Vanuatu
The islands of adventure. By Matt Taylor
ŠVanuatu Helicopters
14 islandtime May/June 2013
You could say that action and adventure has a long tradition in Vanuatu. After all, this is the place where traditional land divers inspired the bungy jumping phenomenon that’s taken the world by storm. For Kiwi travellers wanting more than a fly and flop vacation, Vanuatu has all the bases covered. In fact, there are literally hundreds of sightseeing and soft adventure activities spread through Vanuatu's beautiful islands and that means there's something to suit absolutely everyone.
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©Vanuatu Helicopters
©Port Vila Parasailing
Vanuatu is a land of diversity. From north to south it stretches 900km and in between are 83 beautiful islands that are home to flawless beaches, live volcanoes, tropical gardens, land divers and a million and one other things you'd never imagined. Port Vila on the island of Efate is the first stop for international travellers and it's a great place to get your Vanuatu adventure started.
Up, Up and Away. You've just arrived in Port Vila and want to get orientated. So what's the best way to get the lie of the land? With a birds-eye view of course. Port Vila, its harbour and the surrounding coast is made up of many beautiful nooks and crannies and there's no better way to see them than by air. If you're staying in town, all you need to do is make your way to the booking office of Vanuatu Helicopters - they're located harbourside by the Nambawan Café next to the craft markets right in the middle of town. The helicopter itself operates off a floating pontoon in the harbour. Vanuatu Helicopters offer four set scenic flights at varying prices. They start from around NZ$100 per person for a Taste of Vila Flight which takes in the spectacular local scenery including the natural harbour, bays, Erakor Island and First Lagoon. For NZ$450 per person you can enjoy the top-of-the line grand tour of Efate which has you circling the entire island and seeing sights like sunken Second World War wrecks, sandy beaches, dense rainforest, isolated villages and more. If you'd like to go even further afield, you can take a flight to see Mount Yasur volcano on Tanna, or the land divers up on Pentecost Island. Plus they do romantic day trips out to secluded beaches, which would certainly make a great honeymoon trip.
©Blokart Vanuatu
Sailing away Vanuatu style. For a different kind of aerial experience visitors can book with Port Vila Parasailing. After being strapped in and then pulled to a height of around 80m, you'll literally float above the deep blue harbour, enjoying amazing views of the crystal clear waters and coral reef below. Each flight lasts about 10 minutes and a safe (dry) landing is guaranteed as you're reeled back onto the boat. The other great thing is that absolutely no experience is required, any person of any age can fly, and if you'd rather have a bit of company while you're high in the sky, tandem parasails are also available. Port Vila Parasailing runs its operation from the seawall behind the Westpac Bank right in the heart of town. Just look out for their boat Deliverance or keep your eyes peeled on the rainbow-coloured parasail!
Flying through the jungle. The lush rainforests of Vanuatu are amazing landscapes to walk through, but imagine getting an adrenalin-pumping view from four stories up. That's what you'll get with the action packed Jungle Zipline adventure half-day tour. You'll be strapped securely into your safety harness and zip through the lush, cool treetops, and along the way you'll enjoy stunning views out across Mele Bay and Port Vila Harbour. And that’s not all - you'll also get to cross an 80m high canyon, wobble your way across two suspension bridges and return high above a waterfall. Sound breathtaking? Well it most certainly is, but it is suitable for people of any age - Vanuatu Jungle Zipline has had clients as young as six and as old as 70! You can be picked up from any hotel in Port Vila and all you need to bring is some closed toe shoes or reef shoes, insect repellant, a camera and clothing suitable for wearing a harness.
Ratua is a private island right in the well-preserved Vanuatu archipelago. This 146-acre jewel of unexplored nature is covered with lush tropical vegetation, and bordered by sandy beaches, turquoise water and amazing marine life. This eco-luxury hideaway was developed with a strong ambition to preserve an untouched sanctuary while establishing some modern comforts. Swim or snorkel, enjoy a horse ride or boat trip, treat yourselves at Ratua’s overwater Sunny Spa or do nothing at all!
