Kokopo & East New Britain
Volcanoes, dolphins, and history 🌋🐬
East New Britain is a standout destination that blends dramatic geology with accessible history. The town of Kokopo serves as the comfortable hub, with several resorts offering pools and secure grounds suitable for children. The landscape is dominated by the volcanoes of Rabaul, creating a backdrop that looks like a lost world. The most popular activity for families is the early morning dolphin swim in the bay; hundreds of spinner dolphins gather here daily, and boats allow you to watch them jump and play from just a few metres away.
History comes alive for older children in the jungle around Rabaul, where the Japanese army left behind a network of tunnels during WWII. You can walk into the massive Barge Tunnels to see rusted landing craft still resting where they were hidden 80 years ago. For a geology lesson you won't forget, guided tours take you to the base of Mt Tavurvur, where hot springs bubble at the water's edge and locals use the geothermal heat to cook eggs in palm fronds.
Cultural experiences here are intense and unique. The Baining Fire Dance, performed at night in the forest, involves masked dancers leaping through flames. While it happens late, it's a spectacular sight that many hotels can arrange. The beaches around Kokopo offering calm swimming spots, and the snorkelling at the Duke of York Islands (a day trip by boat) reveals pristine coral reefs teeming with fish, often visible right from the surface.
Click a region to explore
Activities & Best Times
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Home to the world-class active volcano Mount Tavurvur and pristine rainforests, offering a raw and authentic wilderness experience for adventurous families. Peak months align with the 'drier' season (sub-270mm) for safer trekking, while the heavy monsoons of Dec-Apr make volcanic terrain hazardous.
Events, celebrations, seasonal attractions
The region hosts the globally unique Baining Fire Dance and the National Mask Festival, offering profound and authentic cultural immersion. July to October provides the best conditions for outdoor ceremonies; heavy summer rains (Jan-Mar) frequently disrupt scheduled cultural events.
Beach resorts, marine activities: diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing
Offers world-class wreck diving in Simpson Harbour and unique opportunities to swim with wild dolphins in crystal-clear tropical waters. While marine biodiversity is exceptional, the tropical climate means high year-round rainfall; peak months offer the best underwater visibility and calmest sea conditions.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
A fascinating destination for families interested in WWII history and volcanology, featuring extensive Japanese tunnel complexes and a dedicated volcano observatory. Drier months are optimal for exploring outdoor historical sites, whereas monsoon-level precipitation in Jan-Mar can limit access to remote archaeological remains.
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
The resilient history of Rabaul, partially buried by volcanic ash, provides an authentic and haunting cultural landscape. It lacks conventional luxury city infrastructure, but offers sophisticated travelers a unique look at Melanesian life; peak weather allows for comfortable exploration of the town's ruins and local markets.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
Features exceptional diving on WWII wrecks and vibrant reefs, alongside light trekking on volcanic slopes. The dry season is essential for sports tourism here to ensure high underwater visibility and stable footing on mountainous terrain.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
The region's seaside resorts offer a peaceful, slow-paced atmosphere that is significantly more relaxed than the mainland. However, it lacks the specialized, high-end wellness facilities and international-standard spa infrastructure found in top-tier global wellness destinations.
Attractions (26 total)
Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Bita Paka War Cemetery
Kokopo
A meticulously maintained memorial and cemetery honoring Commonwealth soldiers who served in New Britain during World War II.
Visit website →Japanese Barge Tunnels
Rabaul
Hand-dug volcanic caves used by the Japanese Imperial Navy to conceal supply barges from Allied aerial reconnaissance.
Admiral Yamamoto's Bunker
Rabaul
The underground command center used by Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto to coordinate Pacific naval operations during the war.
Kokopo War Museum
Kokopo
An impressive collection of World War II military hardware, including aircraft wreckage, tanks, and artillery guns set in a garden.
Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Duke of York Islands
Kokopo
A pristine archipelago of thirteen islands offering white sand beaches, crystal-clear snorkeling lagoons, and frequent dolphin sightings.
Visit website →Matupit Hot Springs
Rabaul
Natural geothermal springs bubbling from the black sand beach at the base of the active Tavurvur volcano, creating a unique coastal landscape.
Little Pigeon Island
Kokopo
A small, idyllic uninhabited island near the coast, perfect for family day trips, swimming, and exploring shallow coral gardens.
The Beehives (Dawapia Rocks)
Rabaul
Two distinctive volcanic rock formations rising from the center of Simpson Harbour, popular for boat tours and snorkeling.
Tavui Point (Japanese Submarine Base)
Rabaul
A historical coastal site featuring a dramatic reef wall drop-off and tunnels used by the Japanese Navy during World War II.
Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Kokopo Market
Kokopo
One of the most vibrant markets in the South Pacific, providing a safe and colorful environment for families to experience local rural life and traditional produce.
Visit website →Agmark Cocoa and Coconut Plantation
Kokopo
A guided exploration of active cocoa and coconut groves where families can see how these tropical crops are harvested and processed into world-renowned products.
Matupit Megapode Egg Sites
Rabaul
A unique rural experience where families can observe local villagers navigating volcanic ash fields to harvest megapode bird eggs, a traditional practice at the base of Mount Tavurvur.
Road Trips & Scenic Drives
Kokopo-Rabaul Coastal Drive
Kokopo
A 30km paved coastal highway (45-60 minutes) connecting the regional capital to old Rabaul. The route offers continuous views of Simpson Harbour and the Blanche Bay caldera, passing the Japanese Barge Tunnels, the base of the Vulcan volcano, and providing the most iconic vistas of the active Tavurvur volcano across the water.
Visit website →Gazelle Peninsula North Coast Road
Rabaul
A 45km scenic paved route heading west from Rabaul along the Bismarck Sea coastline. The drive passes through traditional coastal villages, tropical plantations, and historic WWII sites like the Japanese Submarine Base. The road offers rugged coastal scenery and access to remote beaches before turning toward the Baining Mountains.
Visit website →Simpson Harbour & Volcanic Circuit
Rabaul
A 25km paved and well-maintained loop around the northern end of the Rabaul caldera. Highlights include the Rabaul Volcanological Observatory lookout, the ash-covered streets of the abandoned old town, the 'Beehives' rock formations in the bay, and the steaming hot springs at the foot of Tavurvur.
Visit website →Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Mount Tavurvur
Rabaul
An iconic active stratovolcano offering dramatic views of the ash-covered landscape and the steaming crater rim.
Yamamoto's Bunker
Rabaul
A significant historical monument featuring the underground command center used by Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto during WWII.
Hiking & Cycling Routes
Mount Tavurvur Volcano Hike
Rabaul
3km challenging round-trip hike to the rim of an active stratovolcano. Typical duration is 2 hours with an elevation gain of approximately 223m. The route features sharp volcanic rock, steam vents, and thermal hot springs at the base. High heat and sulfurous gases make this a strenuous trek. Guided tours are highly recommended and can be arranged through Rabaul-based hotels. Bike rental: Not available for this terrain.
Visit website →Mount Varzin (Vunakokor) Summit Trail
Kokopo
5km moderate return hike to the highest point of the Gazelle Peninsula. Typical duration is 3 hours with an elevation gain of roughly 400m. The trail leads through lush tropical rainforest and historical Japanese WWII lookout points, offering 360-degree views of the Bismarck Sea and Duke of York Islands. Mountain bikes are occasionally used on the lower access roads. Bike rental: Kokopo Beach Bungalow Resort (kbb.com.pg).
Visit website →Mount Vulcan Ascent
Rabaul
4km challenging ascent over loose volcanic ash and pumice. Typical duration is 2.5 to 3 hours with an elevation gain of 243m. This trek traverses the slopes of the volcano that famously erupted in 1937 and 1994, providing unique perspectives on the Rabaul caldera and the submerged 'Beehives' rock formations. The terrain is unstable and very exposed to the sun. Bike rental: Not available.
Visit website →Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Matupit Village
Rabaul
A resilient cultural village at the base of Mount Tavurvur where families harvest megapode eggs from the warm volcanic ash.
Science Museum / Natural History Museum / Discovery Centre
Rabaul Volcanological Observatory
Rabaul
A scientific hub where families can learn about seismology and the volcanic forces that shaped the Gazelle Peninsula.
Kokopo Museum (East New Britain Historical & Cultural Centre)
Kokopo
This museum offers a fascinating look at the region's natural history, including volcanic exhibits and traditional seafaring artifacts.
Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
East New Britain Historical & Cultural Centre
Kokopo
This museum serves as the region's primary cultural gallery, showcasing intricate Tolai masks, traditional wood carvings, and historical artifacts.
Major International Festival / Cultural Event
National Mask and Warwagira Festival
Kokopo
Annually in mid-July, this 4-5 day event is the premier cultural showcase of Papua New Guinea's mask-making traditions. Attracting several thousand visitors including international ethnographic researchers and tourists, it features the dawn 'Kinavai' arrival of the Tolai Tubuan on canoes and the Baining Fire Dance. It is family-friendly with educational exhibits and vibrant traditional music.
Visit website →Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Tavurvur Hot Springs
Rabaul
Natural geothermal springs at the foot of the volcano where boiling water bubbles up through the sand, creating a surreal steaming environment.
