Thanks for your interest in joining Volunteer Build in Vanuatu to build another school classroom for V2 Life in Eratarp, located just outside of Port Vila. The school is run by V2 Life who started Teouma Christian Academy to respond to the needs of their community. During July 2023, a Volunteer Build team built a double classroom, and our August 2024 team built a single classroom. As the school roll grows, so does the need for further school classrooms. We will be returning in July 2025 to build a further school classroom. Come join us!”
VN2025
Saturday 12th July 2025
From NZD $1,100
NZD $1000
NZD $2,000
NZD $4,100
Fly on Saturday 12th of July 2025 from Auckland International Airport to Port Vila International Airport. A Volunteer Build team member will meet you at Port Vila International Airport and transfer you to your accommodation. Building starts the next day with a day off to relax and explore Port Vila on Sunday. Your flight back to Auckland departs early evening on Monday 21st of July 2025. Alternatively, stay on and enjoy a relaxing few day (own cost and arrangements).
Trip Dates:
Depart Saturday 12th of July 2025 and return to NZ Monday 21st of July 2025. Participants are free to arrive earlier (the week before is the 2nd week of Term 2 NZ school holidays) or stay longer if they want to at their own cost and arrangements
Team Size
Approximately 15-20. Volunteer Build will provide a host and building foreman to supervise the building project.
Airfares from Auckland to Port Vila
From approximately NZD $1,100 to $1,500 return direct on Solomon Airlines from Auckland to Port Vila. We will provide you with some airfare options including group options (pay deposit now, with balance before departure).
Accommodation
Share Twin at local resort in 2-bedroom harborside apartments, with pool. 4 people to an apartment. Single supplement applies if you require a single room.
Catering
Cost includes lunches, morning and afternoon teas on building days and water on building site. Self-cater other meals at apartments (supermarket close by) or join other team members for dinner at local restaurants each evening (own cost).
Transport
Hired vehicles.
Building Contribution
NZD $1,000 per person donation towards the cost of building materials (sourced locally). A receipt will be issued for this donation that you can use with your annual tax return. We will email you a donation remittance form with further details.
Vaccinations
You will need to consult your doctor, however common vaccinations needed are Tetanus, Diphtheria, MMR, Hepatitis A & flu vax, typhoid, chicken pox (unless you have had it). Remember it’s not just you who needs protection – it’s the kids and families you interact with as well. Dengue fever, zika and malaria may be present in Vanuatu at times, so discuss use of DEET based repellent and malaria tablets with your Doctor.
Visas
For NZ passport holders, a tourist visa is given on arrival in Port Vila, Vanuatu (no charge). 6-month validity on passport is needed after departure.
Travel Insurance
Compulsory and must include coverage for manual labour (building) and medical evacuation and cancellation costs. Volunteer Build offers a policy through Covermore, and a personalized quote will be provided after signing up. Premium depends on age, cancellation coverage and any pre-existing conditions.
Trip Guardians
If you are under 18 years old, you will need to travel with a trip guardian who is 18 years or older. Signed parental consent documentation will be required to travel.
What is not covered in the Trip Cost?
Vaccinations
Travel insurance premium
Breakfast, dinners, and lunches not specified (eating out - budget approx. $20 for lunch and $30 for dinner although you can self-cater at the apartments and some places on the Port Vila waterfront start from $10 for a burger.
Personal drinks and snacks & spending money
Return transport to Auckland International Airport
Return airfares to Port Vila
| Population | 277,554 |
| Border Countries | South Pacific Ocean |
| Capital City | Port Vila |
| Currency | Vanuatu |
| Language | Local languages (more than 100) 63.2%, Bislama (official; creole) 33.7%, English (official) 2%, French (official) 0.6%, other 0.5% |
| Religion | Protestant 70%, Roman Catholic 12.4%, customary beliefs 3.7% (including Jon Frum cargo cult), other 12.6%, none 1.1%, unspecified 0.2% |
| Type of Government | Parliamentary republic |
| % living in poverty | Poverty headcount ratio at national poverty lines: 12.7% (2010) |
| Life Expectancy | 72 years |
| Infectious Diseases | Malaria, typhoid, dengue |
| Top Killers | Heart disease, cerebrovascular disease |
| Literacy | Adult literacy rate (% ages 15 and older) 85.2% |
| Natural Resources | Manganese, hardwood forests, fish |
| Agriculture | Copra, coconuts, cocoa, coffee, taro, yams, fruits, vegetables; beef; fish |
| Industry | Food and fish freezing, wood processing, meat canning. |
| Agriculture | Copra, coconuts, cocoa, coffee, taro, yams, fruits, vegetables; beef; fish |
| Exports | Exports: copra, beef, cocoa, timber, kava, coffee |