cycling

New Ireland’s coastline is ideal for cycling. The Boluminski Highway, which runs from Kavieng down the north-eastern side of the island, is flat and sealed all the way beyond Namatanai. There are a large number of guest house accommodations all the way to choose from, so you can break up your trip and experience true village life.

cycling in new ireland

Cycling in New Ireland began in 1991 when Melbourne Grammar School Chaplain, Rev. Roger Williams made contact with Bernard Choulai of now defunct Traditional Tours to do a pilot cycling program in New Ireland. Bernard then made contact with the Tourism Office in Kavieng to organise the program. Once the pilot cycling program was done and proved viable, Rev. Williams then continued thereafter to bring students in to New Ireland from Australia for cycling. And still does to this day.

The trips are usually taken during the July and October vacations. Cycling the Boluminski is not hard but is challenging. The distance between each leg ranges from 45 kms to 65 kms. The students/cyclists not only cycle but are able to interact with the local people, sample local food, visit interesting sites enroute, join the village boys on their night time fishing trips and be entertained by cultural groups in the village where they overnight.

This fabulous experience is open to everyone, not just school groups.

*Cycling through Omo. Image by Michael Napoli*

Cycling the Boluminski Hwy requires a moderate fitness level with some cycling experience.

Early starts are generally required to maximize time spent riding in the coolest parts of the day i.e. morning and afternoons. If you are finding the going a bit tough, and are struggling, it is easy to pick up a lift on a PMV to wherever necessary.

A tour of the 262 kilometres Boluminski highway (Kavieng to Namatanai) takes about five days of cycling and either begins in Kavieng or Namatanai. However, it is not necessary to have to do the whole coast. You may decide to do a round trip from Namatanai to Dalom, or from Kavieng to Bol. The choice is yours, and the options are endless.

You can opt for a guided tour, or head down the road on your own. See the list of places to stay along the Boluminski Hwy.