Melanesia Expedition: Auckland to Rabaul

Day 1 Auckland, New Zealand

In the Maori language Auckland is known as Tamaki Makau Rau, the city of 100 lovers, having earned the name because it was a place desired by all and conquered by many. The setting is spectacular, the city being nestled upon three harbours - the Waitemata, the Manukau and the Kaipara. Don't miss the chance to dine out in Auckland as the city has perfected the style of cuisine called "Pacific Rim", blending Asian and Pacific flavours. Seafood features prominently on restaurant menus so be sure to try New Zealand green lipped mussels and succulent Clevedon Coast oysters - all matched with an excellent New Zealand wine.

Day 2 Bay of Islands, New Zealand

Of all New Zealand's cruising grounds, the Bay of Islands is probably the finest - endless sheltered bays, clear, clean water and a climate that is consistently warmer than anywhere else in the country. The Bay of Islands was the first area in New Zealand to be settled by Europeans, Captain Cook being the first to visit the area and name the region in 1769. This settlement was once a bustling seafaring and political base fusing Maori and European cultures as the area was inhabited by ship deserters, whalers, sealers and sailors. It's a sweet irony that the town described in the lawless late 1800's as 'the hellhole of the Pacific' is now one of New Zealand’s most refined places to visit.

Included Expeditions:
Orion guests will have access to the picturesque town of Russell.

A shuttle bus is included and a guided town walk lasting one hour is available. Numerous optional shore excursions are available this day, contact us for details.

Days 3-4 At Sea

Day 5 Isle of Pines, New Caledonia

"Such a lovely spot of God's creation" was the journal entry of Andrew Cheyne, the first British sandalwood trader to reach Isle of Pines' shores 165 years ago. Known as Kunie to its Melanesian inhabitants, the island is part of the French-Pacific territory New Caledonia. Today there are roughly 2,000 inhabitants, 95% of whom are Melanesians or Kanaks. For traditional, cultural and social reasons, these indigenous Kunie people are formed into eight tribes, each with their own 'little chief' and governed as a whole by a High Chief. Vao is the only village on the island and, as an indigenous preserve, land is neither available for sale or rent. Wander the island, meet the locals (a little French will come in handy) or bask on the fine, white sand beaches. The ruins of the convict settlement that housed 2,000 deported prisoners in the 1870's invite exploration or just grab a mask and fins for snorkeling.

Included Expeditions:
You will enjoy swimming, snorkeling and sea kayaking today from a brilliant white sand beach or perhaps exploring the small and picturesque township of Kuto.

Day 6 Tanna Island, Vanuatu

As you approach this morning, the first thing you will sight is the island's active volcano, Mount Yasur. Shortly after Orion drops her anchor in protected Port Resolution, named by Captain James Cook in 1774, your expedition team will venture ashore to scout a landing site. A guided walk up the side of the volcano's rim (300 metres wide and 100 metres deep) affords views of the crater which often spews rocks and ash in a spectacular pyrotechnic display. You may also have time to examine the other natural phenomena of the volcano: the ragged coastline honeycombed with lava rock, the hot springs on the beaches and the Ash Plain, with its grey moon-like landscape. Tanna is also known for the Jon Frum religious movement. Tanna is the origin of the region's Cargo Cults and ever since WWII the locals still expect Jon "Frum" America to bring wealth from over the sea.

Included Expeditions:
Upon arrival on Tanna Island you will be welcomed with an exciting cultural display. Spend a memorable day enjoying activities such as guided tours of the village, access to the hot pools on the beach for a soak and swim followed by snorkeling and sea kayaking in the azure waters.

This evening, a local string band will entertain you and a fire walking demonstration will take place to complete your day in paradise! Numerous optional shore excursions are available this day, contact us for details.

Day 7 Port Vila, Vanuatu

Port Vila is the capital and largest town of the republic of Vanuatu, southwestern Pacific Ocean. Located on Mele Bay on the southwest coast of Éfaté, Vila is a port and the commercial centre of the island group. In the 19th century, French settlers established the municipality of Franceville, which declared independence in 1889 and became the first self-governing nation to practice universal suffrage without distinction of sex or race. Although the population at the time consisted of about 500 native islanders and less than 50 whites, only the latter were permitted to hold office. Although the town is French in appearance, the population is multinational, including British, French, Vanuatuans, and Vietnamese.

Day 8 Malakula, Vanuatu

Malakula is the second largest island in the Vanuatu group, once known as The Cannibal Islands due to the fierce reputation of the predominant tribal groups known as the big and small Nambas. The island is also the most diverse, culturally and linguistically, with over thirty distinct languages spoken. Sandalwood does not grow on the island and so it attracted little interest from the ruthless sea traders of the 1800s, leaving the culture virtually intact and the inhabitants unscathed by the slaving and introduced Western diseases prevalent elsewhere in the South Pacific.

Included Expeditions: Your landing today is planned for South West Bay. Here you will be greeted by the local people who will share their culture with us throughout the day. Learn of the traditions and customs of the Malakula people though your unique cultural program.

Day 9 Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu

During WWII James A Michener, then a lieutenant in the American Army, was stationed in Santo along with 100,000 other army personnel. Such was the effect of this place on him that here he wrote the legendary Tales of the South Pacific. From Espiritu Santo, Michener would gaze across the sea to the volcanic island of Ambae, often with its summit shrouded in cloud and dream of "Bali Hai". Relics and reminders of the war remain everywhere today. Around town you will still see military-constructed Quonset huts, there are four airfields and a mecca for divers is the 22,000 ton luxury liner/wartime troopship President Coolidge, the largest intact shipwreck accessible to scuba divers in the world. When the US military failed to sell surplus equipment at the end of the war, instead of leaving it behind they drove it into the sea at what is now known as Million Dollar Point. Included Expeditions:
Enjoy the swimming, snorkeling and sea kayaking available today for you in the crystal clear South Pacific waters! Orion guests will delight at the range of cultural performances staged for your entertainment today. Numerous optional shore excursions are available this day, please contact us for details.

