Three hundred kilometres east of New Caledonia are two islands believed by some to be inhabited by a god. Bruno Senges didn't encounter one during a sailing trip to Matthew Island in 2021, but after setting foot on its rugged shoreline, he is reluctant to rule the theory out. "It's breathtaking, the volcano is active, there's thousands of birds — it's magic," he said. Tropical birds dot the sky over Matthew Island. (Supplied: Bruno Senges) Fifteen kilometres away, Hunter Island is equally striking.