Driving around Efate is easy, although the roads aren’t always sealed and you may have to navigate a slightly varied route to avoid potholes! If you are not keen on driving, in and around Port Vila you will find transport easy to use and readily available with taxis and buses coming by every couple of minutes. The buses run slightly different than they do back home whereby they don’t have a specific route. You simply flag one down, hop on and tell the driver where you want to go. He then drops everyone off in the order they got on. It can take a little longer to get where you want to go but you get to see all kinds of areas of Port Vila and it makes for an interesting ride. If you are in a bit of a hurry, flag down an empty bus so you get dropped off first! The buses and taxis can look similar as they can be any form of vehicle or van – you just have to look for the “B” or the “T” on the number plate that will tell you which is which. Outside of Efate, the northern island of Espiritu Santo is home to some of Vanuatu’s best beaches, snorkeling and diving. It is an idyllic location for couples and honeymooners with superior accommodation on private islands making for a truly magical holiday away. For a complete contrast, venture over to Tanna for a more wild and rugged scene with Mt Yasur volcano, wild horses, underwater caves and waterfalls. This isn’t your typical South Pacific holiday, but it is definitely an experience that is worth the trip!

Vanuatu for Families

Pack your favourite teddy bear and let’s go! Vanuatu is a great place for a family holiday. The flight isn’t too long, it is easy to get around and there are plenty of beach and water activities to keep the little ones occupied. With a wide range of accommodation options, there is something to match everyone’s budget. Depending on your family dynamic and your own individual requirements, you can choose from hotel style accommodation or those more like apartments with kitchen facilities, separate bedrooms and living areas. Some of the larger resorts have children’s clubs, facilities or games rooms that can also help entertain. Vanuatu is a lovely, natural island so it is a perfect place to take the kids for a bush walk or hire a car and tiki tour around the island, stopping at beaches or villages. It is easy to find your way around and there are plenty of unpopulated areas ideal for a family picnic. What to pack: Be sure to bring a good supply of nappies/wipes (if applicable) as whilst these are generally available, they are expensive at resort boutiques. Don’t forget plenty of sunscreen, hats, swimsuits, sunglasses, float rings etc. It’s a good idea to invest in some cheap plastic reef shoes to protect soft little feet from coral cuts. You may like to pack your own first aid kit too including your child’s normal medication for such things as pain or stomach upsets. The change in climate and food can sometimes upset little stomachs and it’s better to be able to give your child medication that he or she has had before. Band-aids etc are also generally available but there may be a charge for them and again they can be relatively expensive. And be sure to pack plenty of film for your camera and video camera! Those perfect days on the beach will make you want to capture the sheer delight and joy on your kids’ faces forever! You will look back on your holiday snaps with fond memories for years and years to come!

Vanuatu for Romance

If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway with romantic rooms in resorts in which you can spend dreamy days relaxing in each others company, Vanuatu is the place to go. The accommodation options are infinitely romantic with perhaps four-poster beds, rock walled bathrooms, overwater bungalows or perhaps with your own spa tub on your verandah. The options are many and varied and some resorts will not allow children under 12 years of age. During the day, there are plenty of watersports to entertain including kayaks, swimming, snorkeling, windsurfing and sailing. Or perhaps pack a picnic, hire a car and head off to one of the deserted beaches around the island. There are some stunning bushwalks and waterfalls, with little swimming holes in which you can cool off. The local kids delight in jumping off rocks and will welcome you to join in with them! At night, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from with sumptuous food and quality wines. Some resorts have nightly entertainment where you can mix and mingle with others if you wish or you may prefer to enjoy a quiet cocktail beside the pool before retiring to your room. Vanuatu is a great place for those couples who enjoy activities together and are looking for a romantic setting in which to spend quality time together.

Vanuatu for Adventure

Vanuatu offers a range of adventure activities from abseiling at the Cascade Waterfalls to Eco Tours including trekking, biking and kayaking. Diving is also very popular and you could also try a night snorkel at Hideaway Island. For those wanting to get off the beaten track, the island of Tanna offers the chance to explore Mt Yasur volcano as well as custom villages, wild horses, underwater caves and waterfalls.

