Efate, Vanuatu | Medium

For the ni-Vanuatu family living abroad. The Kiwi who spent a year working in Port Vila. The diver, the sailor, the one who still talks about the water at Hideaway Island.

This handcrafted wooden depth map captures Efate, the heart of Vanuatu: Port Vila and Mele Bay in the southwest, Havannah Harbour tucked in behind the northern islands, and the reef shelf dropping away to 1000 metres all around. Land elevation and ocean depth in one piece. Laser-cut from premium European Birch in our Auckland studio, and hand-painted layer by layer by Matt, Kate and our small team.

Piece details

Area: Efate, Vanuatu (including Port Vila and the northern offshore islands)
Size: Medium, 60 × 60cm
Total layers: 10
Topography: 400m, 300m, 200m, 100m, 0m, −20m, −100m, −250m, −500m, −1000m
Materials: European Birch Plywood, water-based paint, tung oil
Frame: Built into the map, comes strung and ready to hang

How they're made

Each map starts by sourcing the right bathymetric data. We spend hours in design making sure the contours appear smooth yet accurate, and the whole map feels balanced. From there, we paint and laser-cut sheets of wood to bring the underwater landscape to life. Every piece is assembled by hand by our team in our Auckland studio.

Every map is made this way: slowly, carefully, until the seafloor comes to life.

Handcrafted to order

Your map is made in our Auckland studio once you place your order. We don't keep stock on the shelf. Allow 2 weeks from your order date, and we'll keep you updated as yours is made.

Our current capacity is up to 15 maps per week. If you're ordering for a gifting deadline, please let us know and we'll do our best to accommodate.

Personalise it (+$50)

Want to mark your family's village, a favourite dive spot, or the bay where you got married? Select "Personalised" above and leave a note at checkout telling us where to mark. We'll take care of the rest.

Note: some of our photos show personalised engravings. Your map will arrive unmarked unless you request a personalisation.

Learn more about personalisations →

Common questions

What if I'm not happy with my map?
We offer a full guarantee on craftsmanship. If you're not happy when your map arrives, or any time in the next 3 years, let us know and we'll make it right. Our small team takes real pride in the build quality of everything we send out.

How long will it take to make?
Every map is made to order in our Auckland studio. Allow 2 weeks from your order date, plus shipping. If you need it by a specific date, get in touch and we'll do our best to accommodate.

Can I personalise it?
Yes. Select "Personalised (+$50)" above and leave a note at checkout telling us what to mark. A bay, a village, a dive site, or anywhere that matters. If you're giving one as a gift, a personalised marker can make it feel extra special. See examples →

Will it be safe to ship?
Yes. We take extra care with our packaging to make sure your map arrives in perfect condition (in the rare case something goes wrong in transit, we'll replace it at no extra cost). We use NZ Post's courier service for everything within NZ.

Do you ship overseas?
Yes. We offer free shipping within NZ and Australia. If you're further afield, including Vanuatu, send us a message and we'll let you know the shipping cost to your country.

What if my area isn't on the map?
Get in touch and we may be able to create it, including other islands of Vanuatu. Email us or fill in our enquiry form with your request and we'll let you know what's possible.