There
is much enjoyable walking and trekking on Aneityum. It takes
about two and a half days to go all the way around.
Anelgauhat
is a good base for bush walking, the forests are accessible
by several old logging roads. You can walk alone if you're
not afraid of getting lost (there is no trail maintenance
and no maps).
The native forests have recovered quite well
after being logged in the years before independence. Searching
for orchids (best in October and November), Kauri trees
and birds can be quite rewarding. There are also some waterfalls.
Round-Island
Walks
The west coast route to Port Patrick (Anawamet village)
from Anelgauhat is a relatively easy 6 to 7 hour walk, mostly
along the beach. There are freshwater streams and springs
along the way - don't weigh yourself down with
drinking water. There are also plenty of coconuts (ask if your guide is prepared to climb for you).
The
east coast route from Port Patrick to Anelgauhat via Umetch
is by all reports longer, harder and wetter trekking with
several river crossings. If walking this route then plan
to overnight at Umetch village or somewhere in between.
Umetch to Anelgauhat is about 2.5 hours easy walking.
Most
tourists want to walk the cross-island shortcut between
Port Patrick and Anelgauhat. This path crosses the central
mountain range and follows rivers on
both sides. The boulders and stones on the rivers are hazardous
when wet. Locals don't use this route, except when it's dry
which requires a rain-free days so you may be told that
the track is no good.
Around Port Patrick there are some petroglyphs (designs,
symbols and images carved in stones). The locals say they
are the work of an earlier people. There's also some lowland
forest near the coast, a waterfall inland and sea turtles
around the reefs. You'll need to stay a day at Port Patrick
to sample some of these sights.
Accommodation
You don't need to camp at Anawamet village or carry your
own food. There's a guesthouse and aelan
kaekae can be provided. Mattresses
and sometimes mosquito nets can be provided (there are few
mosquitoes). You should bring your own lightweight sleeping
bag or blanket. It's not a commercial guesthouse so there
is no dedicated toilet or shower. You will be shown a toilet
you can use and the only shower is just an overhead pipe
with a tap. Guests are rare and there is no incentive to
build tourist facilities at Port Patrick.
The
food at Anawamet includes fresh fish, water
taro, lap-lap
manioc, rice and breakfast crackers. There aren't many
bought items and it's a good idea to contribute some basic
foodstuffs (tinned fish and tea are always handy and welcome).
If you bring your own food then you can cook in the nakamal.
At Anawamet,
1000 Vatu per day is a reasonable payment for food and accommodation
(you probably won't be asked to pay and the charges are
not defined).
You
should be able to find similar conditions to Anawamet in
Umetch village (ask your guide/host).
Camping
The villages around Aneityum are few and there are many
sites between with fresh water that would be ideal for camping.
However, it's usually assumed tourists will be staying in the
villages, carrying a tent and sleeping in it. Plan with
you guide/host if you want to camp in uninhabited areas.
If camping
in a village, a small gift or a few hundred vatu cash when
leaving is a good practice.
Guides
Locals are walking the round-island paths everyday and it's
often possible to follow someone rather than hire a guide.
However, the locals tend to walk quite fast and don't waste
any time admiring the scenery or stopping for lunch.
As usual,
guide fees are not clearly stated. Some people pay
around 5000 Vatu for a guided three day walk around the
island. It's best to agree on a daily rate before setting
out. About 1000 Vatu per day is reasonable if you're not
asking too much from your guide.
Last
updated: August 2004 by Stephen.
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