Attractions in Kokopo & East New Britain
Tropical adventures in the shadow of volcanoes 🌋🌿
Showing 21 attractions · Sorted by importance
Duke of York Islands
📍 Kokopo
⛱ BeachA pristine archipelago of thirteen islands offering white sand beaches, crystal-clear snorkeling lagoons, and frequent dolphin sightings.
Mount Tavurvur
📍 Rabaul
🏛 LandmarkAn iconic active stratovolcano offering dramatic views of the ash-covered landscape and the steaming crater rim.
Bita Paka War Cemetery
📍 Kokopo
🏰 CastleA meticulously maintained memorial and cemetery honoring Commonwealth soldiers who served in New Britain during World War II.
Kokopo Market
📍 Kokopo
🐄 FarmOne 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.
Kokopo-Rabaul Coastal Drive
📍 Kokopo
🚗 Road TripA 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.
Matupit Hot Springs
📍 Rabaul
⛱ BeachNatural geothermal springs bubbling from the black sand beach at the base of the active Tavurvur volcano, creating a unique coastal landscape.
Mount Tavurvur Volcano Hike
📍 Rabaul
🥾 Hiking & Cycling3km 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.
Mount Vulcan Ascent
📍 Rabaul
🥾 Hiking & Cycling4km 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.
Admiral Yamamoto's Bunker
📍 Rabaul
🏰 CastleThe underground command center used by Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto to coordinate Pacific naval operations during the war.
East New Britain Historical & Cultural Centre
📍 Kokopo
🔬 ScienceThis museum serves as the region's primary cultural gallery, showcasing intricate Tolai masks, traditional wood carvings, and historical artifacts.
Matupit Megapode Egg Sites
📍 Rabaul
🐄 FarmA 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.
Mount Varzin (Vunakokor) Summit Trail
📍 Kokopo
🥾 Hiking & Cycling5km 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).
National Mask and Warwagira Festival
📍 Kokopo
🎭 EventAnnually 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.
Simpson Harbour & Volcanic Circuit
📍 Rabaul
🚗 Road TripA 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.
Tavui Point (Japanese Submarine Base)
📍 Rabaul
⛱ BeachA historical coastal site featuring a dramatic reef wall drop-off and tunnels used by the Japanese Navy during World War II.
Rabaul Volcanological Observatory
📍 Rabaul
🔬 ScienceA scientific hub where families can learn about seismology and the volcanic forces that shaped the Gazelle Peninsula.
Gazelle Peninsula North Coast Road
📍 Rabaul
🚗 Road TripA 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.
Japanese Barge Tunnels
📍 Rabaul
🏰 CastleHand-dug volcanic caves used by the Japanese Imperial Navy to conceal supply barges from Allied aerial reconnaissance.
Little Pigeon Island
📍 Kokopo
⛱ BeachA small, idyllic uninhabited island near the coast, perfect for family day trips, swimming, and exploring shallow coral gardens.
