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An archipelago of 83 islands, Vanuatu is steeped in tradition and culture offering an abundance of stunning natural beauty and unique experiences…. coral reefs, culinary delights, active volcanoes, shipwrecks and land diving just to name a few
On her Latest holiday Christie McKay took time to explore and experience the natural beauty and uniqueness of Vanuatu…..
Mouth watering French cuisine, fantastic snorkelling, friendly people and only three hours from New Zealand - sounds too good to be true? This is Vanuatu, home of the original ‘bungy’.
People are always talking about a place that offers “something for everyone”, well the good news is that Vanuatu offers exactly that! Whether you are looking for an action packed adventure, a family vacation or a romantic retreat, this great value for money destination is able to cater for all of your needs.
Another day we ventured to the Cascades Waterfall. This tour is certainly not for the faint hearted, as there is a reasonably steep climb (albeit short!) along a muddy track through the jungle to this sacred waterfall site. Once at the top you will be well rewarded with a refreshing dip in the waterfall pools. As well as touring about we spent some relaxing days around the pool where we whiled away the day sipping local wines and enjoying the view down to the harbour.
Make sure you take a trip into Port Vila to do a spot of shopping. The bustling markets are well worth a look and offer many interesting souvenirs to purchase.
Foodies take note. Vanuatu really is the ideal destination with a boundless variety of seafood so fresh you can practically see it being caught! Papaya, mango, paw paw and other exotic fruit can often be seen growing right outside your hotel window and with over 35 cafes and restaurants to choose from in Port Vila alone, you will never run out of places to eat. For the more adventurous, I recommend you try the local speciality “flying fox bat” at L’Houstalet.
This was my second visit to Vanuatu, and it was just as enjoyable as the first. Vanuatu is a place that welcomes you back over and over again and I look forward to my next visit, hopefully soon!
Whether you’re looking for rest and relaxation or excitement and adventure, Port Vila and the surrounding areas can offer it all
Port Vila, located on the island of Efate is the Capital and entry point to Vanuatu. Built around a harbour with small islands just offshore, Port Vila is where most accommodation on the island is located.
Port Vila and surrounds offer a diverse range of natural sites and fun activities to enjoy. A holiday in Port Vila is all about getting out and about – enjoy a day cruise, discover the amazing underwater marine life at Hideaway Island, view the spectacular Mele Cascade Waterfalls, shop for souvenirs at the local markets or enjoy a wide range of watersports on the calm lagoons. If rest and relaxation is what you’re after simply laze by the pool with a good book.
Getting around in Port Vila is inexpensive and best of all its easy! With most things you’ll need within a 5 kilometre radius you don’t have to travel far. The ‘local buses’ are in fact minivans, identified by the ‘B’ on their number plate. There are plenty available day and night, just signal the driver and jump aboard!
Eating out in Port Vila is a must. Home to over 35 cafes and restaurants serving an abundance of seafood, world renowned beef and local delicacies, all tastes and budgets are catered for - Bon Appetite
Vanuatu’s largest island, Espiritu Santo is a haven for divers where you can explore famous sunken wrecks and swim amongst spectacular marine life
Diving enthusiasts simply cannot miss diving at the famous ‘President Coolidge’ wreck, a 200 metre luxury line which sank in 1942 and is famous for being the largest intact shipwreck accessible to divers in the world
Another impressive dive site is ‘Million Dollar Point’ where American troops sunk all of their war machinery at the end of World War II. Discover underground caves, cocoa and coffee plantations and experience some local culture with a visit to a traditional Custom Village. For beach lovers, a visit to Espiritu Santo is not complete without visiting the beautiful white sand beaches of Champagne Beach and Port Olry
If you’re looking for adventure a visit to Tanna is a must!
Most famous for its active volcano, you will have the unique opportunity to view Mount Yasur from the crater’s rim, experiencing spectacular eruptions that shoot glowing ash and stones high into the air
Life on Tanna is extremely traditional, so be sure to take the opportunity to experience first hand the ancient culture, ways and ceremonies that is still very much alive today. Don’t forget to take home some Tanna Coffee with its unique flavour that is grown, processed and packaged on the island |