Vanuatu for Culture

Vanuatu has a complex and intricate mix of cultures. With the diverse landscape of jungle, many islands and limited means of transportation, the ancient groups were often isolated and thus bred a cultural diversity that still separates the various tribes today. In fact there are over 113 distinct languages throughout the group! In the northern areas, prestige is determined by wealth - specifically how many mats and pigs a person can give away. In the central areas, there is a hereditary chief who is the main figure of authority and reigns over the entire class system. And to the south, certain men rule and can even possess entire social groups. Women have very low status in these areas. One of the most famous cultural events on Vanuatu is the Nagol ritual performed on Pentecost Island based on an ancient legend of a young woman ran from her husband who beat her. He chased her up a tree where she attached a liana vine around her ankle. She jumped from the tree and survived but, her husband who followed her, perished. Today a tower is built of sticks and each man chooses his vine. These are then tied to the ankle. The vines are very elastic following the wet season and when the men jump from the tower, it is of very real risk to life and limb as if the vine is even 10cm too long, the diver can hit the ground with potential disastrous results. The Vanuatu culture that you see on Efate however is endearingly charming with the Bislama language - or pidgin English - still reflected in signs and everyday language. Bislama was developed by early Europeans as a form of shortened English. For example “Blong” quite simply means “belong.” For example “Pikinini blong mi” means “child belong me” or “my child.” Another favourite is “bigfala” meaning “large.” For example, “bigfala truck” translates as “large truck.” It is a very simple way of life here and the smiles of the people reflect the easy contentment they enjoy. Around the island of Efate, villages dot the coastline with happy children running and playing and the locals who all wave and call out hello as you pass by. A trip to one of the villages is well worth the visit. Learn their customs and traditions and see the working life of the locals as they are today. Their outrigger canoes are basic but perfectly serviceable and you will often see two or three children rowing out together to go fishing. The culture is intriguing and deeply intricate so even just scratching of the surface is interesting and well worth the effort!

Vanuatu for Beach & Island Escape holidays

Pack plenty of sunscreen, your sunnies, a hat and a good book! Vanuatu offers plenty of beaches with watersports, beach loungers and the likes. Although the beaches aren’t as abundant as some Pacific Islands, you can still definitely enjoy a beach escape here. If you are going specifically for the beaches, be sure to choose your resort carefully. For example Le Meridien Port Vila Resort enjoys a good stretch of beach, as does Hideaway Island Resort and Breakas Beach Resort to name just a couple. Some of the other resorts may have a swimming pool, or be on the edge of the lagoon, but not have a lot of beach space. If your time and budget allow, for a truly fantastic beach getaway, head north to Espiritu Santo where the waters are crystal clear and the beaches are perfect white-sand. Accommodation can be private and secluded and the Bokissa Eco Island Resort offers exclusive lodging with one of the best beaches in Vanuatu.

Vanuatu for Cruising

Vanuatu is a haven for yachties and sealovers. There are plenty of cruising options ranging from a Sunset and Cheese cruise, to full day cruises to overnight cruises, to chartering your own yacht. The waters and islands are diverse and those who have a bit of time can spend many a luxurious day cruising around the islands exploring. The options for longer cruises range from basic live aboard, backpacker style cruising to chartering your own yacht. If you only have time for a day cruise however, the Coongoola Day Cruise is a lot of fun and includes a BBQ lunch and snorkeling. In any case, it is well worth trying to get out onto the water at some point during your stay as there is nothing quite like feeling the wind in your hair, the sun on your face and sailing in and around these beautiful harbours.

Vanuatu for Weddings

If you are dreaming of a wedding set on the beach with a beautiful backdrop of blue waters and lush green foliage, then Vanuatu could be the perfect choice. Whilst the water is not as clear or as vividly blue or turquoise as some of the other Pacific Islands, you can still find some gorgeous beach spots perfect for a wedding. One of the benefits of getting married in Vanuatu is that your photos can have a dynamic contrast between beach shots and almost jungle-like garden shots. The close proximity of the resorts and the vast range in accommodation standards and prices means that Vanuatu can be an affordable option for your friends and family also. The flight schedules also mean that your guests can come for a few days or stay for longer – whichever suits them. Several resorts offer wedding packages that can be completely traditional Vanuatu style, or as modern as you like. For those resorts that don’t offer these facilities, there are wedding co-ordinators based in Vanuatu that can help organize your day. Then, if you want to escape the rest of the group for a romantic honeymoon, Espiritu Santo can offer a picture perfect location for lazy days on the beach enjoying each other’s company. The legal requirements for weddings are as follows: • Passports • Birth Certificates • Divorce papers if applicable • Completed witness forms (2) You do not have to visit the Registry Office in Vanuatu so most of the documentation can be faxed and completed prior to your arrival. You do need to allow at least 3 working days in Vanuatu prior to the wedding and final documentation will be completed in this time.

