Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020 |

# New Caledonia & Vanuatu... flights, beaches & sailing Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea
grizzlina 21:15 UTC 27 Feb 2011 | Hi Everyone, My husband and I are planning a trip to Vanuatu and New Caledonia this August and have greatly benefited from the information on this forum. There are however, a few issues we’re still unclear about and decided to post a thread in the hope some knowing traveler could help us out. Our questions are…. 1 FLIGHTS: our plan is to more or less fly SYDNEY – NOUMEA – TANNA – ESPIRITO SANTOS – SYDNEY. Do people think we’re being too ambitious, or unrealistic? We’ve been told that some airlines offer tickets that allow you to stop off in both countries – but I can’t find any information on this on the web. Does anyone know what I’m talking about? And if so, which airlines offer such packages? BEACHES: As the trip is a sort of belated honeymoon, we wanted to so some “standard honeymoon beach lazing” on beautiful white sand beaches. In each country, where is the best place to find such beaches (that also ideally offer some activities – snorkeling, markets etc) Being a volcanic island, I imagine Tanna is only black sand beaches, right? SAILING: Does anyone know of any sailing companies in either Vanuatu or New Caledonia that offer 2-5 day cruises? We’re not looking for a P&O Cruise! But would prefer small numbers (max 10) and low key. Thank you in advance |
Laszlo 06:20 UTC 28 Feb 2011 | Looked into flying say from SYD to Noumea with Air Vanuatu via Vila? I saw some of the best beaches in the Pacific in these 2 countries: Champaigne Beach on Santo in Vanuatu and Kuto/Kanumera on the Isle of Pines in NC. | 1
ozziegiraffe 12:01 UTC 28 Feb 2011 | I don't think Tanna has an international airport. You would need to get there via Port Vila. Check websites for Air Vanuatu, Air Calin, Air Pacific and Pacific Blue, to see where each flies. | 2
mandja 08:09 UTC 01 Mar 2011 | "Kuto/Kanumera on the Isle of Pines in NC" - I second that one | 3