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Vanuatu

Variety, vibrancy, volcanoes.

Volcanoes, fine dining, and endless island adventures

Welcome to Vanuatu, where every experience is as vibrant and diverse as the islands themselves. Picture yourself sipping freshly-brewed Tanna coffee grown in rich volcanic soils or savouring melt-in-your-mouth Santo beef at a charming French eatery. From culinary delights in bustling Port Vila to traditional feasts under starlit skies, every bite is a delicious memory in the making.

But Vanuatu isn't just about amazing flavours, it's an adventurer’s paradise too. Feel your adrenaline soar as you explore active volcanoes, dive pristine coral reefs, or discover hidden waterfalls tucked within lush jungles.

Whether you're seeking relaxation, romance, or family fun, this South Pacific treasure truly offers something for everyone.

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.

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.

Which Pacific Island is right for you?

So many islands, so little time! With turquoise lagoons, sun-drenched beaches and resorts built for bliss, every island on our doorstep offers its own slice of paradise.

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.

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

"Got a prompt reply from Melissa regarding a query on a package trip. Dhe came up with good options one of which we have booked. The was very accommodating with the budget we had."

Val

"Went in and spoke to Liz on a Monday about a couple options about going on a break for two weeks. She gave us some great options by Tuesday. I made a couple of adjustments and confirmed by Weds paid for by Thursday. Awesome lady to deal with ."

Neville

"Gaylene is friendly, helpful and knowledgable, I trust her opinions and she gives sound information and provides several options to choose when we are deciding our holidays. Nothing is too much trouble and Gaylene is our #1 go to for all our holiday plans past/present and future."

Susan

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Meet our Vanuatu specialists

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Leonie Paul

House of Travel Merivale

With nearly two decades at House of Travel, I’m always dreaming of the next adventure. The more I explore, the longer my bucket list grows! The thrill of planning a new journey and learning from each experience excites me.

Discussing travel daily is my passion, I love helping clients realize their travel dreams and living vicariously through their experiences.

Getting to know my clients and understanding what matters most to them is something I truly enjoy. This insight allows me to craft itineraries that are as unique and special as the travelers themselves.

There's nothing more satisfying than a client returning with tales of their adventures. I love hearing their stories, as each journey is different—there's no one-size-fits-all approach to travel.

For me, travel offers the opportunity to learn more about the world around us. With every journey, I find new perspectives, cultures, and places to love.

Travel isn’t just about the places we visit—it's about the growth we experience along the way.

Leonie

Jason McKay

House of Travel Nelson

As the proud Owner Operator of House of Travel Nelson, I lead a small but passionate team dedicated to taking care of all your travel needs.

I primarily work on the Orbit World Travel side of our business, specialising in business and group travel. But as a traveller myself, I love chatting with customers and the team about their upcoming adventures — there’s nothing better than sharing in the excitement of a great trip!

Travel has played a huge role in my life. From years of family holidays to the Gold Coast and Fiji, where the kids spent hours in the pool or on the playground, to unforgettable highlights like Disneyland (they were 10 and 12 — the perfect age!), followed by a relaxing week in Mexico. These days, with older kids, we’re seeking more adventure. Our recent trip to Vietnam was a standout — from the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City to the peaceful beauty of Hoi An's lanterns and Halong Bay. If you haven’t been, it’s a must!

Next on my list? Europe. While I’ve done a couple of quick trips in the past, I’m keen to take the time to explore the diverse cultures and rich history of the places I’ve spent years helping others discover.

Whether your trip is big or small, come in and see us at House of Travel Nelson — we’ll make sure it’s your best one yet.

Jason

Leanne Newton

House of Travel Upper Riccarton

Experiencing travel through the eyes of my daughter, has given me a whole new perspective and thirst for travel.

It enables me to slow my pace, look around and just enjoy being in the moment as she interacts with local people.

It brings back that feeling I had when I first travelled overseas, and I feel so grateful to be able to experience something so meaningful and life changing with my daughter.

Leanne