Forest & Bird Tour - Helping Vatthe Conservation Area

Each winter Sue Maturin ( Forest & Bird’s Otago Southland Field Officer) guides a tour to Vatthe Conservation Area, in Vanuatu.  The tours help the local people to protect their forest and wildlife.  This year we are making it a working holiday to help control a rampant convolvolous vine, known in bislama as big leaf (Merremia peltata) which is threatening Vatthe.

Sue is loved and respected by the people of Matantas and she speaks fluent Bislama. She was instrumental in helping the local people in protecting the Vatthe forest and is intimate with the area. Sue will share her knowledge and secrets with you during the 14 day tour.

During the tour you will walk in Vatthe tropical forest on the shores of Big Bay, on the island of Espiritu Santo, kill big leaf, stay in remote villages, get to know local families, snorkel over many different vibrant coral reefs on five islands, see Tanna’s active volcano, experience custom cultural events, relax on tropical beaches and eat fresh paw paw and much more.


Next trip departs 6 July 2008
14 day tour, party limited to 12
This trip occurs annually

For more information or to book contact
Sue Maturin
Forest & Bird
PO Box 6230
Dunedin
New Zealand

Phone 03 477 9677
Fax 03 477 5232
Email Sue Maturin