This rather nondescript town started out as a military post in the late 1800's.
These days its remain activities centre around the mining industry at nearby Népoui.
Poya is situated between Bourail and Pouembout, 210 Kms from Nouméa. It is a geographical and cultural crossroad between the north and the south of the west coast and the central mountain range.
Poya is the only town in New Caledonia that is shared between southern and northern provinces.
Poya is seen when you arrive at the summit of a pass, offering a beautiful panoramic view of the valley and mountain range.
Poya is a small peaceful commune whose 6 tribes are quite far from the centre.
Poya-Village is the administrative and commercial centre.
The population of the commune distributed among several small urban centres : Moindah, Poya-Village, "Basse-Poya" (Lower Poya), the tribes ( Nepou - Nekliai - Netea - Gohapin - Montfaoué - Ouenji) and Népoui.
THINGS TO SEE:
The catholic church "Sainte Jeanne d'Arc" and its "chemin de croix" ( via cruxis) with 14 stations are recommended, with an immense painting of the Christ painted by an artist from the "Ecole des Beaux Arts" (A specialist arts training establishment).
The old listed chapel in Gohapin is now disused.
The Nekliai church with its stone altar.
The "Escande" castle in the region of Muéo-Népoui (private property).