According to the weather people, the climate here is changing, from the past (weak) La Nina years to an El Nino year, possibly a record El Nino approaching quickly. That would mean a higher chance of cyclone activity and a prolonged cyclone season.
With the boat safely tied up in the marina, and somewhat prepped for a possible cyclone, we opted to rent cars every so often and drive around when the weather is nice.
This micro car costs us US$35 / day with 150km included. It is plenty of car for shopping and day trips. After shopping we explored some of the heights accessible by car.
North of Noumea is an industrial area called "Ducos". Whenever we ask for some specialized, technical supplies, we get pointed to stores and businesses in Ducos. We got our antifoul there, foam for a mattress, brushes for a small electric motor, general hardware, plumbing, CO2 for bubbly water, etc. We must have done a dozen trips to Ducos and back.
Coming back from Ducos to Noumea, one passes an area that was set ablaze during the riots in 2024. Car dealerships, supermarkets, warehouses, city buses, mining equipment were burned down. Most of the destruction has disappeared, there are empty parking lots now. Why this building is still standing, we don't know. Since it is besides the major road into Noumea, also from the international airport, it does not give a good first impression for visitors to Noumea.
