New Caledonia and Vanuatu

[SimonV]

We have planned a trip to New Caledonia, with a shorter detour for a month to Vanuatu to see among other tings the volcano on Tanna. I have some information from other cruisers and a 12 year old copy of cruising New Caledonia. If you have been there, and have any recommendations or warnings, this would be the time and place to give them. We don't leave until mid to late April/May for this cruising season.
Once we are there I will try and keep this tread as a spasmodic log and update any information.

[NoTies]

Take a longer trip to Vanuatu with a short detour to New Cal. You won't be disappointed.

[Carlisle Spirit]

There is a very detailed book on both by Alan Lucas. It's worth having with you

Both places are fascinating

Carlisle Spirit

[boatman61]

It sure rains a lot tho'... every day when I was there..

[NoTies]

Originally Posted by boatman61

It sure rains a lot tho'... every day when I was there..

Bovine excreta my good man, it never rained the day we had a beer and you were waiting for your latest (hottest?) crew to arrive off the plane. In fairness though, last winter was pretty wet and cold.

[atoll]

new caledonia now have similar quarentine restrictions to australia,they will take all your fresh veg,eggs etc off you.

frozen meat is okay IF it is clearly marked from aus,nz or vanuatu

dried meat they will confiscate

don't miss out on chesterfield reef,but be careful as cigutera has been reported recently.
loyalty islands and ille de pins are nice stops,but check noonsite for latest info on permits.

vanuatu check in and port fees are about 14,000 vatu plus tax (us$ 170) wether you stay a day or a month.

port vila,waterfront has stern too marina berths and moorings,showers and water/fuel on the dock,they can also organise day workers,duty free fuel etc.
very expensive supermarket catering for expats,but the main market is reasonable with lots of fresh produce.
good duty free in town for booze,cigs cameras etc will need to take your customs form.

[NoTies]

They won't take your onions in New Cal if you peel them. Was a weird experience peeling 10kg in front of the quarantine lady. Goodness knows why the cook bought so many when they are imported anyway.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by NoTies

Bovine excreta my good man, it never rained the day we had a beer and you were waiting for your latest (hottest?) crew to arrive off the plane. In fairness though, last winter was pretty wet and cold.

LOL... thats true.... but seemed like every day ashore was splashing through puddles... and the 'latest hottest' crew morphed into 2 guys..
Looking back that probably set my memory/opinion of Pt Vila....

[esimmons]

Buy yourself a copy of the Rocket guide online for New Caledonia and Vanuatu, its worth its weight in gold, New Caledonia Travel Guide - Tourism information on New Caledonia, New Caledonia hotels, Flights to New Caledonia, New Caledonia tours, rental cars in New Caledonia, yacht charter Noumea and New Caledonia holidays.

And spend lots of time in Vanuatu

[44'cruisingcat]

Originally Posted by NoTies

Bovine excreta my good man, it never rained the day we had a beer and you were waiting for your latest (hottest?) crew to arrive off the plane. In fairness though, last winter was pretty wet and cold.

Can vouch for that. Last winter the weather sucked.

Simon V, The Rocket guides are very good, or you can probably get (free) an old Tusker guide to Vanuatu - also very good, but not as up to date.

We're heading toward the Brisbane area, can give you the older guides if you like.

[Albro359]

The only thing the quarantine nazi in Noumea took from me was chinese garlic I'd bought in Vanuatu. Next day saw exactly the same brand in the market near Port Moselle.
Customs don't always come to the boat in Port Moselle...you fill in the form and the capitainerie faxes it off, but unless you ask for the customs signed form back, they don't send it...and you need it if you need things tax free.
Ciguatera is rife inside the reef in New Cal...if you catch big fish, don't eat 'em. Seems to be OK near Isle des Pins though.
There's no propane in New Cal only butane. In Port Vila there's a propane gas supplier at the SE end of the harbour... dinghy over with your bottles.
Yacht world in Port Vila have swing moorings just off the Waterfront bar and restaurant also.
As the other poster said Noonsite has all the info.

[44'cruisingcat]

BTW, mount Yasur at Tanna was the highlight of our trip. Definitely go there.

Get a taxi truck late afternoon, and stay till after sunset. It's an awesome show in the dark!

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, esimmons.

[SimonV]

Originally Posted by 44'cruisingcat

Can vouch for that. Last winter the weather sucked.

Simon V, The Rocket guides are very good, or you can probably get (free) an old Tusker guide to Vanuatu - also very good, but not as up to date.

We're heading toward the Brisbane area, can give you the older guides if you like.

I may take you up on the offer, the only guide I have is a 2000 Cruising Guide to New Caledonia (Anchorage & General Yachting Guide) and I am still searching for my Tusker guide to Vanuatu, Its on one of my hard drives somewhere. We are in at Horizon Shores Marina waiting to haul out next Wednesday for a bottom job.

[Carlisle Spirit]

Originally Posted by 44'cruisingcat

BTW, mount Yasur at Tanna was the highlight of our trip. Definitely go there.

Get a taxi truck late afternoon, and stay till after sunset. It's an awesome show in the dark!

Absolutely agree

It's one of the most spectacular things you will ever see

Been back there every time, on three separate trips

Carlisle Spirit