Back

Vanuatu

Variety, vibrancy, volcanoes.

Variety, vibrancy, volcanoes − these words aptly describe Vanuatu. This necklace of lush islands in the South Pacific offers travellers a captivating and divergent choice of experiences - from fine dining to adventure tourism. Vanuatu’s rich volcanic soil and climate have helped give the country’s Santo beef, and the coffee grown on the island of Tanna a worldwide reputation for quality. Where better to sample these culinary delights than in a French restaurant in the cosmopolitan capital, Port Vila. Or join in one of the Melanesian feasts organised by the major resorts.

Vanuatu is waiting for you to visit. Chat to our Vanuatu travel specialists and together, let’s plan your perfect Vanuatu escape today.

Flight time.

3 hours and 15 minutes from Auckland to Port Vila, 4 hours and 3 minutes from Wellington to Port Vila and 4 hours and 20 minutes from Christchurch to Port Vila

Best time to go.

The best time to visit Vanuatu is from May to October, offering cooler and drier weather perfect for outdoor adventures. For cultural enthusiasts, April to June is ideal to witness the Naghol land diving. The wet season from November to April brings lush landscapes but also higher humidity and cyclone risks.

Time difference.

New Zealand is 3 hours ahead of Vanuatu

Our favourite things to do in Vanuatu

Cool off in the Blue Holes

Fancy swimming in a glistening sea of sapphires?

Swim at Champagne beach

See all the colours of the rainbow!

Diving in Samoa's hidden gems

Santo is a diver's dream, with wrecks and coral reefs to explore, no matter your skill level!

Visit an active volcano

For the adrenaline junkies, Mount Yasur is a must!

Send postcard from Underwater Post Office

It’s the only one in the world, created and run by Vanuatu Post.

Vanuatu's Garden of Eden

A must-do in Vanuatu!

A taste of local life

A must-visit for anyone wanting to taste the real, local flavour of Vanuatu.

Fiji first timers guide

Whether you’re planning your first holiday to Fiji or your tenth, Fiji warms the heart and feeds the soul with a diversity of experiences catering for all tastes and ages.

Sail and snorkel the idyllic Fiji Islands

Fiji

5 things that will surprise you in Niue

If you thought giants were the product of children’s tales, Niue might just surprise you. Niue is one of the world’s smallest independent nations, and yet it’s home to some of Earth's most enormous inhabitants.

Niue: The Pacific's best kept secret

It's a tiny oasis with intimate appeal, with only one resort and a constellation of small self-catering motels. The island is so small that when you arrive at this inviting South Seas retreat, the flight is likely to be met by a welcome party of locals who are eager for you to enjoy an authentic island stay.

7 reasons a beach holiday is actually good for you

Ready for the Best. Holiday. Ever! You’re physically and mentally better off after trading your smartphone for a little sand and sun. Here’s the proof.

Top things to do in the islands of Tahiti

Here are some of our favourite things to do once you've arrived in paradise.

7 of our favourite overwater bungalows

It’s easy to find yourself dreaming about an overwater bungalow stay — the hard part is picking one! Here are our top picks for the most incredible overwater bungalows around the globe!

Tahiti for every budget

Find out how to make the most of your trip to this tropical paradise while keeping costs in check! Here are our best tips for not breaking the bank!

Tahiti's best overwater bungalows

Here are some of our favourite overwater bungalow stays handpicked by our House of Travel Tahiti travel specialists.

The top 5 South Pacific beaches

Somewhere tropical…somewhere warm, where the waves crash on the white sand beaches and afternoons are spent lazing in warm waters, cocktail in hand. Here are a few of our favourite beaches.

Top snorkelling spots in the Pacific Islands

Beneath the clear aqua seas lies a snorkeller’s paradise of unbelievable underwater visibility, a stunning array of marine life, bright coral and dramatic caverns.

Take on Vanuatu with the kids in tow

Vanuatu is positively paradise, with a culture so welcoming you’ll feel like family almost the moment you arrive. What’s more, it’s a perfect place for the kids! Here’s how to make the most of it with your tiny travellers.