+678 30020 | management@ratua.com | www.ratua.com 16 islandtime May/June 2013
The Summit Gardens The Zipline Jungle Tour operation also happens to be located within another popular attraction, The Summit Gardens, so in essence, visitors can have two wonderful and quite different experiences with one trip. With 11 named gardens spread over 10 hectares The Summit Gardens is the largest tropical garden in the South Pacific. It's only 10km from Port Vila, so even if you don’t do the Zipline, it’s easy to visit and a great place to spend for a few hours. There are literally thousands of different species to see and they have expert guides to tell you about the different plants and their traditional uses. An important part of the operation is The Distillery, a small on-site factory that presses various plants to produce essential oils. These oils are then used to create a luxurious range of natural soaps, candles and body care products (which are for sale in the gift shop). After all that action and adventure, a little pampering will be well deserved.
Blokart Vanuatu. They were invented in New Zealand, but they're making a name for themselves all over the world, including Vanuatu! A couple of Kiwis have brought these super fun land sailing machines to Vanuatu and have set up a purpose-built track which is only five minutes from Port Vila. Plus the location means the track picks up Vanuatu's consistent trade winds so there's never any lack of fuel! If you think it might be a bit too hard to learn, think again. A complete beginner can pick up the basics after a 10 minute lesson (which is included in the cost), so they can be driving around the circuit having an absolute ball in no time. The better you get the faster you can go, and depending on the wind, these finely tuned speed machines can hit 30kph or more. Anyone can have a go, all the safety equipment is provided - all you need to bring is some sunscreen, sunglasses and a healthy sense of adventure.
The Summit Gardens
Going off road. Vanuatu Safari Tours The Vanuatu coast is a real drawcard for visitors, but there's also some great exploring to be done inland too. For a super fun adventure you can't go past a 4WD safari with the team at Vanuatu Safari Tours. Professional guides will take you inland to places that most people wouldn't even know existed, all in the safety and comfort of their off-road machines. On the journey you'll get a first hand look at a completely different way of life. The guides will talk you through the culture and history of the area, there's a chance to stop at local villages and meet the people who live there. On the menu is locally prepared food, plus there's a chance for a cooling dip at the cascades or the beach. And to top it all off? A delicious gourmet barbecue Vanuatu style. And if you or your group are after something a little bit different, just let the team know. They have a flexible approach to their tours and their schedules, and will do their utmost to customise an excursion to suit your individual needs. Here are a few of their options for starters - Rangorango Eco Conservation Safari Tour, Family Tours Safari, National Museum and Cultural Centre Tours and Safaris, Local Village Life Style Tour, Cascades Tour and Night Safari Tour.
©Vanuatu Safari Tours
Exploring the outer islands. It's a fact that most visitors that come to Vanuatu stay on Efate. Unfortunately, that means they miss out on some of the country's most beautiful and most interesting sights. With some 80 islands making up the archipelago, there's never going to be enough time to visit them all, but here are a few highlights that should be on every traveller's list of must do's.
Mount Yasur – inside the wild earth.
Mele Cascades
There's nothing quite like experiencing the sights, sounds and smells of a live volcano. It's as raw and as powerful as nature gets. It's also a not-so-subtle reminder that us humans are really just guests on this Earth. Kiwi's are certainly no strangers to volcanic activity. White Island in the Bay of Plenty is always a hot spot and Mount Ruapehu is well known for its occasional explosions. On the island of Tanna there's Mount Yasur, but the big difference is how accessible this live volcano is. While the road up is quite entertaining, think deep ruts, corrugations and pot holes, the final parking spot is only a 15 minute walk from the lip of the volcano. Visitors can choose the time of day they wish to see this volcanic action. Early risers might like to book a spot on Tanna Tours Volcano Sunrise excursions which combines the darkness of the night tour with watching the sun slowly get brighter and brighter while standing on top of a volcano. Now not many people can say they've done that and it will be one of things you'll always remember. The night tours are always popular and they give visitors the chance to see this live fireworks show in all its glory. Along the way your tour guide will be sharing some stories about the existence of this volcano while observing its activities.
Mount Yasur
Vanuatu’s Newest Resort • Spacious fully self contained • All rooms with stunning ocean views • Free Wi Fi throughout • Family friendly • Five minutes to fine restaurants and ten minutes to Port Vila CBD. Phone: +678 28009 Email: info@nasamaresort.com www.nasamaresort.com
Agency bookings commissionable
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Sandboarding down a live volcano. If you think going up and taking a look inside Mount Yasur is fun, how about jumping on a board and riding the sandy slope. The team from Tanna Tours Volcano Sandboarding are the guys who'll take you on this unique adventure. Controlling your speed is straightforward - lean back to go faster and lean forward to slow down. You may have the odd wipeout, but it's all good safe fun and can be enjoyed by both adults and kids.
