Volcanoes and waterfalls, ancient art and dance, and a myriad of hidden bays and beaches, it’s not surprising travellers take cheap flights to Vanuatu and fall in love with these lush tropical islands. Vanuatu is a popular holiday destination with Kiwis and Aussies as it is well set up for tourist activities, and very family oriented. Port Vila, on the island of Efate, is the capital and where flights to Vanuatu land. It is the liveliest of Vanuatu’s towns with lots of hotels, restaurants and markets and from here you can do day cruises to other islands. Peak season for Vanuatu is the dry season from July to October when the weather is warm and dry and temperatures average 28C. Flight tickets and hotel prices are at their highest in these months and accommodation fills up quickly. Book early to avoid disappointment. August to October is an extra busy period as it coincides with the Australian school holidays.
Off Season
November to March is the wet season in Vanuatu so expect warm and humid weather and more rainfall. You should be able to secure the cheapest flights to Vanuatu in the off season, and have your pick of accommodation but getting around may be more difficult.
When is the best time to book a flight to Vanuatu?
Vanuatu's beautiful tropical climate means the weather is generally good, and the ocean warm enough to swim, all year round. The optimal time to visit is from July to October when temperatures are a comfortable 18C to 28C. Cost-wise, the earlier, wetter months of the year are a little slower and therefore offer some fantastic deals on flights and accommodation without the tourist crowds. Families with children on school holidays will benefit from competitively priced flights to Vanuatu at this time of year.
Air Vanuatu operates four direct flights a week between Auckland and Vanuatu increasing to up to six between July and October, peak season. You can also access Port Vila from major New Zealand cities with Virgin Australia via stopovers in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.
How to get from the airport to the city centre?
Bauerfield International Airport (VLI) is located approximately 8 km north west of Port Vila. Many hotels provide their guests with free airport minibus shuttle services but, if not, convenient public transport in the form of taxis and buses is on hand. A taxi ride takes 10-15 minutes into town but but do agree a price upfront before setting off. Privately owned buses are available to transport passengers from the airport into town as well as other resorts around the island. Car hire desks are also located inside the airport terminal. Pre-booking a car rental in advance is advisable during the peak holiday season.
Vanuatu insider information
Pay a visit to the Cultural Centre to find out more about the island's fascinating past, hidden treasures and the stunning white sandy beaches. Hebrida Market is a great place to shop selling everything from fruit and vegetables, clothing, flowers including local handicrafts. Golfing enthusiasts can enjoy a day out at the Port Villa Golf and Country Club. It has a challenging 19-hole course overlooking the fabulous Mele Bay. Only a 10-minute bus ride from town is the exciting, L-Hippocampus the Sea Horse Ranch. It's one of Vanuatu's major adventure attractions with fun trail rides, bareback swimming treks, rainforest rides, sunset trails and beach combing walks. How about going on a day cruise from Port Villa harbour to visit Tranquillity Island? Try snorkelling and go to see the turtle sanctuary.
Most popular destinations in Vanuatu
(prices quotes are from Wellington)
Find flights to Vanuatu
Select your preferred destination from the list below