8 ways to spend your Samoa holiday

Here are our top 6 ways to enjoy both relaxing indulgence and exciting adventures on your next Samoa holiday.

Where to stay on Aitutaki

Whether you’re after romance or relaxation, this island paradise has the perfect spot for you. Here are the best places to stay for your magical Aitutaki getaway!

6 Cook Island activities that aren't sunbathing

There's so much more to do in this archipelago than simply soak up the sun.

Which island is right for you?

With so many stunning islands in the Pacific, choosing the right one for your next holiday can feel overwhelming.

3 spectacular swimming spots in Samoa

The islands of Samoa have several incredible swimming spots, from waterfalls to cave pools to trenches

Things to see and do in Rarotonga

It's tempting to drift into island time and linger poolside, but if you want to leave the lounger, Rarotonga has heaps to offer!

Top 5 family destinations in the Pacific Islands

The best family destinations offer family-friendly facilities, great kids clubs, babysitting services and spacious family accommodation so that you get a holiday that is as relaxing for you as it is exciting for the kids.

Find your perfect island escape in the Cook Islands

A journey to the Cook Islands is the perfect island escape. Relaxation, romance, family fun and adventure… you can have it all in this tropical paradise!

Your quick guide to family holidays in Fiji

Here are our favourite resorts for families—every one offering an unforgettable holiday for travellers of all ages.

6 Of Fiji's Most Incredible Luxury Resorts

Here are six unparalleled escapes close to home in Fiji. There’s no time like now!

93% of customers who book with House of Travel rate us 5/5

"Pleasant when I called in in person. Promptly responded to my query and to request to change details."

Lorna Stuart

"Very obliging and lots of knowledge, very vey helpful."

Christopher Shane

"Extremely fast response outside of work hours was fantastic!"

Anthony

See all reviews

Meet our Vanuatu specialists

See all

Carmel Layton

House of Travel Nelson

Hi, I’m Carmel Layton. Travel has been a huge part of my life from my first trip overseas as a 6 year old to travelling independently in my twenties and I have travelled to over 72 countries around the world, it has always been a key ingredient in my life.

I am an experienced and passionate travel professional with over 15 years in the industry. From a short South Pacific getaway to a trip around the globe, I look forward to helping you realise your travel dreams.

Carmel

Antony Boomer

House of Travel Dunedin

I have been in the travel industry since 1987 as a tour leader, travel advisor, traveler visiting the globe, and now Owner Operator of House of Travel Dunedin City.

My travels have encompassed 105 countries initially using all forms of transport from a double decker bus around Europe to rickshaws in Asia to horses in the Middle East and dugout canoes in Central Africa with camels, elephants, donkeys and bicycles in-between.

I am more than willing to travel in a lot more comfort these days visiting the Pacific, Myanmar, India, Vietnam, Ireland, China, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Thailand, Japan, USA, Cayman Islands, Zimbabwe, Turkiye and Malta in recent years.

I believe the transition is similar for people of my generation who still yearn to visit anywhere and everywhere but enjoy a bit, or a lot, more luxury. As such I have developed an in-depth knowledge of the whole spectrum of travel options and regularly come up with solutions to the most complex of travel plans.

Tony

Hannah Smaha

House of Travel Johnsonville

Creating a holiday to suit your needs and budget is one of my favourite things to do.

Whether it's based on my own experiences or researching an obscure destination that is on your bucket list, I can't wait to help you book your dream holiday.?

Hannah

Toni Rendell

House of Travel Rotorua

As a 17 year old, I headed off to Finland on a student exchange for a year, my first ever overseas trip and the start of my passion for travel.

Whether it’s a quick jaunt across the Tasman, an adventure through Vietnam or a guided coach tour of Europe, I love working with you to create the perfect holiday.

Having been in the industry for over 30 years, I have an extensive knowledge of airfares, and travel providers, I combine that with the knowledge of my returning customers and the wisdom of the House of Travel collective to craft your travel.

There sure is a lot you need to know and I pride myself on keeping up to date with industry trends and changes. That may be new destinations to visit, beautiful places to stay or changes in travel requirements.

So get in touch and let me help make your travel dreams come true.

Toni