier. The first thing she showed us was a young blue cherry tree damaged by deer. She explained traditional uses for giant ferns, paperbarks (melaleuca), hoop pines and kauri; pointed out several types of wild orchids; and outlined the history of logging in the area, including by her tribe which previously ran a sawmill.

Lunch was had at a table d’hotes on the way back to Noumea. (This is becoming a boring travelogue, but it’s mainly for me.)

Some extras if you’re interested.