07 Feb 2024

Vanuatu & New Caledonia Adventure

TESVC

Validity: 01 Jan 2024 to 31 Dec 2024

Get the perfect mix of South Pacific rest and play on this 13-day adventure. In Vanuatu, you’ll snorkel around the protected coral reefs of Pele, hike to the rim of Mt Yasur and learn about the John Frum movement in Tanna. In New Caledonia, you’ll feel the mix of Melanesian culture and French influence in Noumea, admire the natural beauty of Blue River National Park and Giant Fern Park and experience the longstanding tribal Kanak traditions with an overnight village stay. Add in plenty of time to relax beachside with your like-minded travellers and this’ll be an island excursion like no other.

Original

Expedition

Private vehicle,Boat,Plane

3

Moorings Hotel

Kumul Highway

Port Vila

VANUATU

Phone: 678 26800

Gondwana City Green Hotel

19 Rue Auguste Brun – 98 800 Nouméa

BP 392 | 98 845 Nouméa Cedex

Nouméa

NEW CALEDONIA

Phone: +687 269799

1. This trip is a combination of Vanuatu Expedition (TESV), 1 night accommodation in Port Vila and New Caledonia Adventure (TESN). 2. As this is a combination trip, your tour leader as well as the composition of your group will change from Vanuatu to New Caledonia. 3. The trip starts with a group meeting in Port Vila (Vanuatu) on Day 1 at 5pm and finishes after breakfast on Day 13 in Noumea (New Caledonia). 4. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 3-6 (Vanuatu) & 10 (New Caledonia) where you will be in shared village accommodation. 5. You must provide us with a copy of your passport no later than 30 days before your departure in order for us to book the domestic flights in Vanuatu included on this trip. We are unable to book your flights without a passport copy. 6. Due to frequent flight delays with Air Vanuatu, we highly recommend allowing additional days in Port Vila before your tour or to consider flying Virgin, Fiji Airways or Air Cailin to Vanuatu. 7. The international flight between Port Vila and Noumea on Day 9 is not included in your trip cost and must be purchased separately. Air Cailin and Air Vanuatu fly this route. 8. A departure transfer in Port Vila and arrival transfer in Noumea on Day 9 are not included in your trip but can be booked in advance or on ground. Please provide your flight departure and arrival details to book these services. 9. The maximum group size for the Vanuatu section of this trip is 12 and the New Caledonia section is 8.

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative. Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips.

CRIME Crime against travellers in Vanuatu is rare. Crime in Vanuatu increases on weekends and in the weeks leading up to holidays, such as Christmas, Easter and Independence Day (30 July). Watch your belongings on buses and taxis, especially at night and avoid going out alone after dark or to isolated places. OPTIONAL TOURS & ACTIVITIES Not all tour operators follow high safety and maintenance standards. If you plan to do an optional tour or adventure activity: check if your travel insurance policy covers it, ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements, always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts. If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider. SNORKELLING If you choose to snorkel on this trip, follow these basic rules when snorkelling: • Swim together in small groups and keep an eye out for each other: don’t snorkel alone • Don’t venture too deep • Don’t snorkel if you have been drinking • Don’t touch the coral or swim too close to the coral: coral cuts can get quickly infected • Don’t pick up shells or marine life: some shells have poisonous hosts. If you have a coral cut or graze then please clean it immediately with peroxide or Betadine or another antiseptic. Keep it covered and treat it regularly. SWIMMING In the hot summer months, there can be jellyfish in the tropical waters and some of these can leave a nasty sting. Reef shoes are recommended whenever you are swimming, to avoid coral cuts or other marine nasties such as stonefish. Never swim alone and always check with your leader before going swimming.

CRIME Petty theft and crime can occur in New Caledonia. Take care of your belongings when you are in public and consider taking a small dry bag with you for valuables to avoid leaving possessions on the beach when swimming. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES Transport and tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. When choosing optional activities to do in your free time, ask about minimum safety requirements and always use available safety gear such as life jackets. Choose another provider or activity if proper safety equipment and standards are not available. SWIMMING Never swim alone and always ask local residents and tour operators about safe areas for swimming before entering the waters. Few beaches in New Caledonia are patrolled.

MOBILE & WIFI WiFi is available at our accommodation in Port Vila and at some cafes in the capital. SIM cards with data can be purchased locally. Outside of Port Vila, mobile reception may be sporadic and connections slow. There is no WiFi at our accommodation on Tanna, Pele or Pentecost.

PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements

Travel to the home of the John Frum movement in Tanna, learning about how these indigenous villages have incorporated WWII iconography into their religious traditions.

Gaze in awe at the diverse landscapes of New Caledonia, from the mighty Kaori trees in the Blue River National Park to lush rainforest and endemic plant species in the Giant Fern Park near Farino.

Hike to the rim of Mt Yasur, one of the world’s most active volcanoes and in the evening watch the smoke and lava billowing create a natural fireworks display (from a safe distance, of course).

