A sprinkling of 83 tropical islands from volcanic beginnings lying peacefully in the South Pacific Ocean, Vanuatu is a mere 2¾ hour flight away from Auckland. It is a land full of surprises, like stunning tropical rain forests that cover landscapes, breathtaking jungle waterfalls and hot springs, incredible coral reefs and crystal clear waters teeming with exotic marine life.

As part of its colourful history, Vanuatu was once a French and British Condominium (shared government). This influence means part of the population today speaks French, part speak English and many speak Bislama which is a form of Pidgin English.

The lagoon, its harbour and extended reef system make Port Vila one of the best places in the world for  watersports. Vanuatu is a divers’ paradise with marine sanctuaries protecting underwater  creatures and corals, ensuring dives that are renowned as some of the best in the South Pacific.

Port Vila, Vanuatu’s capital city, lies on the southwest coast of Efate, the second largest island in the chain. Free of skyscraper office blocks,  this sleepy town is set  within a magnificent natural harbour. It’s a charming potpourri of cultures, blending elements of Melanesian, European, Chinese and French tastes. Along the main road are shops, banks and restaurants.

Duty free shopping in Port Vila is excellent.  You can shop for everything from perfumes and liquor to jewellery and electronic goods.

The local market is a special treat on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, with  rows and rows of colourful shells, grass skirts, jewellery, sarongs, carvings and a delicious range of local and tropical fruits that are a must to sample.

Picture swaying palm trees, fine sunny days and crystal clear water. Picture colourful reefs and tropical fish.

Picture cruising on a yacht around beautiful Havannah Harbour with 2 dives and lunch included. Picture Port Vila.

Fishermen around the world travel thousands of miles to go game fishing.

Game fishing used to be the sport of the rich....but fortunately those days have long gone. Game fishing and sport fishing are now available for everybody. And some of the best game and sport fishing grounds in the world is little more than a hop, step and jump away from our own shores, in one of the most beautiful settings in the world.

Vanuatu is only a few hours by plane from Auckland. There are no extra flights once you get to Port Vila;  just a few minutes to your hotel by taxi and then
wallow in anticipation till the next days game fishing begins.
 
Unlike many other game fishing destinations, Port Vila offers superb restaurants, excellent  shopping and a variety of sights other than the one off the back of the boat!

Vanuatu is one of the most diverse destinations in the South Pacific. Culturally it is unique: the people are friendly to a fault, the food wonderful and the location stunning. There are active volcanoes, ship wrecks, magnificent diving, remarkable water falls, a variety of modern accommodation and restaurants of international standards. 

So it is a great place for non fishing partners and families.  While they are shopping, playing or relaxing in the sun, you can spend the days out on the ocean in pursuit of the big one!

Vanuatu is a series of 83 islands which ascend out of the phenomenal depths of the Pacific Ocean. There are seamounts that rise to within 5m of the surface from depths of 1000m. You can be in over 1000m of water within 1km of the shore.