Discover Vao

Vao brings together local history, religious culture and scenery: beside the church stands a protected presbytery, and at Baie de Saint-Maurice, a monument and views across the lagoon recall different sides of the village. There is also a climb with a view. When planning your trip, consider whether you are especially interested in history, the views or a guided island visit.

Church, presbytery and climb

The presbytery to the right of Vao church is a protected historic building. From the church, a path leads up to Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette, passing to its left. The climb takes about ten minutes and offers a view. This brings together two different perspectives: the presbytery is a protected historic building right next to the church, while the path leads from there to a climb with a view. If you would like to include a clearly defined activity in your plans, you can make this path a separate item on your itinerary.

The monument at Baie de Saint-Maurice

A monument at Baie de Saint-Maurice commemorates the arrival on the island of Fathers Goujon and Chatelut, as well as the first Catholic service there on 12 August 1848. It also symbolizes harmony between the island’s traditional beliefs and the Christian faith. The monument thus connects a dated historical event with a cultural interpretation. From the bay, you can look across the turquoise lagoon to Kutomo Island. The scenery and the commemoration offer different focal points: the view draws your attention to the water and the island, while the monument brings history and symbolism to the fore.

Vao as part of a guided island tour

In the wider destination of L'île-Des-Pins, Neutomo offers a guided half-day minibus excursion around Île des Pins; its current operating status may change. The tour is intended for friends or families, and the vehicle has 8–9 seats. It focuses on the island’s eight tribes, as well as its myths and legends. The tour includes a stop at Vao church and a stop at Baie de Saint-Maurice and its monument with carved wooden totem poles. This connects specific stops in Vao with a broader cultural overview of the island. As the excursion’s current operating status may change, it is advisable to check in advance whether it is running.

Everyday essentials in the village

Depending on the day and time, Vao village has small shops, a local market or informal stalls. They offer seasonal fruit, snacks, chilled water or homemade specialities. The selection can vary, so plan flexibly rather than assuming the same offerings will always be available.

More highlights in the wider destination of L'île-Des-Pins

Beyond Vao, the wider destination of L'île-Des-Pins offers other natural and cultural highlights. Baie d’Upi lies in the southeast of L’Île des Pins. There, visitors can ride in a traditional outrigger canoe accompanied by a local piroguier. Piscine naturelle d’Oro is a good place to relax and observe tropical fish with a mask, fins and snorkel. Grotte d’Oumagne, better known as Grotte de la Reine Hortense, is in the north of L’Île des Pins.

Access to individual natural attractions can also be a factor in your plans. The route to Grotte de la Troisième follows a long, narrow forest track by car; the terrain up to the entrance is then very uneven. Check local conditions, especially in wet weather. Kuu-Oro Transport offers tours to natural and cultural attractions, departing from the wharf or airfield; booking is recommended. These places and services are part of the wider destination of L'île-Des-Pins.

Discover more destinations: Sarraméa, Bourail, Nouméa, Plum, Bouloupari, La Tontouta, Yate, Dumbéa

Back to the wider travel guide: South Province.