Excursion Vanilla house & oni wael animals tour at Lifou

Discover the local flora, wildlife and flavours of Lifou during this immersive sightseeing excursion.

Lifou, Easo, Hnathalo, Tropical Flora, Homes and Gardens, Oni Wael Animals, Local Wildlife

Depart the pier for the scenic drive across the narrow neck of Lifou to Hnathalo Village, passing through the settlements of Xépénéhé and Kumo. Your route is lined with colourful tropical trees, palms and traditional houses with magnificent flowering gardens. A stop is made in the forest at Oni Wael Animals. Upon arrival, view an assortment of local wildlife that includes coconut crabs, bats, wild pigs, birds, and more.

Vanilla House and Plantation Tour, Vanilla Processing and Production

Next, re-board your coach and head to the Vanilla House and plantation. Upon arrival, your visit begins with a guided tour of the Vanilla House. Here at the Vanilla House, a factory where the local planters sell their vanilla pods to be sorted out, observe the process by which vanilla pods are dipped in boiling water, then dried and packaged for sale.

Vanilla Pod Vines, Vanilla Cake, Fruit Juices, Vanilla-Infused Products for Sale

Next, take a guided walking tour of the plantation. Along the way, learn about the history, cultivation and preparation of the Loyalty Islands' vanilla pod, and view and photograph the multitude of vines that produce these aromatic vanilla pods. Following your tour, sample a slice of vanilla cake accompanied by local and fresh juices, then browse the vanilla powder, liqueur, soap and other vanilla-infused items available for sale. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board the coach and commence the short drive to the pier. Upon arrival, locally-made handicrafts and souvenirs can be purchased at the tour dispatch location before returning to the ship.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Lifou, Tropical Flora, Homes and Gardens, Oni Wael Animals, Vanilla House and Plantation Tour, Vanilla Cake, Fruit Juices, Vanilla-Infused Products for Sale

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking, at times over uneven, bumpy and natural surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Please respect the local sensitivities, and dress appropriately. Swimwear, revealing clothing, etc. is prohibited. As a courtesy, please ask for permission before taking photographs of Melanesian people. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, sturdy and closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, biodegradable sunscreen and bottled water from the ship. Coaches, guides, equipment, and services are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other excursions. The air-cooled coaches and vans are not fitted with microphones; however, your guide provides narration. The tour sequence may vary.