Comprising 83 islands and a population of around 180,000, Vanuatu, formerly New Hebrides, was originally administered by Britain and France until it became an independent republic in 1980.

Today, every village still has its own values, dialect and traditions, giving this island nation a cultural diversity not seen elsewhere. The friendly Melanesian people all speak Bislama (Pidgin English) and on the main island Efate, most locals can also speak English and French. However, Vanuatu is not just a cultural oasis...many other hidden delights await you!

In just over three hours flying time from Auckland, you can be in vibrant Port Vila, the capital of mainland Efate, to start your holiday with a difference. Heavily geared towards tourism, the accommodation on Efate caters for everyone, with choices ranging from adult-only resorts to family resorts with kids-only zones and various self-catering options are also available. So everyone is welcome in Vanuatu! Most resorts are conveniently located within a short bus ride of Port Vila and all that it has to offer.

Think food - think Vanuatu! The most discerning gastronomiques amongst you won’t be disappointed! A choice of almost 30 restaurants awaits you -offering everything from traditional French and International to Asian and Pacific rim cuisine... posing the only problem you’ll encounter on holiday... where to eat next? Bon Appetite!

Think fun - think Vanuatu! Local tour operators offer everything from kayaking, golf and horse riding to snorkelling, game fishing and scuba diving. All the sites for the aquasports are very accessible from Port Vila so there’s plenty of time to do something else in the day or nothing... it’s up to you! And this is just Efate!

A holiday in Vanuatu wouldn’t be complete without discovering one or more of Vanuatu’s best kept secrets. For something really different, treat yourself to a trip out to Santo (or better still, stay). Just one hour’s flight from Vanuatu, Santo is a mecca for divers and boasts having one of the world’s most famous wreck dives in its waters... and more!

Tanna Island (also one hour’s flight from Port Vila) is home to Mt Yasur, an active volcano which regularly erupts - a spectacular sight which will impress even the most seasoned traveller amongst you.

And you can’t miss a trip to Pentecost Island in April and May where the land diving ceremony takes place for boys and men celebrating their rite of passage....not for the faint hearted!

So if you’re looking for a South Pacific holiday with a difference - rich in experiences that will leave lasting impressions forever... think Vanuatu!

CLICK HERE FOR THE MAP OF VANUATU

CLIMATE
The ideal tropical weather is from April to November with an average daytime temperature of 23°c. The Southeast trade winds provide slightly cooler weather with less humidity. December to March is hot and humid (with an average daytime temperature of 28°c) with rainy periods.

LANGUAGE
There are over 120 distinct languages and many more dialects. Bislama (Pidgin English) is the national language of Vanuatu, but English and French are also spoken.

DEPARTURE TAX
A tax of 2800 Vatu per person over 12 years of age applies to international flights and 400 Vatu for domestic flights. Both taxes are included on your airline ticket.

DUTY FREE
Currently each visitor over 16 years of age is permitted up to 2 litres of wine, 1.5 litres of spirits and 200 cigarettes (or equivalent). Personal effects are entered duty free.

TRANSPORT
In Port Vila, look out for the small buses (number plates will start with “B”). They will take you anywhere within the greater Port Vila area for 100 Vatu. There are many taxis in Port Vila, which are relatively inexpensive. Agree on a price before setting out on your journey. Vanair is the only domestic airline to offer regular services between the islands, though there are a limited number of charter aircraft. Inter-island trading vessels also depart for the islands on a semi-regular basis.

CURRENCY
The Vatu is the official unit of currency and can only be obtained in Vanuatu. There is a Westpac Bank branch at the Airport in Port Vila to change currency both on arrival and departure. Most major credit cards are accepted. The banks in Port Vila are ANZ, Westpac & Bank of Hawaii, and they are open Monday to Friday 8.00am - 3.00pm (Westpac opens 8.30am - 4pm, Monday - Friday). “Goodies” (a craft shop in Port Vila with a currency exchange counter) is open 8am-5.30pm Monday to Friday and 8.30am -4pm weekends and is a good place to exchange your Kiwi dollars.

CLOTHING
Light tropical and casual clothing is suitable day and evening. A sweater is a good idea for the evenings during June and July. Brief clothing should not be worn in public places and villages.

