New Caledonia votes to stay French: Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron says the majority of New Caledonians who voted in a referendum on independence have chosen to remain part of France.

"The voters were able to make a sovereign and informed choice as to the relationship between New Caledonia and France," Macron said in an address from the Elysee Palace in Paris.

"The majority today decided that New Caledonia should remain French."

Macron pledged "there is no other path than that of dialogue", on the future of the South Pacific archipelago that has been part of France since 1853.

French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe is to meet with officials in New Caledonia to discuss future plans.

The referendum was the result of a process that started 30 years ago to end years of violence between supporters and opponents of separating from France.