The post with the most. You've seen a live volcano, maybe you've even surfed down it. So why not finish off the experience by sending friends or family with a postcard via the volcano mail box. It's all good fun and in the world of email and texting, who wouldn't be thrilled to get a piece of mail sent from here.
Pentecost. The real home of bungy. The bungy jumping phenomenon created by AJ Hackett is one of New Zealand's best known international exports. But as we said in the introduction, his inspiration came from the original land divers of Pentecost Island. The process starts when local men and boys build the jumping tower. This can takes about five weeks using natural materials straight from the forest. When that's complete each diver will select his own vine, which is then checked by a village elder to make sure it's strong enough and long enough. Ten centimetres can mean the difference between life and death, so it pays to be careful. As the men prepare to jump, the women sing and dance at the base of the tower. A raised hand indicates he is about to jump. Now the crowd falls silent. With the clap of his hands the diver leans forward and drops to the ground with his arms crossed. When performed correctly the diver's hair will touch the ground, making it fertile for the following year's yam crop. The ritual, known as Nagol or N'gol, takes place every Saturday between April and June and seeing it first hand is a oncein-a-lifetime experience.
ŠNautilus Watersports
An underwater wonderland. With its warm water, brilliant visibility and collection of Second World War relics, Vanuatu has gained an international reputation as a top notch diving destination. In fact, divers can be credited as being some of the very first "tourist" travellers to these shores, particularly to the island of Santo. Pentecost
Mount Yasur
No better place to unwind Idyllic beaches, tropical gardens and crystal clear seas
www.iririki.com Relax and unwind in a tropical paradise
18 islandtime May/June 2013
The attraction is obvious - sheer cliffs, cave systems and rich ecosystems filled with colourful coral and vast schools of vibrant fish. The star of the show in Vanuatu is the SS President Coolidge - the largest wreck dive in the world. Originally a luxury liner, this ship was converted for the purposes of war, and was turned into a troop ship. Unfortunately it hit a mine and sank during the war, fortunately for the scuba divers it sank just a few metres off the beach, still packed with guns, helmets, gas masks and all manner of personal effects. Today there are over 20 different dive options available on the President Coolidge, each one going progressively further into the hull - novices can choose to dive the shallow parts of the wreck while more experienced go down further. There are also plenty of dive options based around Port Vila. Operators like Nautilus Watersports offer diving every day of the year except Christmas Day and New Years Day. Like Santo, there are endless options available with wall, reef and wreck dives waiting for the scuba explorer.
Gone fishing. ŠNautilus Watersports
ŠWild Blue Fishing Charters
Kiwis are well known as mad keen fishermen, which is just another reason that makes Vanuatu the perfect place to visit. Options vary according to what type of fish you're trying to target, how long you want to go out for and whether you want to stay on board the vessel or not (in the case of multi-day trips). Regardless of what you're after, Vanuatu's waters have plenty of fish from big mahi mahi and wahoo right up to giant marlin - bring a good set of muscles if you plan on reeling in one of these monsters. If you're based in Port Vila, all you really need to do is walk to the marina just down from the Grand Hotel and Casino, as most the charters are based here. A good place to start is Wild Blue Fishing Charters - they've got over eight years experience in these waters and three different vessels to choose from. And if you're up in Santo, try Fiesta Game Fishing Charters, Coral Quays Fish and Dive, Seascape Charters and Santo Island Fishing.
Tee it up. Golf in Vanuatu.
Port Vila Country Club
The Havannah is an intimate, beachfront resort at Samoa Point, Vanuatu set amidst flame trees and tropical gardens. With only 15 villas and three-room categories, the resort is an oasis of peace and tranquility. Each villa is furnished in a tastefully modern style with air conditioning and ceiling fan, king sized bed, private day bed on your terrace, Bose iPod docking station and mini bar. The Waterfront villas enjoy their own plunge pool.