ELECTICITY
210 - 240 volts 50 cycles and 3 pin angled plugs identical to those used in New Zealand.

MEDICAL
No vaccinations are required, but it is wise to take anti-malaria medication if visiting the outer islands. The most likely incident you will have requiring any medication is coral scratches, so we recommend you take a suitable ointment...
And don’t forget mosquito repellent. There is one hospital in Port Vila and one in Luganville, both with limited resources. There are small clinics and dispensaries throughout the islands.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Visas are not required for New Zealand passport holders for stays of 30 days or less. A valid passport is required with a minimum of six months validity from the date of entry.

BUSINESS/SHOPPING HOURS
Most shops and businesses in Port Vila are open Monday - Friday 7.30am-11.30am and 1.30pm - 5.00pm. Lunchtime is usually from11.30am - 1.30pm and most businesses are closed, apart from banks, supermarkets and restaurants. Most shops are open on Saturday morning and some specialty shops and supermarkets are open on Sunday morning.

DRINKING WATER
The Port Vila water supply is safe to drink. When travelling to outer islands it is advisable to take bottled water for drinking.

Think about a South Pacific holiday and immediately you see lots of sun, sea and sand, swaying palms and cool, refreshing cocktails -you’re right! And in Vanuatu you can have this... and much more! For those of you wanting a bit more action on holiday, then look no further, because there is so much to ‘see and do’ on the nation’s mainland Efate, and in the capital Port Vila, you are truly spoiled for choice! Join local tour operators, jump on a bus or hire a car - it’s up to you! Below is just a taste of what is on offer, so go on... be as adventurous or self-indulgent as you want to - it is your holiday after all!

DISCOVER VILA TOUR
Enjoy this ‘short and sweet’ two-hour tour of Port Vila - a great way for first time visitors to get their bearings and familiarise themselves with town. Check out all those restaurants - you’ll soon be getting to know them!

LELEPA ISLAND DAY TOUR
This full day experience at one of Efate’s outer islands is not to be missed. Just 35 minutes drive from Port Vila and 10 minute boat ride you will enjoy a fun-packed day of swimming, snorkelling and fish-feeding, a guided bush walk, a visit to the local village and historic caves and a barbecue lunch. Don’t forget to take some cash to purchase some local handicrafts!

EPULE RIVER TOUR
For something truly different cruise down the Epule River in a canoe and let the village share with you their local customs and traditions whilst feasting on local delicacies such as laplap - truly memorable!

SNORKELLING
Two great spots await you just 15 minutes from Port Vila - Erakor and Hideaway Islands - easily reached by local bus and both resorts are set up for day visitors. Don’t forget your sunscreen!

SAILING
A day trip out on the 23 metre sailing ketch Coongoola is a must for those of you who love to be on the water. Enjoy a relaxing combination of sailing, beachcombing, snorkelling and sunbathing on a white sandy beach. You might even spot a dolphin or two on the way back - a camera is a must!

MELE CULTURAL CENTRE & TROPICAL GARDENS
Allow at least two hours to enjoy all that this place of cultural and historical interest has to offer. Just a short 15 minute drive from Port Vila this attraction has local flora as well as Vanuatu’s iconic animals on display including the coconut crab, flying fox (bat), and native snakes (not poisonous and not from Efate!)
Visitors can also see a cannibal house and a custom village with different style traditional houses - and much more! Don’t forget your camera - you are allowed to pose with some of the animals.. under supervision of-course!
Island Feast night on Fridays is great fun - be sure to try the Kava and the local delicacies... you’ll be back for more!

CASCADES WATERFALL
For those needing a good stretch-of-the-legs this is a must! Hike up the base of the main waterfall through light bush in about 20 minutes and you will be rewarded by a refreshing swim at the top ... don’t forget your water, sunblock and insect repellent .. have fun!

PAMPER YOURSELF
Combine your fun-packed days with some pampering, (you are on holiday after all) at Spa Frangipani at Iririki Resort or the Spa at Erakor Island Resort. Everything is offered from facials and massages to body wraps and Jacuzzi soaks. A must for tired Mums whilst Dad entertains the kids!

