Islands (New Ireland, Bougainville)
Laid-back island adventures 🚲🏝️
The Islands Region, particularly New Ireland, is often considered one of the most relaxed and family-friendly parts of Papua New Guinea. Life here moves at a slower pace, dubbed 'island time,' making it easier for parents to manage travel schedules. The geography is stunning: long, thin islands bordered by white sand beaches and calm lagoons that are safer for swimming than the open ocean swells found elsewhere.
A major highlight for active families is the Boluminski Highway in New Ireland. Unlike most roads in the country, this coastal route is flat, sealed, and scenic, making it famous for cycling. Families can hire bikes in Kavieng and ride between village guesthouses, stopping to swim in the ocean. A must-do stop is the Laraibina Eel Sanctuary, where local children will show visitors how to hand-feed the resident freshwater eels—a thrilling but safe wildlife encounter.
In Kavieng, the provincial capital, the atmosphere is sleepy and welcoming. Saturday mornings at the local market offer a chance to taste fresh tropical fruit and see local crafts. For water activities, Nusa Island Retreat provides a short boat transfer to a quiet island setting where kids can snorkel in shallow water while parents relax. While Bougainville is also part of this region, its tourism infrastructure is less developed; most families stick to the established routes in New Ireland for a mix of culture, ease, and beach relaxation.
Click a region to explore
Activities & Best Times
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Rugged volcanic landscapes and untouched rainforests provide a frontier experience for sophisticated explorers. The drier window from August to November is ideal for trekking Bougainville’s wilderness, whereas extreme tropical downpours in the off-season make inland trails difficult and humid.
Beach resorts, marine activities: diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing
Offers world-class diving and pristine, uncrowded turquoise lagoons with exceptional marine biodiversity. Peak months align with the period of relatively lower rainfall and improved underwater visibility, while the heavy monsoon rains from December to April can disrupt sea conditions.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
Kavieng is a premier global destination for surfing and high-visibility reef diving in a non-commercialized setting. Although prime surf swells occur in the wetter months, the peak season for general active recreation is defined by the most stable weather and lower humidity between August and November.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Significant World War II historical sites and unique matrilineal social structures offer deep learning opportunities for curious families. The peak period provides the best conditions for exploring overgrown relics and coastal historical sites without the hindrance of torrential tropical storms.
Events, celebrations, seasonal attractions
Home to the unique Malagan culture, offering authentic and profound ritual experiences that are world-renowned among anthropologists. Visitors should target the drier months to ensure access to remote village ceremonies, as heavy rains can limit travel to island interiors.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
Downgrade: While the islands have a slower pace, they lack the resort infrastructure expected for a 'good' relaxation rating internationally. Fiji, Samoa, and Vanuatu are far superior Pacific relaxation destinations. The 'island time' atmosphere alone does not justify 'good'.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
The Boluminski Highway in New Ireland provides a rare, scenic tropical driving route through picturesque coastal villages and plantations. While authentic, the infrastructure is limited, making it a niche experience best enjoyed during the drier months when road conditions are most reliable.
Attractions (27 total)
Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Bitapaka War Cemetery
Kokopo
A beautifully maintained and poignant memorial site honoring Commonwealth soldiers who fell during the Pacific campaigns of WWII.
Visit website →Japanese Peace Memorial
Rabaul
A large concrete monument located on a ridge overlooking the harbor, dedicated to the memory of those lost during the conflict in the Pacific.
Admiral Yamamoto's Bunker
Rabaul
An underground concrete command post used by the Japanese Imperial Navy during WWII, featuring maps and a look into wartime strategy.
Kokopo War Museum
Kokopo
Also known as the Museum of South Pacific, it features an extensive collection of WWII vehicles, planes, and artillery alongside cultural artifacts.
Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Bita Paka War Cemetery
Kokopo
A beautifully maintained Commonwealth war cemetery honoring soldiers from the Pacific campaigns of WWII with serene landscapes.
Visit website →Mount Tavurvur
Rabaul
An active and iconic stratovolcano that offers families a dramatic view of ash plains and natural hot springs along the shore.