Day 10 Utupua Island, Solomons

Part of the volcanic Santa Cruz Island group, the remote and rarely visited Utupua has been described as a small Bora Bora with its lagoon and barrier reef surrounding the high island. The Zodiacs will take you down the fjordlike channel lined by marshy mangroves into the heart of the island. Once ashore you'll find the island is densely forested, the island's 750 inhabitants cultivating lush vegetable gardens in the rich volcanic soil. You may be invited to climb a jungle pathway up the hillside where a magnificent view of the island's reef-enclosed perimeter is revealed. The island's barrier reef offers great opportunities for snorkeling over brilliant coral formations teeming with fish.

Day 11 At Sea

Day 12 Santa Ana Island, Solomons

Early this morning Orion will navigate through the picturesque channel separating Santa Ana and Santa Catalina Islands before dropping anchor on the west coast of Santa Ana just outside shallow Mary Bay. The islanders are well known for preserving ancient traditions so as we step ashore from the Zodiacs don't be surprised if we are greeted by songs and elaborately costumed dancers. The craft work from Santa Ana includes magnificently carved fishing floats, ceremonial black bowls inlaid with shells and intricate animal designs. In the afternoon, snorkel or dive the reefs to view clownfish, soldierfish and brilliantly hued wrasses.

Included Expeditions: Today Orion guests can expect a lively cultural performance from the local villagers who will also have their woodwork and artifacts on display available for purchase. The opportunity of swimming and snorkeling in the azure waters surrounding this remote island is also offered for your relaxation today.

Day 13 Ngella (Florida Islands)

After a few hours to see the megapodes on Savo, the ship will reposition across Iron Bottom Sound to Nggela Island, part of an area named by the early Spanish explorers as the Florida Islands. On the south Western shores of Nggela is Tulagi Harbour and Tulagi Island, the one-time British capital of the Solomons Protectorate and a significant Japanese base during WWII. Tulagi was the scene of some very heavy fighting after landings by US Marines. Your destination this afternoon is Roderick Bay inside Sandfly Passage. A stunning white sand beach with huge trees growing right down to the water’s edge with abundant marine life living in colorful coral reefs a few metres off shore in the crystal clear waters awaits you here. To add to the this stunning environment, nosed up onto the beach, listing heavily to its port side is the wreck of the World Discoverer, a cruise ship beached here in 2001 after an unfortunate mishap in the top half of Sandfly Passage (our vessel will not be entering into that area). Snorkel around the wreck, which now has large ferns growing where the spa pool was and fig trees spreading across the anchor deck. This place has to be seen to be believed. Paradise with its very own (permanent) cruise ship!

Included Expeditions: This afternoon Orion guests will Zodiac ashore to enjoy cultural performances, a village visit and experience the beautiful beach perfect for swimming, snorkelling or just relaxing.

Day 14 Ghizo & Kennedy Islands, Solomons

Be up early this morning as Orion threads her way through the coral reef lined approaches to the harbour. In the east lies the island of Kolombangara with its perfectly conical dormant volcano covered in rainforest. Capital of the Western Province, and the largest town in the Solomons after Honiara, Gizo is a remnant of times past. Wander the waterfront past the produce market and you'll find the main street has the feel of a South Pacific outpost with dark, cool trading stores crammed full of every kind of necessity. Street vendors offer stone and wooden carvings. For a taste of traditional village life, climb into the back of an open pick-up truck for a trip along the coast where the bumpy ride is more than compensated for by a procession of scenic delights - untouched beaches, riotous tropical foliage and villages signposted by giggling children. Gizo is a mecca for divers, with the wreck of the Japanese supply ship Toa Maru a justifiably famous dive experience. Over lunch Orion will depart Gizo Harbour and drift at anchor nearby Kennedy Island, so-named for a famous castaway. During WWII John F. Kennedy was captain of PT-109 when, on 2 August 1943, his patrol boat was cut in two by the Japanese destroyer Amagiri in Blackett Strait. The survivors clung to the still floating bow section before swimming ashore to this tiny island later named in his honour. Zodiacs will land you ashore this afternoon where you may snorkel over the coral reef alive with stag horn coral of every hue, or simply take 10-15 minutes to walk around this tiny uninhabited island.

Day 15 At Sea

Day 16 Rabaul, Papua New Guinea / Overnight on board

The tropical port town of Rabaul has always been famous for its spectacular setting at the eastern end of the island of New Britain. Nestled on Simpson Harbour, the township is surrounded by six volcanoes providing a sensational backdrop for our visit. Musicians, drummers and traditional dancers heraldour arrival, providing a boisterous welcome. The Volcano Observatory affords panoramic views of the harbour but a helicopter flight is the ideal way to take in the scale of the 1994 eruptions that destroyed two-thirds of Rabaul. You'll fly over empty streets and what was the town's municipal swimming pool - now just an outline of blue ceramic tiles, the pool filled with ash. Rabaul was the focus of fierce battles during World War II and the steep coastal cliffs are riddled with tunnels filled with relics. Explore Admiral Yamamoto's bunker and touch the wreck of a Japanese Betty Bomber for intimate reminders of the Japanese presence. This evening join the expedition team on an encounter with the surreal Baining Fire Dancers whose elaborate costumes and trance-like dance will leave you with an unforgettable conclusion to your voyage. Numerous optional shore excursions are available this day, please contact us for details.

Day 17 Rabaul, Papua New Guinea / Disembark

Disembark this morning for your optional charter flight Rabaul to Cairns, or continue on your journey.