What to do and see in Tanna Island, Vanuatu: The Best Nature & Parks

This relatively short volcano (360 meters above sea level) is regularly active.

Louniel Beach is a surf beach ideally placed at the centre of the long stretch of beaches located on the northern sweep of the north-eastern side of the island. Louniel beach is a black sand beach reminiscent of the northern west coast beaches of the north island of New Zealand such as Piha and Muriwai. The coastline is covered in large plantations of Coconut palms and numerous Pandanus trees.Louniel beach has rolling surf, like its New Zealand counterparts, but its tropical setting makes the water temperature much warmer. The beach itself is not flat but - falls away fairly quickly allowing swimming in close to the shore. The black sand reminds one of powder snow and you can sink up to some depth in places. There are a number of underwater volcanic fumaroles just out to sea which results in various parts of the beach being covered in wavy patterns of pumice beads.A walk along the full length of Louniel beach takes about an hour and shows a different side of Tanna, most visitors don't get to see and appreciate. Getting to the beach is up over the transverse road from the whitegrass plains, to the cross roads in Middlebush. From there the road to Fetukai, leads onto the road down to the beach itself - the ride providing an exceptional view of the large Banyan trees and tall tree ferns amongst the dense tropical rainforest.Just before walking down onto the flatland adjacent to the beach, visitors can view the entire length of the beach from an escarpment immediately above it. The view is breathtaking, with My Yasur Volcano smoking in the background. Louniel Beach provides a contrasting experience to a trip to Tanna and one which ultimately ends up being a highlight to any visit to Vanuatu.

Lenuanatuaiu waterfall is one of the iconic waterfalls of Tanna Island, and has been a must see for travellers for many years. The Lenuanatuaiu waterfall is reached via the transverse road starting at the whitegrass plains and heading up to the crossroads at middlebush. Taking the left hand turn at the crossroads, passing through Fetukai, and the next right will lead you to the 'Tanna-Adventures' restaurant where you can arrange to be taken down to the waterfall.The 'Tanna-Adventures' restaurant is situated at the edge of an escarpment providing fantastic panoramic views over the eastern side of Tanna Island. Visitors to the waterfall start here and follow a prepared (but rough) track down through the surrounding tropical bush to the waterfall. The small river which feds the waterfall has been said to have stayed within an age old prehistoric period and has remained unspoiled since then. One of the food sources of the local village is the fresh water shrimps which can be found there.As with all waterfalls, it is spectacular after heavy rain in the wet season, while water volumes decrease over the dry season. However, its great viewing at anytime, being enclosed within its own little valley and developing its own moss and greenery around. For those who are adventurous the river can be followed down onto the Louniel Beach - another great attraction.

Walk along the creek bed to the beautiful twin waterfall. You have access to a changing room. The water is cool and refreshing especially in the warmer summer months. You can also enjoy custom dancing.