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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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Chloe McKellar

House of Travel Wellington City

Customer service has always been drilled into me. After begging my way into a cafe job at 14, I then spent 12 years working in the hospitality industry supervising restaurants and managing specialty cafes which also founded my love for all different types of foods.

After spending 3 years in Melbourne, 6 months in South East Asia and a few years in the UK I finally made the switch to the travel industry where I have been able to share my love for travel and customer service ever since.

I made it through the dark years of COVID in the industry which has led me to know to dig that little bit deeper into my clients' travel plans to create that perfect trip, and ensure we really have the best option for you in terms of comfort, reliability, and service. As we just don't know what is round the corner, do we!

I've travelled extensively across Southeast Asia, UK and Europe, spent a lot of time exploring properties in Fiji (and relaxing by the beach), road tripped in California and in 2024 I visited South Africa in Feb, Japan, South Korea and Taipei! I've got many more places on my bucket list to visit, but if I haven't been, I've got a superb team of people behind me who have and we'll work out the best trip for you! My ultimate passion when I travel is trying local foods, and finding the best possible places to have that authentic experience that we wouldn't be able to have at home. So if that resonates with you, I'd love to hear from you and let's put together your foodie adventure, together :)

Chloe

Brydie Forsyth

House of Travel Westport

Andy Gosnell

House of Travel Christchurch City

There is nothing like having an outgoing and versatile member on a team and Andy is ours! His easy and honest approach makes for an enjoyable relationship and experience for clients, suppliers and all the team.

Travel has always been a constant in Andy's life.

Andy first developed a love for travel early, living in the USA for 3 years from the age of 5. After this he has taken every opportunity, travelling the world to some of its most remote spots. Whether he is trekking in the Patagonian Andes, strolling the piazzas of Italy, or visiting family spread across USA, Asia, Europe and the Pacific, Andy's in his element.

Being in the travel industry for almost 7 years has given Andy a great opportunity to visit amazing places and diversify his knowledge, so no matter where you want to go, he will have some expert advice to make your trip unforgettable.

"I can help you visit anywhere and experience anything, your only limited by how far your imagination can stretch."

Years in the industry: 7
No. of countries visited: 10
Favourite place to visit: Amalfi Coast
Nest place on the list to visit: Yosemite, California

Not all those who wander are lost - J.R.R. Tolkien.

Why I love travel:

The places I see and the people I meet, travel really is the best way to broaden the mind. It allows you to experience and learn from all cultures and walks of life. Remember life is short, travel often.

My travel tips:

If you are always early, you are never late.
Prebook as much as possible before you go and schedule rest days on long trips.
Live courageously - you miss 100% of the opportunities you don't take.

My top 3 favourite destinations:

Italy - The food, the history, the people, the stunning coastlines, and mountains. Italy should be on everyone's bucket list.
USA - With a multitude of cultures to experience and adventures to be had, you could spend your life just in the USA and not see everything.
Patagonia - A challenge to reach, the landscapes that will great you make every minute of the journey worth the effort.

What's in my suitcase:

Kindle/E-reader - it is easy to pack, light to carry, and has a long battery life; this is an essential on all my trips.
Noise cancelling headphones - perfect for noisy flights and airports.
Travel plug adapter - easy to forget but a must have.

Andy

Alyssa Kane

House of Travel Rotorua

After achieving my New Zealand Level 5 & 6 Diplomas in Travel and Tourism, I’m excited to have joined the team at House of Travel Rotorua back in December 2022 - not even Covid could derail my dreams of becoming a travel consultant.

My years of studying and my personal experience of travelling to Australia on family holidays has fuelled my passion for creating unforgettable holidays. I spend my days designing holidays within New Zealand, Australia, the South Pacific and Asia, and I absolutely love arranging cruise holidays. Working with you to create your perfect getaway is what I enjoy the most, so bring me your dream holiday, and we can build it together! Leave me to focus on the details, so that you can relax and have your best adventure yet!

Alyssa