An Expeditionary Voyage to Wallis & Futuna

This December, Coral Adventurer will cast off from Cairns for an inaugural expeditionary voyage to the remote islands of Wallis and Futuna, located 2,000 nautical miles into the South Pacific. Follow in the footsteps of ancient Samoan traders, pioneering European explorers and 19th century French missionaries. Sample a kava drink, visit a traditional thatched fale house and marvel at imposing Catholic Cathedrals. Celebrate Christmas and the New Year at sea before continuing onwards to Niue, one of the world’s largest coral atolls. Cross the International Date Line and reset your watch by 23 hours before disembarking in Auckland. With an expert Expedition Team and warm Australian hospitality onboard, Coral Expeditions invites intrepid explorers on this voyage of discovery to faraway lands.

Your Fly, Stay & Cruise Package Includes:

• Economy class flight from Sydney to Cairns, returning from Auckland
• 1 night 4-star accommodation in Cairns
• 21 night Wallis & Futuna voyage onboard Coral Adventurer, Cairns to Auckland

Includes:

 - Complimentary laundry & WIFI for ALL guests
 - All excursions & sightseeing with our Expedition Team
 - Use of Xplorer, Zodiacs & kayaks
 - Snorkelling & scuba equipment
 - Daily lectures & briefings
 - Your expedition photos captured throughout the voyage
 - All meals, chef-prepared on board
 - Selected wines, selected beers & house spirits, juices & soft drinks served with lunch & dinner
 - Captain’s Welcome & Farewell Events
 - Open Bridge Access with the Captain
 - 24 hour coffee & selection of teas
 - All entrance fees to National Parks & Ports
 - Tips & gratuities

• 1 night 4-star accommodation in Auckland including breakfast
• Select transfers
• Airline taxes

Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 16 December 2022 – 06 January 2023

Single traveller pricing available, speak with your travel consultant

An Expeditionary Voyage to Wallis & Futuna

• Be one of few to set foot on the remote islands of Wallis and Futuna
• Learn about the varied cultural influences and traditions of these remote island communities
• Enjoy the solitude and freedom of a true blue-water voyage in the company of our Expedition Team, lecturers and like-minded explorers
• Witness ancient cultural traditions at Pentecost Island
• Enjoy onboard festivities for a memorable Christmas and New Year at sea
• Roll back your watch by 23 hours as we cross the International Date Line
• Step ashore on the remote atoll of Niue, one of the largest coral atolls in the world
• Disembark in Auckland and bask in the Kiwi summer before flying back home

Itinerary:

DEPART CAIRNS

Arrive at Cairns Pullman International Hotel at 3:00pm for SailSAFE check-in. Board Coral Adventurer at 4:00pm for a 5:00pm departure from a Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal. Settle into your stateroom, meet the crew, attend the mandatory safety drill and mingle with fellow travelers at the Captain’s Welcome Drinks.

AT SEA

Your expedition includes numerous days at sea. Relax on the deck to enjoy the vast space of wide-open skies and seas with only seabirds and marine life to keep you company. Join in meaningful conversation with onboard experts and likeminded explorers. Participate in onboard activities and engage with educational presentations from Guest Lecturers.

WALLIS ISLAND

Explore the rarely visited islands of Wallis, home to vibrant Polynesian culture and remarkable historic and archaeological sites set against a pristine natural backdrop. This secluded tropical paradise features a pristine lagoon dotted with 13 uninhabited islets.

It is believed that the islands’ civilisation was of Austronesian origin due to archaeological excavation discoveries dating back to 1400 B.C. It is understood that, during the 15th century, settlements from Tonga arrived at the island and the legendary battles of the Tu’i Tongan warriors took place. Later, in 1767, Captain Samuel Wallis’ visit aboard HMS Dolphin marked the European discovery of Wallis – and earned the island its name. It wasn’t until the 1820s that contact with Europeans began taking place on the island.

FUTUNA ISLAND

Futuna boasts a stunning natural scenery characterised by the many rivers that flow through the island’s mountainous terrain. Terraces of cultivated taro crops along the outskirts provide an incredible vantage point to view the island’s beauty. A rich religious history is evident by the large number of cathedrals and the population’s continued devout Catholic beliefs.

It is generally thought that the Samoans, alongside the Tongans and Marshallese Islanders, were among the first to settle here. First records of European contact trace back to 1616 when Willem Cornelius can Schouten and Jacob le Maire discovered the island. Learn about the fascinating site of the cannibal oven at Lafua and the impressive Poi Basilica, commemorative of Oceania’s only revered martyr, Peter Chanel.

NIUE

One of the world’s largest coral islands, Niue is commonly referred to as ‘the rock’. Comprised of towering limestone cliffs and flat coastal terrace surrounded by spectacular coral reef, it is possible to explore the island by swimming, snorkelling and discovering the limestone caves throughout the island. Learn of the rich cultural history of the island, home to Polynesians from Samoa and settlements from Tonga in the 16th century followed by James Cook’s discovery and attempted landings in 1774. After being refused entry three times, Cook named the island ‘Savage Island’ because, as legend has it, the natives he encountered were painted in what was assumed to be blood.

LUGANVILLE – ESPIRITU SANTO | VANUATU

Luganville, the second largest city in Vanuatu, has an extensive wartime history having been a major base of operations for American troops during World War II. The island is notably home to the largest, and one of the most popular, underwater shipwrecks in the world. Sunk by US mines in late 1942, the luxury steamer wreck of SS President Coolidge measures almost 200 metres long. Below the water, the island also boasts the popular snorkelling site ‘Million Dollar Point’ where visitors can sight millions of dollars’ worth of sunken US army goods.

PENTECOST ISLAND | VANUATU

This island, covered in lush mountainous terrain, is famously the birthplace of the extreme sport of bungee jumping. Originating from an ancient ritual called Gol (land diving), it was once believed the 20-30m plunge performed by men ensured a good yam harvest. Nowadays the ritual is used to signify the beginning of manhood.

Today we will cruise past Tanna Island, home to the active volcano, Mount Yasur. Look on at the remarkable sight of the volcano billowing with ominous clouds from the safe vantage point of the deck of our expedition ship.

ARRIVE AUCKLAND

Our journey comes to an end as we arrive at Queens Wharf in Auckland at 7:00am for disembarkation at 8:00am. 

Prices listed are per person in Australian/New Zealand Dollars, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking and shown on the lowest inside category available at the time.  Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 25 July 2022 and can be withdrawn without notice. Cabin categories include prepaid government fees and port taxes unless otherwise stated.  Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Visas are not included.  Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge. Air credit is applicable on airline of choice, subject to availability and subject to the carriers’ flight schedules and conditions.