SEASONS OF ISLAND ESCAPE VANUATU – SOUTH PACIFIC 2010 LUXURY BOUTIQUE EXPEDITIONS SHeltered WAters, BIG SHip COMFort And EXCeptionAL intiMACY. ureparapara TORRES ISLANDS mota LAVA Secrets of Vanuatu luxury escapes VANUA LAVA AutuMN/Winter – MAY to SepteMber New Zealand Geographic and Island Escape Expeditions have During each journey, our eight-person crew – a mixture of formed an alliance to offer luxury expeditions within Vanuatu. New Zealanders and Vanuatuans – are on hand to share their knowledge of the ocean and local landscapes. On santa MARIA Once known as the New Hebrides, Vanuatu is the South Seas selected trips, the learning experience will be enhanced by a MERE LAVA paradise that James Michener wrote about in his book “Tales New Zealand Geographic scientist, historian, photographer of the South Pacific. Of all the Pacific island groups, Vanuatu or explorer. ESPIRITU SANTO offers the most contrasts: Lofty volcanic mountains and sand- fringed coral islets; dense tropical jungle and serene tracts The alliance between Island Escape and New Zealand MAEWO of farmland; lush fruit orchards and rugged volcanic cliffs; Geographic is assisting research and exploration projects historic European elegance and original Melanesian culture. around the Pacific region. Together we support the New AMBAE Zealand Geographic Trust with funding for research and On ‘Island Passage’, our beautifully-appointed small ship, you Home Base conservation in the areas we visit. can explore Vanuatu in a way that combines the graciousness Luganville AORE of gourmet travel with the spontaneity and intrepid spirit of an Welcome aboard MALO PENTECOST explorer’s expedition. Weighing in at almost 500 tonnes, Island Passage is equipped to travel to remote, hardly-visited areas MALAKULA while delivering the highest level of passenger comfort. Norsap ambryn paama LOPEVI FACT FILE EPI COMPLIMENTARY SUBSCRIPTION TONGoa Every booking on a Secrets of Vanuatu expedition will receive EMAE SHeparD a complimentary 12 month (six issues) subscription to New Zealand Geographic Magazine. For two decades it has been the definitive journal of record NGUNA for New Zealand, bringing its readers stories from the deepest oceans to the stars above their heads and all the locations and cultures in between. Port-Vila ureparapara TORRES ISLANDS mota LAVA ExploringYou might think you know tropical the island far scenery likereaches the back of your hand,of but theif you haven’t Western yet journeyed around thePacific islands of Vanuatu there’s much to learn. The landscapes are multi-layered, Secrets of Vanuatu luxury escapes like somebody’s superimposed one tropical paradise over the top of another. The rugged mystery of high volcanic terrain shrouded with jungle tugs at your spirit of adventure, while the sublime VANUA LAVA AutuMN/Winter – MAY to SepteMber turquoise and white of the beaches satisfies your hedonistic urge to find the perfect paradise. Vanuatu presents a world of beauty made more attractive by the irresistible pull of the unknown. New Zealand Geographic and Island Escape Expeditions have During each journey, our eight-person crew – a mixture of formed an alliance to offer luxury expeditions within Vanuatu. New Zealanders and Vanuatuans – are on hand to share their knowledge of the ocean and local landscapes. On santa MARIA Once known as the New Hebrides, Vanuatu is the South Seas selected trips, the learning experience will be enhanced by a MERE LAVA paradise that James Michener wrote about in his book “Tales New Zealand Geographic scientist, historian, photographer of the South Pacific. Of all the Pacific island groups, Vanuatu or explorer. ESPIRITU SANTO offers the most contrasts: Lofty volcanic mountains and sand- fringed coral islets; dense tropical jungle and serene tracts The alliance between Island Escape and New Zealand MAEWO of farmland; lush fruit orchards and rugged volcanic cliffs; Geographic is assisting research and exploration projects historic European elegance and original Melanesian culture. around the Pacific region. Together we support the New A colourful history Extreme natural beauty Fascinating culture Underwater paradise Lifestyle afloat AMBAE Zealand Geographic Trust with funding for research and On ‘Island Passage’, our beautifully-appointed small ship, you The western world discovered Vanuatu Vanuatu is an archipelago of mostly Vanuatu is home to more than 100 The landscapes you can discover Usually a ship the size of Island Home Base conservation in the areas we visit. in 1774, when Captain James Cook volcanic origin and less than 10% population groups. Collectively they’re beneath the waves are as beautiful Passage would carry 40 or more can explore Vanuatu in a way that combines the graciousness arrived in the area and named the of land area is used for agriculture. known as the ni-Vanuatu and they as those above, because the reefs people for multi-day expeditions; Luganville AORE of gourmet travel with