Snorkel in the clear waters around Pele and see the remarkable coral reef that is protected as part of a marine reserve.

Visit a remote tribal village in the New Caledonian foothills and experience the day and night living in local Kanak tradition. Learn of the lifestyle and customs of these communities and spend the night in a traditional fare house.

Accommodation is in no-frills, simple hotels and bungalows. This trip stays away from big resorts and focuses on local family-owned accommodation so you get to see the true New Caledonia, and travels around the country in a comfortable mini van. As food options are sometimes limited in New Caledonia, many meals are included in this itinerary. Please note that, outside of Noumea, most dinners are eaten at your accommodation. You'll have the chance to try a variety of cuisines, from Indigenous Kanak food during your village stay, farm to plate meals and fine French dining. Your accommodation on Tanna and Pele is in traditional bamboo bungalows. These have standard beds with mosquito nets and bathroom facilities, but showers are cold water only. Your meals on these islands will be home-cooked with love by the village mamas using fresh, organic produce from the gardens and the sea. Part of travelling with Intrepid is respecting local cultures and sensibilities. That way you get the most out of your interactions with local people and environments. In Vanuatu, female travellers can be respectful by wearing clothing that covers from shoulder to knee when outside the hotel pool area. An old t-shirt and a pair of board shorts are a good alternative to bikinis for island snorkelling adventures!

GENERAL HEALTH All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements.  MOSQUITO-BORNE ILLNESSES Dengue occurs in Vanuatu, especially in the north. Malaria has been officially eliminated in Tanna and is very rare in Efate, however is still prevalent on Pentecost. Speak to your doctor prior to travel if you are considering taking anti-malaria medication. Use insect repellent and wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing. VACCINATIONS Vanuatu has had cases of Zika virus, rubella, mumps, measles and chickenpox. Check your vaccinations are up to date before you travel. WATER Tap water in Port Vila and Luganville is generally safe to drink. Outside these areas, drink boiled or bottled water. Avoid raw or undercooked food, such as salads, as well as ice cubes. MEDICAL FACILITIES Hospital and medical facilities in Vanuatu are limited. Costs for treatment, including medication, can be high. Doctors and hospitals often require immediate cash payment. If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to a place with better facilities, such as Australia. INSECT-BORNE DISEASES Dengue oubreaks can occur in New Caledonia and are more common in the hotter and wetter months. Protect yourself against mosquitoes by using insect repellant and wearing long, loose, light-coloured clothing. DRINKING WATER It is generally safe to drink tap water in towns. Check with your leader if you are unsure.

Local people in Vanuatu usually grow most of their own food apart from "luxury" items such as rice or tinned fish. Some specialities include fish curry, lap lap (pounded yams, breadfruit, bananas and taro with coconut cream and a piece of meat such as chicken, beef or pork, wrapped in banana leaves and cooked in an underground oven), local snapper and tuluk (tapioca dough with shredded pork). As a former French colony, you can also find some great French cuisine and baked goods around Vanuatu. In village communities, the day might start with a chunky slice of bread and lunch might be a banana leaf-wrapped bundle of rice. For dinner, vegetables from the garden and possibly some fish. Look out for seasonal fruit like pineapples, bananas, pawpaws, grapefruit, coconuts and rose apples. Food in New Caledonia is influenced by the different communities living together. Expect to try Melanesian, French, Asian and other cuisines. Seafood is popular, and the local prawns are particularly sought after. When visiting village communities, you may be lucky enough to try bougna, the popular Melanesian dish of a protein (chicken, meat or fish) mixed with yams, sweet potatoes other vegetables and slow-cooked in coconut milk in hot stones. Seasonal fruits include avocados, passion fruit, mangoes, pineapples, custard apples, watermelons and citrus fruits such as oranges and pomelos. Bananas, coconuts and pawpaws are available year-round.

The local currency is the Vanuatu Vatu (VUV). Small shops and local market stalls only accept Vatu. In Port Vila, you can use Australian dollars at some shops, restaurants and hotels. Credit cards are accepted in some places in Port Vila but less elsewhere. Check with your bank if your ATM card will work in Vanuatu. New Caledonia’s currency is the Pacific franc, which is abbreviated to either CFP or XPF. You can withdraw francs from BNC or BCI branch ATMs at the airport and around Noumea. Major credit cards are widely accepted across New Caledonia, but if travelling outside of Greater Noumea you will need enough cash to cover activities and food. Some service providers and stores, mainly in Noumea, accept payment in euros or dollars (Australian and New Zealand dollars). SPENDING MONEY When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling. CONTINGENCY FUNDS We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.

https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list

WHAT TO BRING Strong shoes for walking Reef shoes are strongly recommended when swimming and for boat trips (if you don’t have any, you can hire locally) Snorkeling gear (or you may hire locally) Sunhats and suncream Water bottle. Drinking water on the islands generally comes from rainwater tanks which can be used to refill your water bottle. Torch Insect repellent Personal toiletries including first-aid supplies and some back-up toilet paper. Betadine or peroxide is strongly recommended for immediate treatment of any coral cuts Earplugs are a good idea if you are a light sleeper or not used to village roosters crowing! Garbage bag for any rubbish you can take off the islands when you leave Camera For women, a sarong to wear over shorts in the villages. Garbage bag for any rubbish you can take off the islands when you leave

