On the Kuto Peninsula, also known as Vuto, the Sentier de Kuto runs between towering columnar araucarias (Araucaria columnaris) and pandanus trees (Pandanus tectorius). The trail includes La plage des gendarmes, a sandy bay framed by tall columnar araucarias. It also passes the remains of a former powder magazine. If you enjoy taking in natural features and historical traces together, you’ll find both along this trail.

Sentier de Kuto: scenery and trail

The Sentier de Kuto crosses traditional customary land. Visitors are asked to respect these places, so check local guidance before your visit. This request to be considerate is as much a part of planning your walk as its landscape features.

Boat trips and more options in the wider destination of L'île-Des-Pins

Ile des Pins Plaisance offers a boat trip around the bays of Kuto and Kanuméra, with the chance to look for turtles and rays. In the wider destination of L'île-Des-Pins, the same excursion also includes a snorkelling stop at Îlot Brosse to observe the underwater world. The trip combines views of the bays with a stop to observe marine life underwater. The excursion must be booked; check availability directly with the provider.

A different kind of water activity is available at Baie d’Upi in the southeast of L’Île des Pins: visitors can ride in a traditional outrigger canoe accompanied by a local piroguier. Knowledge of how to make these canoes is passed down from generation to generation. Unlike the boat trip around Kuto and Kanuméra, this experience centres on the traditional canoe and local guide; the other trip explores the bays and includes looking for turtles and rays.

The Piscine naturelle d'Oro is another option in the wider destination: you can relax there and observe tropical fish with a mask, fins and snorkel. This differs from the boat excursion, which combines a trip through the bays with a snorkelling stop at different locations.

Island tours offer different focuses. Kuu-Oro Transport offers tours of L’Île des Pins’ natural and cultural sights, departing from the wharf or airfield; reservations are recommended. Neutomo Excursions runs guided island tours by minibus and introduces visitors to the island’s myths and legends. Choose according to your interests: Kuu-Oro focuses on sights, while Neutomo focuses on myths and legends.

Caves are also among the destinations on L’Île des Pins. Grotte d'Oumagne, better known as Grotte de la Reine Hortense, is in the north of the island. Access to Grotte de la Troisième is by car along a long, narrow forest road; the ground from there to the entrance is very uneven. Check access conditions locally, especially in wet weather.

For an overview of the wider destination: L'île-Des-Pins.