It's probably not the first place you'd go to play golf, but there certainly are a couple of courses that will keep golf nuts entertained. You'll find the best 18 holes in Vanuatu at the Port Vila Country Club - which is just past the airport. Each year the club hosts the PGA sanctioned Vanuatu Open, and with the tournament being a pro-am, regular club players have the chance to play alongside full-time professionals. Green fees come in at about NZ$40 a round and you'd like your own caddy add an extra NZ$15. Clubs can be hired and if you're keen to test your skills against the locals, simply come along to one of the weekly competitions. WIn or lose it's guaranteed to be great fun and you'll have the chance to mix and mingle with the local players. Those travelling to Santo can get there dose at the nine-hole course in Luganville, which will no doubt be a unique golfing adventure!
T: +678 551 8060 F: +678 551 8062 www.thehavannah.com reservations@thehavannah.com
Activities on site include pool-side lazy afternoons, beach picnics, snorkeling, kayaking, petanque and tennis. Scuba diving, island tours, scenic flights and car rental can all be organized from the Havannah. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in the public areas and in all the villas for our guests. The Point Restaurant, offers gourmet cuisine using the freshest of local ingredients with fine wines from Australia, New Zealand and France, while The Samoa Point conference room is ideal for executive retreats and small seminars. The Havannah also has a wedding co-coordinator to make your special day perfect. Whether on your honeymoon, in need of a quiet and relaxed break away from it all, or looking for activities in a beautiful environment, The Havannah is your perfect boutique resort in Vanuatu. The Havannah does not cater to children under 16 year old .
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At one with nature. Eco Tour options.
Mangalilu Nature Walk
It's not all about adrenalin on Vanuatu. In fact, some of the most memorable experiences come at a much slower pace. The islands have a rich culture and there is a wide of variety of eco-based tours giving visitors the chance to get of the beaten track and discover the real Vanuatu. They can see the spectacular flora and fauna, learn about the history and cultural significance of various attractions and sites, spend time and learn the ways of local communities, kayak down rivers, go mountain biking....and the list goes on and on.
T +678 22313
F +678 22665
20 islandtime May/June 2013
A popular eco-tour just outside of Port Vila is the Mangalilu Nature Walk. Located right in the middle of a World Heritage site (which just happened to feature in the American Survivor television show) you'll find the community of Mangaliliu Village. Twice a week (Tuesday and Saturday) half and full day tours give visitors the chance to experience authentic village life and culture. The rainforest landscape is also amazing beautiful, but you'll also see how it helps sustain the local community. From here the trek leads through the jungle to the coast, again an environment that provides a lifeline to these people. The beach setting provides a chance to relax, but it's also about learning - try getting on a traditional outrigger canoe and fishing with the local equipment! For us western world Kiwis it's a refreshing look at how different people live and a great chance to get an appreciation of a culture that is completely different to ours.
E reservations.lelagon@warwickhotels.com
Book your clients into Port Vila’s prime waterfront location Quite simply, guests are spoiled for choice at the Grand Hotel and Casino. Port Vila’s colourful markets and myriad of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants are just a step away from the hotel’s front door, so there’s no need for taxis or courtesy vans. All rooms in this stylish hotel offer amazing harbour and ocean views and are ideally suited to couples or groups of friends wanting a relaxing tropical getaway. A host of waterfront activities are also close with fishing charters, jet ski hire, parasailing, kayaking and sailing operators virtually right next door. Alternatively if guests choose to stay in and relax, the Grand Hotel and Casino has a fresh water horizon swimming pool, or they can pop up to the spectacular 6th floor Hemisphere Lounge Bar for a cocktail and some of the best views in town. To top off the perfect day there’s delicious dining at Crystals Restaurant. Whatever your clients choose to do, you know they’ll be in the right place to enjoy everything Port Vila has to offer.
Grand Hotel and Casino is a quality 4 star hotel in Port Vila and just a step away from everything.
p +678 28882 hotel Lini Highway, Port Vila, Vanuatu
www.grandvanuatu.com
WHAT'S ON
Think Vanuatu is a sleepy island. Think again. There are lots of fantastic events going on throughout the year. Here's a selection of event highlights. For a full list go to vanuatu.travel
Upcoming Events MAY 25 Full Moon Sail, Port Vila A social event where yachts begin sailing out to sea an hour before sunset and turn back when the sun goes below the horizon. www.vanuatucruisingyachtclub.org
JUNE 21 Fete de Musique, Port Vila and Luganville Also known as World Music Day - all concerts must be free to the public. www.alliancefr.vu
JUNE 22 Warwick Le Lagon Resort and Spa Triathlon, Port Vila trivanuatu@googlegroups.com
JULY 20 Wilco Relay, Efate A ten-leg race around the island of Efate. www.islandrelay.com
MAY 26 - JUNE 1 Vanuatu Marlin Classic, Port Vila
JULY 30 Independence Day Sail Past, Port Vila
JUNE 15 Open Water Swims, Port Vila Two swims to choose from: the premier event is a 3.2km swim around Iririki and a 1.5km harbour swim.