the spontaneity and intrepid spirit of an Welcome aboard islands the New Hebrides. In the mid For you, this means wall-to-wall descend from the Lapita people, who that Island Passages takes you to however we limit occupancy to just 20. MALO to late 1800s, Vanuatu was settled untouched tropical paradise – but with arrived in the archipelago more than are far from the snorkelling traffic Accommodated in luxurious cabins, PENTECOST explorer’s expedition. Weighing in at almost 500 tonnes, Island by both British and French colonists. some surprising differences. Many 3000 years ago. Each group has its jam around Port Vila. You can snorkel our guests enjoy exceptional service Passage is equipped to travel to remote, hardly-visited areas A shared colonisation arrangement landscapes have an active volcano in own languages, cultures and traditions. straight off the beach or get one of our and a consistently high standard of MALAKULA while delivering the highest level of passenger comfort. led to two education systems, two the backdrop, which gives Vanuatu a Music is important - local instruments tenders to take you to the supreme cuisine – our master chef will win your Norsap police forces and even two currencies sense of mystery. World War II relics include the tamtam drum, panpipes underwater viewing experiences that heart at every meal. An extensive wine ambryn – operating side by side. The French can be found in the jungles and and conch shells. Religion is also a big can be found further out. Discover live cellar promises a perfect match with dominated the country’s culinary beneath the waves. Dugout canoe part of life – some groups are staunchly coral, a rainbow of fish and the most your lunch and dinner choices. When paama heritage (fortunately!), while the British journeys up river lead through green Christian, while others still believe breathtaking drop offs. the sun is over the yardarm, were known for stricter rules but more tunnels, where the dense foliage forms strongly in spirits and demons. the saloon bar is open. LOPEVI humane prisons. Both French and a total canopy overhead. ‘Blue holes’ FACT FILE EPI English are spoken widely, however – underground springs that bubble COMPLIMENTARY Vanuatu’s local language is Bislama, up the surface - are like oases in the SUBSCRIPTION TONGoa a form of pidgin English. World War II dense jungle. And thatched houses are Every booking on a Secrets of brought the Americans and the rise still the most common form of dwelling. Vanuatu expedition will receive EMAE SHeparD of nationalism, which centred around a complimentary 12 month belief in a mythical messiah named (six issues) subscription to New Zealand Geographic Magazine. John Frum. Today, John Frum is both For two decades it has been a religion and a political party with a the definitive journal of record NGUNA member in parliament. for New Zealand, bringing its readers stories from the deepest Paradise oceans to the stars above their heads and all the locations and Island Escape style! cultures in between. Port-Vila East Coast of Espiritu Santo - days 1 to 3 Espiritu Santo – just the name is enough to put a faraway look in your eye. Named by Portuguese explorer Pedro Fernandes de Queirós, this island is the largest in the archipelago. It has Vanuatu’s tallest mountains, the South Pacific’s most delicious beef and the world’s most beautiful beach. We’ll show you Santo’s magnificent eastern coast – an enchanting interplay of rugged headlands, jungle-edged coves and perfect coral islands. Champagne Beach ESPIRITU SANTO ISLAND Home Base Luganville AORE ISLAND MALO ISLAND Introducing Santo Day by day on Santo On to Champagne Beach FACT FILE Mountainous and exotically beautiful, Your cruise departs at five in the While the ship moves to Hog Harbour Santo has done much for the mystique evening. As the ship heads around for the night, you can fish for dog tooth CRUISE DEPARTURES of the South Pacific. It embraces two Million Dollar Point, named for tuna, wahoo and mahi mahi. Angling Three night cruises depart on contrasting tropical worlds: the western the vast amount of American war off our fishing boat as the ship moves Wednesday and Saturday. Our side of the island is wild and untamed machinery under the waves, the up the coast has the potential to be 5 night cruises depart Sunday. with tall volcanic peaks and thick jungle, coast of Santo beckons. We anchor extremely exciting, because the local All departures will be from while the eastern side is a gentle paradise off Aese Island for a sundown dinner. game fish are very lively. Your success Aore Island; just across the bay from Luganville. of lush farmland and coral coast. Santo Next morning there’s the opportunity will make our chef very happy! On the A ferry operates from the BP produces copra, cocoa and coffee. It is to snorkel over a fabulous coral reef last day, Champagne Beach (said to be Wharf to Aore Island Resort at also famous for its premium beef.