Japanese Barge Tunnels
Rabaul
Large tunnels carved into volcanic cliffs during WWII that once hid massive landing barges, now an impressive site for exploration.
Yamamoto's Bunker
Rabaul
The underground command center used by Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, featuring an intriguing map room for history-loving families.
Buka Passage
Buka
A striking natural landmark featuring a narrow, deep channel with powerful currents that separates Buka Island from Bougainville.
Hiking & Cycling Routes
Boluminski Highway
Kavieng
264km moderate 4-6 day cycling route from Kavieng to Namatanai. Mostly flat, featuring a mix of paved and crushed coral surfaces along the scenic coastline. Minimal elevation gain. Bike rental: Rubio Village (rubiovillage.com).
Visit website →Mount Tavurvur Volcano Hike
Rabaul
2km moderate 1.5-hour round-trip day hike up the slopes of an active stratovolcano. Steep terrain composed of loose volcanic ash and rocks with approximately 200m elevation gain. Features active steam vents and panoramic harbor views.
Visit website →Numa Numa Track
Wakunai
62km challenging 3-5 day trek across the Crown Prince Range from Wakunai to Torokina. A historic WWII route through dense tropical rainforest and river crossings with approximately 1,500m elevation gain. Requires local guides.
Visit website →Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Old Rabaul Town Area
Rabaul
A haunting historic area partially buried by volcanic ash, offering a unique glimpse into the power of nature and WWII history.
Kokopo War and Cultural Museum
Kokopo
An essential stop for families to see well-preserved WWII aircraft, tanks, and fascinating indigenous cultural artifacts.
Libba Village
Kavieng
A traditional village famous for its intricate Malagan woodcarvings and rich cultural heritage along the Boluminski Highway.
Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Cathy's Eels (Laraibina Eel Sanctuary)
Kavieng
A unique rural sanctuary where visitors can hand-feed and interact with massive, tame freshwater eels in a crystal-clear village stream.
Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Enuk Island
Kavieng
A pristine island off the coast of Kavieng known for its vibrant coral reefs, clear shallow waters, and excellent snorkeling opportunities.
Visit website →Fissoa (Libba Village)
Kavieng
A unique coastal recreation site on the Boluminski Highway where a clear freshwater stream filled with tame eels flows into the sea.
Visit website →Loloho Beach
Arawa
A sprawling white-sand beach near Arawa, popular for its calm turquoise waters and historically significant as a former recreation hub.
Visit website →Little Pigeon Island
Kokopo
An uninhabited tropical islet near Kokopo offering a secluded beach and world-class snorkeling in crystal-clear Bismarck Sea waters.
Visit website →Sohano Island
Buka
A historic island in the Buka Passage featuring scenic limestone cliffs, WWII relics, and tranquil walking paths along the coastline.
Visit website →Road Trips & Scenic Drives
Kimbe-Hoskins Highway
Kimbe
45km paved coastal highway (1 hour). The main artery of West New Britain connecting Kimbe town to Hoskins Airport. The route offers expansive views of Kimbe Bay, passes through vast oil palm plantations, and provides vistas of the region's prominent volcanic peaks.
Visit website →Kokopo-Rabaul Coastal Road
Kokopo
30km paved coastal route (1 hour). Connects the current provincial capital Kokopo to the historic ruins of Rabaul. Highlights include panoramic views of the active Tavurvur volcano, Japanese WWII barge tunnels at Karavia Bay, and the dramatic scenery of Simpson Harbour.
Visit website →Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Laraibina Eel Hole
Kavieng
A unique natural freshwater spring where visitors can observe and interact with large sacred eels in a clear jungle stream.
Dawapia Rocks (The Beehives)
Rabaul
Two iconic volcanic rock formations rising steeply from the center of Simpson Harbour, providing a striking landmark for boat tours.
National Park / Nature Reserve
Libba Eel Hole
Kavieng
A natural limestone spring where sacred freshwater eels are protected by local tradition, providing a unique and peaceful wildlife encounter for visitors along the Boluminski Highway.
Nanuk Island
Kokopo
A protected marine conservation area and island reserve, offering families pristine white-sand beaches and world-class snorkeling in calm, clear turquoise waters.
