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Peregrine Travel Centre

Cruising the Pacific Islands: New Caledonia, Vanuatu & Solomon Islands

Cruising the Pacific Islands: New Caledonia, Vanuatu & Solomon Islands

From AUD $17,200

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Description

Set sail on an unforgettable luxury cruise through the heart of the South Pacific, departing from Auckland and journeying to the storied shores of Guadalcanal. The South Pacific is one of the world’s most idyllic places, where sugar-white beaches, swaying palms and vibrant coral reefs set the scene for encounters with island cultures deeply rooted in tradition. Your voyage crosses vast ocean stretches with stops at secluded atolls and bustling island ports.
Experience the tranquillity of days at sea before discovering Norfolk’s emerald landscapes, New Caledonia’s famed Isle of Pines and Lifou Island, and Vanuatu’s culturally rich islands at Port Vila, Ambrym, Pentecost, Champagne Beach, and Tegua. Journey northward to the Solomon Islands’ remote Nendo and Santa Ana, culminating at historic Honiara on Guadalcanal, where palm-fringed Bonegi Beach conceals sunken WWII ships. Throughout, encounter pristine lagoons, vibrant undersea life, and welcoming island communities while travelling in comfort and style.
Numerous activities await throughout this South Pacific journey. Engage in onboard lectures on regional WWII history and culture, and refine your skills in photography workshops. Shore excursions offer snorkelling vibrant coral reefs, exploring WWII relics, kayaking secluded bays, hiking volcanic landscapes and immersing yourself in local traditions. With every port, the South Pacific reveals a new wonder in nature, heritage and human spirit.