www.vanuatucruisingyachtclub.org
AUGUST 17 Vanuatu Adventure Race Multisport 75km
www.vanuatuswim.com
www.eventlogicvanuatu.com
JUNE 17 - 20
SEPTEMBER 10 - 15
Ocean Swim Week, Luganville - Santo
Tusker Vanuatu Golf Open, Port Vila
www.oceanswims.com
www.vanuatugolfopen.info
Bokissa Private Island Resort Just off the island of Espiritu Santo lies the very private and beautiful Bokissa, just 16 absolute beachfront bungalows…walk out of your bungalow onto the sand and into the water…water so blue, you just wont believe it! Dive, swim, snorkel, fish, eat, sleep, discover, relax…
www.bokissa.com
Sunset Bungalows Resort Only 7 minutes from bustling Port Vila you will find the very peaceful Sunset Bungalows Resort, hovering over the edge of the lagoon and offering unsurpassed views and friendly, personal service… Sunset Bungalows Resort is a couples only resort with one of Port Vila’s best located restaurants on the water’s edge... A wonderful honeymoon or wedding awaits…
www.sunset-bungalows.com
Or contact Travel Representation Services on info@travreps.com.au for more detailed information, rates and packages. 22 islandtime May/June 2013
The Blue Hole, Santo
Set high atop a cliff, The Terraces Vanuatu is one of the newest contemporary apartment resorts. It has breathtaking views over one hundred year old tree top canopies and the stunning sparkling waters of Erakor lagoon. This 10+ year old resort offers 16 apartments with a level of accommodation designed to give you a modern feel in a tropical setting. The resort features a oodlit tennis court, gym and private swimming pools in addition to the main resort pool. Adjacent to The Terraces Vanuatu, the highly regarded Mangoes Restaurant offers superb dining and a full room service option.
Vanuatu’s leading child-free boutique resort Set overlooking Erakor lagoon with 29 rooms,10 rooms with their own private plunge pool, three main pools and a well regarded restaurant. Yet only 10 minutes walk from Port Vila. A peaceful and relaxing escape.
Phone: +678 24923 Email: theterraces@vanuatu.com.vu www.theterracesvanuatu.com
Email: mangoes@vanuatu.com.vu www.mangoesresort.com May/June 2013
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Vanuatu Fast Facts Climate Although the climate varies from the north of the country to the south, as a rule the dry season runs from May to October (average temperature 23ºC) and the wet season from November to April (28ºC).
Currency The local currency is the Vanuatu Vatu. At the time of writing NZ$100 was buying approximately 7800VT.
Entry requirements A passport validity of six months is requested from the entry date into the country. Kiwis are automatically issued a stay of 30 days. This can be extended up to four months at the Department of Immigration in Port Vila and Luganville.
Time Vanuatu is one hour behind New Zealand ie, midday in Auckland is 11am in Vanuatu.
Mobile phones Vanuatu has two GSM digital networks - Telecom Vanuatu and Digicel. If you don't have mobile roaming on your New Zealand mobile, it's easy to buy a SIM card package.
Electricity Vanuatu has the same plugs and voltage as New Zealand.
Airport International flights land at Bauerfield Airport which is only a 10 minute drive from Port Vila.
Effective immediately BOTH our WED and SAT flights operate at convenient middle day timings allowing for domestic connections from all NZ destinations both northbound and southbound. AKL, arrives at 1100, departs for VLI at 1200. Remember your Vanuatu experience begins the moment you step aboard our Boeing 737-800 and encounter our friendly crew and fine service with FREE drinks and FREE meals.
Ph: 9 373 3435 Fax: 9 358 1413 Email: airvanuatu@airvanuatu.co.nz www.airvanuatu.com www.vanuatu.travel
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, s t h g i n 7 y Sta 5 r o f y a P y l on May, June, Offer for 3 August 201
info@surfsideonbreakasbeach.com phone: +678 22727 www.surfsideonbreakasbeach.com