Noumea flights grounded over riots, caution urged for travellers

Flights to Nouméa have been cancelled and a curfew imposed on the island from 6pm on May 14 to 6am on May 15.

Tourists have been urged to exercise "a high degree of caution" in some regions as political demonstrations and protests rage and "may turn violent at short notice", Smartraveller said.

"Avoid demonstrations, public gatherings and roadblocks," the travel warning said.

One New Zealand-born tourist said he could hear teargas grenades being used while eating lunch on the island.

"Public order disturbances of great intensity took place last night in Nouméa and neighboring communes, and are still underway at this time mobilizing massive internal security and civil security forces," New Caledonia's government said in a statement.

Police officers have reported sustaining "numerous injuries" however no members of the general public have been seriously injured, the statement said.

New Caledonia Police have made 36 arrests after a "great deal of damage was reported in the Nouméa area", the statement said.

Shops, pharmacies, car dealerships and the city's video protection cameras have been the primary targets, the statement said.

A number of bans have been put in place including a ban on all gatherings in the greater Nouméa area, a prohibition on carrying weapons and on the sale of alcohol throughout New Caledonia.

The High Commissioner Louis Le Franc called on the population "to stay at home and limit their movements in the coming hours".

The Australian Consulate-General in Noumea is currently closed.

If you require urgent consular assistance, please call +687 27 24 14 and follow the prompts to be connected to our 24/7 Consular Operations Centre in Canberra.