Trip Name
Cruising the Pacific Islands: New Caledonia, Vanuatu & Solomon Islands
Days
15
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Length: 115 meters Passenger Capacity: 158 Built: 2020-2021 The SH Minerva is a boutique expedition ship purpose-built for exploring far-flung destinations and remote polar regions in comfort and style. Crafted at Finland’s esteemed Helsinki Shipyard, she features a Polar Class PC5 ice-strengthened hull and advanced stabilisers, ensuring smooth sailing even in challenging waters. With just 158 guests served by 122 crew across nine decks, the atmosphere on board is intimate and welcoming. Elegant Scandinavian-inspired interiors, panoramic observation spaces, and a range of facilities – from the stargazing deck and library to the spa, heated outdoor pool, and fine dining venues – make every moment at sea a pleasure. Accommodation ranges from well-appointed oceanview staterooms to spacious premium suites, each offering thoughtful touches such as a flame-effect fireplace, Illy espresso machine, luxury toiletries, and complimentary binoculars for wildlife spotting. Many feature private balconies for uninterrupted views of the passing scenery. Attentive crew provide a warm, personalised service, ensuring that every guest feels at home while enjoying a journey that blends adventure with refined comfort. Whether navigating icy channels or gliding into sunlit harbours, the SH Minerva offers an unforgettable cruising experience.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Days 0 - 1 Auckland (New Zealand)
Charter flights to the port of embarkation/ disembarkation (Longyearbyen, Ushuaia, Kangerlussuaq, Nuuk, Honiara, Jayapura and Sorong)Group return transfers from airport to cruise port and to the hotel (where included)One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel (exemptions apply)New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland, sprawls across volcanic hills and harbours. It's a vibrant, multicultural metropolis with steep streets and cultural attractions like the Auckland Art Gallery and Auckland War Memorial Museum with Maori treasures (taonga) and exhibits on New Zealand. The revitalised dockside area, Britomart, is home to chi-chi shops, restaurants and bars, and the 328 m (1,076 ft)-high Sky Tower offers breathtaking views.
Day 2 - Days 2 - 3 Day at sea (At Sea)
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Day 3 - Day 4 Norfolk Island (Norfolk Island)
Halfway between New Zealand and Australia, Norfolk Island, a self-governing Australian territory, has a unique history. Captain James Cook claimed it for Britain in 1774, becoming a convict colony in 1788. In 1856, The Bounty mutineers' descendants were relocated here. The island's association with the Bounty mutiny and its penal past is captured in ruins, buildings, and four museums that recount the lives and hardships of the early inhabitants.
Day 4 - Day 5 Day at sea (At Sea)
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Day 5 - Day 6 Isle Of Pines (New Caledonia)
The Isle of Pines (Île des Pins) in southern New Caledonia is famed for its white-sand beaches, turquoise bays and pine forests that inspired its name when Captain James Cook arrived. At Oro Bay, a natural coral pool shelters colourful fish in crystal-clear water, while north of Baie de Kuto lie the remains of a 19th-century penal colony. Scenic hiking trails lead through the pines to N’ga Peak (262?m) for sweeping views of the island and beyond.
Day 6 - Day 7 Lifou Island (New Caledonia)
Lifou, New Caledonia's most scenic spot, is the largest of the Loyalty Island archipelago's three coral islands with sheltered bays, picturesque cliffs, and secluded sandy beaches like Luengoni Beach. Local Melanesian people live in traditional circular huts. in harmony with nature. Vanilla is the island's main produce, and the House of Vanilla shares its production secrets and history. Snorkelers can explore vibrant reefs near the Jokin Cliffs.
Day 7 - Day 8 Port Vila, Efate island (Vanuatu)
Port Vila, capital of Vanuatu on Efate Island, has a long Melanesian history later influenced by Portuguese, British and French settlers. Today it is a lively, yet down-to-earth destination with totem poles, waterfront cafes and bars, and the bustling Mama's Market. Top attractions include the National Museum of Vanuatu displaying tribal artefacts, Ekasup Cultural Village where visitors join in traditional song and dance and the Summit Gardens.
Day 8 - Day 9 Ambrym Island (Vanuatu)
Ambrym Island is part of Vanuatu's Y-shaped, volcanic archipelago, spanning 1,300 km in the South Pacific. The fifth largest of Vanuatu's 80 islands, Ambrym features black-sand beaches and the awe-inspiring twin volcanoes of Mount Marum and Mount Benbow. Lush rainforest covers Ambrym, where villagers practise traditional magic and create renowned sand drawings. Kava, made from the root of the local plant, is the ceremonial drink.
Day 9 - Day 9 Pentecost Island (Vanuatu)
Lush, mountainous Pentecost Island, part of Vanuatu, is best known for the daring land diving ceremony called naghol, which celebrates the yam harvest. This tradition involves leaping off 100-foot towers with vines tied to ankles (it inspired bungee jumping), occurring from April to June in the southern part of the island. Pentecost also offers rich cultural diversity, a traditional way of life, and experiences like kava tastings.
Day 10 - Day 10 Champagne Bay (Vanuatu)
Fine, powdery white sand and brilliantly turquoise water make Champagne Beach on Espiritu Santo Island, Vanuatu one of the most exceptional beaches in the South Pacific. Named for the seawater that fizzes and bubbles at low tide (caused by volcanic activity), the crescent-shaped bay is a tranquil spot for swimming, snorkelling or simply lounging in the sand in the shade of coconut palm trees.
Day 11 - Day 11 Tegua Island (Vanuatu)
Tegua island, a half-moon-shaped speck of land less than four miles long and 10 miles wide. It’s one of five coral atolls in the Torres Group, 650 miles north from Efate. Visitors to Tegua are few and far between; life is lived here at a slow pace. The effects of climate change and rising sea levels is seen where villagers - declared the world's "first climate change refugees" - have been relocated higher into Tegua's interior.
Day 12 - Day 12 Lata, Nendo Island (Solomon Islands)
Nendo (also known as Ndeni or Santa Cruz Island) lies in the remote southeastern Solomon Islands, within Temotu Province. The largest island in the Santa Cruz archipelago, Nendo maintains a distinct culture from the rest of the Solomons. Villages preserve traditional practices: residents in palm-leaf dress grill fish on hot stones and inhabit jungle dwellings. The island is notable for its traditional currency, Tevau or "Red Feather Money," crafted from scarlet honeyeater feathers.
Day 13 - Day 13 Santa Ana Island (Solomon Islands)
The tiny inhabited Santa Ana (Owaraha) is a verdant coral island just east of San Cristobal (Makira), with peaceful white-sand beaches and pretty inland lakes. Its villagers are fiercely proud of their rich cultural heritage, welcoming visitors with traditional song and dance performances featuring bright costumes, and creating ornate wooden carvings such as ceremonial bowls. Shoals of tropical fish swim among the reefs.
Day 14 - Day 14 Honiara, Guadalcanal Island (Solomon Islands)
The capital of the Solomon Islands, Honiara sits on the northeastern coast of Guadalcanal at the mouth of the Mataniko River. A relatively new city, it grew up around a U.S. military base during and after WWII. In 1952 it superseded Tulagi as the premier city of these islands. Honiara’s U.S. War Memorial provides a comprehensive war-history lesson of the area. Today the town is laid-back and relatively tourist free with a real-life atmosphere.
Day 15 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
20-03-202703-04-2027AUD $17,200Oceanview D4
20-03-202703-04-2027AUD $18,100Oceanview M4
20-03-202703-04-2027AUD $18,925Balcony D5
20-03-202703-04-2027AUD $19,775Balcony M5
20-03-202703-04-2027AUD $20,650Balcony D6
20-03-202703-04-2027AUD $30,100Suite
20-03-202703-04-2027AUD $34,400Premium Suite

Inclusions

    • Follow in the wake of Captain Cook in search of the Southern Continent
    • Meet the descendants of The Bounty’s famed mutineers still living on the island to which Queen Victoria sent them
    • Discover the origins of bungee jumping with the death-defying tradition of land diving on Pentecost Island

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