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

Reuben Goldingham Newsom

House of Travel Broadway

I have been to 32 countries and counting. With a passion for travel in Australia, the Pacific Islands and Cruises, along with a broad knowledge of Europe from a 6 month back packing adventure, allow me to take the stress out of travel and create ever lasting memories. My favourite travel experiences includes Hot Air Ballooning over the desert in Dubai, island hopping down the pristine Croatian coastline, and something closer to home that all kiwis cannot miss, Fiji! Get in touch via phone or email to get started. Face2face video consultations are now available.

Reuben

Catherine Johnson

House of Travel Ashburton

Travel is my passion and to be able to share this with others is the best part of my job!

I love all aspects of travel-adventure, food, culture, relaxation and most importantly making life long memories.

Whether you're looking for a thrill-seeking adventure or a peaceful island escape, I can’t wait to help you plan the trip of a lifetime.

Catherine

Caitlin Thomson

House of Travel The Square

Hello!

I believe exploring the globe should be accessible for everyone, and I'm here to help make that happen for you. With my passion for globetrotting, I'm looking forward to collaborating to create your dream journey, and make the world your personalised adventure by crafting each destination as a chapter that resonates uniquely with you.

Caitlin

Kelsey Tills

House of Travel Calder & Lawson

Travel has always been a joy for me, I love exploring new places, trying new foods, meeting interesting people and stepping outside of my own bubble. Being able to assist customers in creating their own incredible experiences brings me so much joy. If you are after authentic experiences, with passionate support, I'd love to help.

Kelsey