Beach clothes Sunglasses Sun hat Light, quick drying towel Snorkel & mask (also available to hire) Reef shoes Trekking shoes UV-safe rash top Reef-safe sunscreen Water bottle Insect repellant Warmer clothing for cooler nights Power adaptors French translation app/phrasebook Small gifts & souvenirs for your Kanak village hosts

SEVERE WEATHER Natural disasters and severe weather can occur in Vanuatu, including cyclones and flooding. The cyclone season is from November to May. Tropical storms and cyclones can also happen in other months. Flooding and landslides can damage infrastructure and disrupt essential services. VOLCANOES Vanuatu has several active volcanoes, including on the island of Tanna. The average monthly temperature in New Caledonia is 24°C in the shade year-round, between 20-22°C during the cooler months (July/August) and 27-28°C during the hotter months (December/January/February). Cyclones can occur from November to May.

We like to think our Intrepid travellers are all connected by a love of adventure and passion for seeing the world in a different way. We've laid down a few non-negotiable rules to ensure everyone feels connected, comfortable and safe on our trips. We ask that you respect your fellow travellers, group leader or local representative, and local people and places we visit in all circumstances. We don't tolerate any forms of violence and expect that you follow the local laws, customs and regulations in any destination we travel to. Any behaviour contrary to the above, including any behaviour that prevents our staff from performing their duty of care or continuing the itinerary as planned, may result in travellers being removed from the trip. If you consume alcohol while travelling, we encourage responsible drinking and expect you to abide by local alcohol laws. To ensure the well-being of everyone on the trip, all decisions made by group leaders or local representatives and ground staff are final. Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip. By travelling with us, you agree to comply with these rules and the laws and customs of all countries visited. If something is concerning you during your travels with us, please speak to your group leader or local representative immediately. Alternatively, contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in your Essential Trip Information’s Problems and Emergency Contact section.

Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager. You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time. For general contact details please use the following page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/ In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below: Intrepid's Local Partner: +678 5403506 (7am-7pm local time), +678 5576543 (after hours) Intrepid's Local Partner: Available for phone call or WhatsApp call on 687915165

Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip group leaders or local representatives, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel. Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/responsible-travel VILLAGE ETIQUETTE Locals in Vanuatu welcome tourists and are forgiving of inadvertent cultural transgressions. Even so, it is inappropriate for women to wear bikinis or skimpy clothing. Women should wear knee-length dresses or skirts with modest tops when visiting. T-shirts and board shorts make good ‘island-style’ swimwear as an option to bikinis! As a rule, Ni-Vanuatu love having their photos taken, nonetheless, please ask permission before taking photos. Ensure you request permission before taking photographs of others, particularly in tribal areas.

We created our not-for-profit, the Intrepid Foundation because you – our travellers – told us you wanted to make an even greater impact in the communities you visit. The Foundation works by teaming up with partners around the world so that together we can deliver greater positive impact at scale. Partners are identified by our local staff who live and work in our destinations. They harness their powerful community connections to determine the issues that matter most and select local partners who can deliver real solutions. Since 2002, the Intrepid Foundation has raised more than $14million dollars and supported more than 160 communities worldwide. Now, with over 40 partners all over the world, your donations are helping to restore forests in Kenya, empower women in Honduras and promote elephant welfare in Laos, to name just a few. For more information about the Intrepid Foundation, please ask your group leader or local representative or visit our website: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/ This trip supports Eden Reforestation Projects, who are tackling climate change by restoring forests across the world; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within communities. Donations support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries, including Kenya and Nepal. Intrepid will double your impact by dollar-matching post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation. To find out more or make a donation, visit: www.theintrepidfoundation.org/t/eden-reforestation-projects

FLIGHTS Due to frequent flight delays and cancellations on Air Vanuatu, we highly recommend allowing additional days in Port Vila before and after your tour and considering flying Virgin or Fiji Airways. Our trips include scheduled flights between islands. In the case of flight cancellations, we will do our best to reschedule and rebook an alternative option if available, however please be prepared that on occasion due to limited aircraft, a charter flight may need to be booked instead, with the additional cost to be covered by the traveller and paid on ground locally.

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below:

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure. SOLO TRAVELLERS The beauty of our style of travel is that it caters to travellers who are travelling solo and who want to meet and share experiences with like-minded people. On our trips rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. As a responsible tour operator, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. In the case that your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you. We also have an optional single supplement available on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will be on a single room basis. On a small selection of itineraries some accommodations are booked on an open gender, multi-share basis (for example on a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam). In those instances it will clearly be stated in our Essential Trip Information prior to booking and travelling.

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Hotel (8 nights),Village Bungalows (3 nights),Traditional Fare (1 night)