Vanuatu for Honeymoons

From the moment you arrive in Vanuatu, everything slows down a notch and you can feel yourself relax and unwind. The warm, sultry climate makes you walk at a more sedate pace and the warmth envelops you right from the beginning. Many rooms in Vanuatu exude romance with four-poster beds draped with nets and stunning views out over the ocean. Once you check in, there is nothing more pressing than simply sitting down on your balcony to relax! What more could you ask for on your honeymoon? Romantic dinners? Kayaks for two? Spa facilities for his and hers massages? Vanuatu can offer the lot! And all just a short flight from Auckland. Perfect!

Vanuatu for Golfing

Vanuatu is not known for golfing getaways. Le Lagon Resort Vanuatu offers a 12 hole course and Le Meridien Port Vila Resort, Spa & Casino offers a 9 hole course but whilst they are well maintained and perfectly good for a friendly round, they are not championship level and should be enjoyed for what they are. If golf is your main priority for leisure activities whilst you are away, you may consider looking at an alternative destination. However, if you would just like to enjoy a casual swing whilst you are on holiday, both these resorts are lovely properties and offer a wide range of facilities and accommodation options.

Vanuatu for Spas

A few years ago there were only limited spa facilities available in Vanuatu. These days however, several resorts offer Spa complexes with a full range of treatments available. Resorts such as Iririki Island Resorts & Spa, Le Meridien Port Vila Resort, Spa & Casino and Erakor Island Resort & Spa all offer comprehensive spa services. Other resorts can offer more limited facilities or services on request. It’s a wonderful way to relax even more in an already tranquil setting!

Vanuatu for Conferences

Whilst Vanuatu may not have been the first destination to spring to mind for an offshore conference, it is definitely one worth considering. With several large resorts capable of catering for large groups and conference requirements, Vanuatu has the tropical island setting, with plenty of post-conference activities and several options for team-building or day trips. The accommodation is of good quality and ranges in room types and prices so that there is something to fit all budgets. The cuisine is definitely high-quality and there are plenty of restaurants around town that can also cater for groups if you would like to go outside the resort for a night. The flights are an easy distance and the schedules allow for short or longer stays or perhaps have the group overlap if necessary. Travelling distance to and from the airport is short and the coach companies have vehicles of all different sizes to cope with your requirements. Distances between resorts and town are also short so it makes for easy access to shops in case of forgotten items or even to check on restaurant or sightseeing arrangements. Best yet, the atmosphere is relaxed and amiable, the facilities of above average standard and pre and post options easy to organize!

Quick Stats

Population: Approximately 173,000 Flying Time from NZ: Approximately 3.5 hours Climate: The average temperature is around 28 degrees Celsius in summer (November through to March) and 23 degrees Celsius in winter. In summer it can be hot, wet and humid but mostly the rain is short-lived and there is usually a pool or beach nearby for cooling off! Electricity: 220-230 volts AC, mainly three-point plugs Currency: Vatu Credit Cards: Most resorts will take Visa, American Express and Mastercard. Banking: Banking hours are 8.30am-3.00pm Monday to Friday. The National Bank at the International Airport is open for all flights. Dress: Casual is generally accepted everywhere, or smart casual for evening.

Top things to see and do

1. Visit the Cascade Waterfalls – spectacular scenery, good exercise and a stunning waterfall at the end.

2. Hire a car and do the circle island trip – some of the best deserted beaches are out of Port Vila and the natural landscape and friendly locals make it a memorable trip!

3. Visit the markets for some great bargains on fresh fruit, handcrafts and souvenirs.

4. Wander through the shops in Port Vila for some great clothing deals.

5. Canoeing – a great way to get out on the water and feel the wind in your hair!

6. Take a village tour – learn the local customs and traditions!

7. Visit the world’s only underwater Post Office at Hideaway Island Resort!

8. Partake in the night snorkel at Hideaway Island Resort to see the coral in a whole new light!

9. Full day Coongoola Day Cruise – including BBQ lunch and snorkeling

10. Sunset Cheese & Wine Cruise