GOLF
There’s plenty of opportunity for some ‘tee-time’ in Port Vila! Le Meridien Port Vila and Le Lagon Resort both incorporate nine-hole golf courses for social players and for the more dedicated, the Port Vila Golf and Country Club is just a 15 minute drive from town.

FISHING
From Port Vila, fishing grounds are within an hour’s reach so you can get into some very serious fishing very quickly! Full days prices usually include lunch and all gear (with the exception of fly rods). Blue and black marlin, yellow fin, dogtooth, wahoo, mahi mahi, great trevally and queenfish await your bait all year round. So go for it -catch the big one!

DIVING
Good dive sites can be found off Efate. There are several wrecks around Vila and Mele Bays, mostly freighters, and also the Star of Russia (possibly made by the same shipyard that built the Titanic) and ex-Qantas flying boat, Tasman. Several dive operators cater for new and experienced divers and between them offer a variety of excursions around Efate’s offshore islands - most famous being Tukutuku, Hat Island and Paul’s Rock. Further north, Moso Island (also called Tranquillity Island) has a diversity of dives sites. Full day excursions available daily.

MARKETS
A rich and colourful experience for all! Wednesdays and Saturdays are the best days to visit the markets, which are open every day but Sunday, from 5am until late.
Soak up the atmosphere whilst wandering from stall to stall where you’ll see brightly clad Ni-Vanuatu women selling local crops like Kamaia (cabbage), taro, bananas, fish and local crafts. Treat yourself to laplap alfresco style, a local delicacy made from manioc (a kind of tapioca), mixed with coconut milk and topped with island cabbage and seasonings before being baked in a banana leaf in a ground oven - heaven!
Iririki Island Resort operates a market tour for its guests each Tuesday for those who really want the low down on the custom use of local foods, followed by ‘tastings’ back at the resort ~ mmm!

DINING OUT
Port Vila has close to 30 restaurants, many of excellent quality. Dining out in Port Vila is truly a memorable experience and nowhere is the French influence more apparent than in Vanuatu’s attitude to food - they love it and take it very seriously! Be sure to try some of Vanuatu’s signature dishes with the French influence, such as Coconut crab, the Santo beef, Flying fox (bat), Poulet (chicken) fish and last but not least the delicious range of French desserts... très yummy! Also look out for Laplap, Tuluk and Nalot, all locally inspired dishes made from local produce - delicious delicacies to tempt the tastebuds!

EFATE, PORT VILA
In just over three hours flying time from Auckland, you can be in vibrant Port Vila, the capital of mainland Efate, to start your holiday with a difference. Heavily geared towards tourism, the accommodation on Efate caters for everyone, with choices ranging from adult-only resorts to family resorts with kids-only zones and various self-catering options are also available. So everyone is welcome in Vanuatu! Most resorts are conveniently located within a short bus ride of Port Vila and all that it has to offer.

CLICK HERE FOR THE MAP OF PORT VILA
M.V. Silent One Cruising

SANTO
Santo (Espiritu Santo) is an hour’s flight north of Port Vila. Best known as Vanuatu’s dive and snorkelling capital it can proudly lay claim to the world’s most famous wreck dive, SS President Coolidge, inside which is “The Lady” - a porcelain statue which must be touched before you can log up this exciting dive!
Another fascinating site is Million Dollar Point where the US military dumped their hardware at the end of the war. Other attractions besides diving include the famous Champagne Beach and the Blue Holes (natural deep pools). You will enjoy Santo’s slow pace and laid-back lifestyle and accommodation options cater for everyone.

CLICK HERE FOR THE MAP OF SANTO

TANNA
Tanna Island is one hour to the south of Port Vila and is a welcome contrast to the bustle and sophistication of the capital. Rich in culture and natural wonders, its local people are still very traditional, live in custom villages, a couple of which can be visited. However, the main reason for visiting Tanna Island is to literally look down into the mouth of the world’s most accessible active Volcano, Mt Yasur. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, not to be missed. A variety of accommodation options are available.
So come and discover these two very diverse islands for yourself - each promising to make your holiday in Vanuatu a truly memorable one!

CLICK HERE FOR THE MAP OF TANNA