Port Moselle Market
A bustling marketplace showcasing New Caledonia's vibrant tropical fruits, fresh seafood, and local crafts.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Busiest and most vibrant day
Port Moselle Market
Best Time
Busiest and most vibrant day
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A bustling marketplace showcasing New Caledonia's vibrant tropical fruits, fresh seafood, and local crafts.
"Worth a visit to see the local produce and seafood. "
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Buys
Beat the crowds and get the freshest produce by visiting before 10 AM.
💰 Souvenir Value Check
Many souvenirs are overpriced; seek out handmade items for better quality and price.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tropical Produce Paradise
Fresh Produce Hall
Feast your eyes on a vibrant display of exotic fruits like mangoes, papayas, and pineapples.
Ocean's Bounty
Seafood Hall
Discover the day's catch from local fishermen, featuring fresh fish, lobster, and more.
Artisan Crafts
Handicrafts and Clothing Hall
Find unique, handmade jewelry, pottery, and decorative pieces by local artisans.
Cafe Culture
Central Cafe
Enjoy delicious pastries, coffee, and a relaxed vibe at the market's central cafe.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Souvenir Savvy
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Buys
Beat the crowds and get the freshest produce by visiting before 10 AM.
💰 Souvenir Value Check
Many souvenirs are overpriced; seek out handmade items for better quality and price.
☕ Grab a Coffee & Pastry
The central cafe is a great spot to relax and enjoy local treats.
🚶 Easy Walk from Cruise Terminal
Conveniently located a short walk from cruise ships and the Hop-on Hop-off bus stop.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Buys
Beat the crowds and get the freshest produce by visiting before 10 AM.
💰 Souvenir Value Check
Many souvenirs are overpriced; seek out handmade items for better quality and price.
☕ Grab a Coffee & Pastry
The central cafe is a great spot to relax and enjoy local treats.
🚶 Easy Walk from Cruise Terminal
Conveniently located a short walk from cruise ships and the Hop-on Hop-off bus stop.
📱 Cash is King (Often)
While some vendors may accept cards, having cash is recommended for smaller purchases.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Port Moselle Market offers a vibrant glimpse into local produce and seafood, with a pleasant cafe for refreshments. While many souvenir items are noted as overpriced and of lower quality, unique handmade crafts can be found. Visitors appreciate the market's cleanliness and convenient location near the cruise terminal, though some express disappointment with the reduced number of stalls on certain days.
"We loved the cafe in the middle, the delicious pastries, and the relaxed vibe. Many of the souvenir products were low quality and very overpriced. There is one stall, though, that sold handmade coconut fibre jewellery with pearls. It was fantastic and well priced. This market is great if you are there for the cafe or are looking to buy some fresh fruit or vegetables."
Julie Birrer
"Noumea City Morning Market
Visited on Friday, 6/12/2024
The Noumea City Morning Market, also known as the Port Moselle Market, is a few minutes’ walk from the cruise terminal. This is the first stop of the Hop-on Hop-Off bus.
The market, with its distinctive blue roofs, is very clean, and floor dry throughout.
It is composed of five small halls:
• Fresh Produce Hall
• Seafood Hall
• Meat and Flowers Hall
• Pastries and Baked Goods Hall
• Handicrafts and Clothing Hall
The fresh produce hall is filled with a wide variety of colorful tropical fruits such as bananas, pineapples, papayas, and mangoes, along with local produce especially yams, taro, etc.
Non-tropical fruits such as apples, oranges, kiwi fruit, and pears are imported from Australia or New Zealand.
The seafood hall, located in a separate building offers fresh catch by local fishermen, including fish, seafood, and crustaceans like lobster. There are imported varieties such salmon, tuna, prawns and shrimps on sale.
The meat hall offers a variety of locally sourced meats, but lamb, duck and Venison are imported.
Part of the flower / pastries hall is filled with local tropical flowers such as hibiscus, frangipani, and orchids. Bouquets and arrangements are made with a mix of local and imported flowers, including roses and tulips from cooler climates.
There are coffee, pastries and baked products on sale, including my favourite croissants, and Danishes.
This handicrats and clothing hall stocks many local unique products, including jewelry, pottery, and decorative pieces made by local artisans.
It is important to note that the market is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 5 AM to 11 AM.
I feel that it is a missed opportunity for food operators not to provide customers with the service to cook and consume their freshly purchased seafood on the premises.”"
Sin Fong Chan
"Worth a visit to see the local produce and seafood. Easy walk from the cruise ship / ferry terminal. Good chance to buy souvenirs if nothing is open. Prices looked high, as expected in a tourist oriented market."
Clare Milford
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Port Moselle Market is a short, easy walk from the cruise terminal in Nouméa. It's also the first stop for the Hop-on Hop-off bus, making it very accessible for visitors arriving by ship.
Yes, there is a car park available at the market. However, it can get busy, especially on weekends. Arriving early is recommended if you are driving.
The market is typically open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 5 AM to 11 AM. It's best to check local listings for any specific holiday hours.
Yes, local buses serve the area around Port Moselle Market. The Hop-on Hop-off bus is also a convenient option for tourists.
The market is generally clean and the floors are dry, making it relatively accessible. However, some areas might have uneven surfaces.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Port Moselle Market is free. You only pay for any purchases you make from the vendors.
Saturday mornings are often considered the best day for the liveliest atmosphere and widest selection of goods. Weekday mornings are also good for fresher produce with fewer crowds.
There are no entrance fees to wander through the market. Prices are set by individual vendors for their goods.
The market typically closes around 11 AM, so it's best to visit in the morning to see everything.
Some visitors find Sundays to be less busy, which can be a positive if you prefer a quieter experience. However, some stalls might be closed.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
You can find a variety of souvenirs, including local crafts, jewelry, clothing, and decorative items. However, be discerning as some items can be of low quality and overpriced.
While some vendors might be open to negotiation, especially for larger purchases, it's not a common practice for all stalls. Prices are generally set.
Look for stalls selling handmade coconut fibre jewelry with pearls, which are often highlighted as unique and well-priced finds.
The market offers a wide array of tropical fruits like bananas, pineapples, and mangoes, as well as local vegetables such as yams and taro.
Absolutely! The seafood hall is a highlight, offering fresh catches from local fishermen, including fish, lobster, and other crustaceans.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You can find delicious pastries, croissants, and Danishes at the baked goods hall. There's also a popular cafe in the middle of the market for coffee and snacks.
While you can purchase fresh seafood, there are currently no facilities on-site to cook and consume it immediately, which some visitors find a missed opportunity.
The market is more focused on fresh produce, baked goods, and snacks rather than full sit-down meals. The central cafe offers light refreshments.
Many visitors rave about the delicious pastries and croissants. Trying fresh tropical fruits is also a must.
The fresh produce hall offers a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, which are great for vegetarians. Baked goods are also generally vegetarian-friendly.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant colors of the tropical fruits, the fresh seafood displays, and the unique handmade crafts. The market's blue roofs also offer a distinctive backdrop.
It's generally polite to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of vendors or their specific products, especially if you're not purchasing anything.
Early morning light is often ideal for photography, offering softer light and fewer crowds, which makes it easier to compose your shots.
The distinctive blue roofs of the market halls are a recognizable feature and make for interesting architectural shots.
Drone usage is typically restricted in public areas and around markets due to privacy and safety regulations. It's best to check local drone laws before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there aren't specific play areas, the novelty of the market itself can be entertaining. Encourage kids to pick out a piece of fruit or a small souvenir. Be mindful that some souvenir items might not be durable for younger children, so focus on edible treats or simple crafts.
💰 Budget Travelers
When it comes to souvenirs, be cautious of inflated prices. Seek out handmade crafts, particularly the coconut fibre jewelry, which are often more reasonably priced and offer better value than mass-produced items.
🚢 Cruise Ship Passengers
Given the limited time on a cruise stop, arriving early in the morning is recommended to make the most of your visit. Grab a coffee and pastry, browse the fresh produce, and look for any unique crafts. Remember that many stalls close by 11 AM, so plan accordingly.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Market Halls
The Meat and Flowers Hall offers locally sourced meats and a beautiful selection of tropical flowers like hibiscus and frangipani, often mixed with imported blooms. For those with a sweet tooth, the Pastries and Baked Goods Hall is a must-visit, featuring croissants, Danishes, and other delightful treats. Finally, the Handicrafts and Clothing Hall is where you'll find unique souvenirs, jewelry, pottery, and decorative items crafted by local artisans.
While the market is well-organized, some visitors have noted that certain sections, particularly the handicrafts hall, can feel a bit tourist-oriented with varying quality and prices. It's recommended to explore all halls to get a full sense of what's available and to compare prices before making a purchase.
The Culinary Experience at Port Moselle
The Seafood Hall is a treasure trove for fresh catches, but a point of feedback from visitors is the lack of on-site cooking facilities. This means you can buy incredibly fresh fish or lobster, but you'll need to take it elsewhere to prepare and enjoy.
For those looking for a quick bite, the baked goods hall provides satisfying options. It's a great place to fuel up before or after exploring other attractions in Nouméa.
Shopping for Souvenirs: Tips for Value
However, there are gems to be found. Visitors have specifically praised stalls selling handmade coconut fibre jewellery adorned with pearls, noting them as fantastic finds that are well-priced.
Beyond souvenirs, consider purchasing fresh tropical fruits or local produce as edible souvenirs or for immediate enjoyment. These are often excellent value and a true taste of New Caledonia.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit