places to go
Check Out the list of Tour Guides in New Ireland on the Travel Info page
in & around Kavieng
The Provincial Centre of Kavieng has often been described as the typical Somerset Maughan South Sea island port. It has a large, beautiful harbour which is the centre of activity with people coming and going from the island. Along the edge of the harbour is Kavieng Harbour Drive, a gently curving road, shaded by huge trees, which passes many points of historical interest, the main market, the port, fisheries and the hospital.
Sea breezes keep Kavieng cool and it’s a pretty place to wander around. The town is quite spread out, with a golf course and it’s clubhouse, a variety of trade stores, hotels and a pub. Kavieng is a sleepy little town, and visitors should not expect to come here to experience an abundance of cafés or restaurants and nightclubs.
Kavieng is a peaceful place, with very friendly and welcoming people.
Photo by Francie Corbett
WWII RELICS
As a result of the Japanese occupation and subsequent Allied invasion, a number of wartime relics can be found around town, on neighbouring islands and in the harbour.
Pill boxes, machine gun bunkers, machine guns, tunnels, graves and plane wrecks.
Photo by Michael Napoli
kavieng market
The main Kavieng market is located on the foreshore of the harbour. It is a bustling and vibrant market, and is a central hub of activity especially in the mornings. You will find the freshest of seafood, the tastiest fruits and vegetables, and lots of local delicacies like tapioc slice, smoked fish and seafood, donuts, rice balls, and sago in every form you could imagine. You will also find plenty of buai (betelnut), as well as locally printed laplaps & t-shirts
Adjacent to the main market you can also find all sorts of hand-made crafts like flowers, bilums, jewellery, furniture and wood carvings..
The market operates every day of the week, except Sundays.
Image by Trans Island Tours
blow holes & NUSA LAVU
Across Kavieng Harbour on the northern tip of Nusa Lavu Island are blowholes formed out of raised limestone.
Nusa Lavu is a great island to wander around, as it is only sparsely populated, but has WWII bunkers and bomb craters, a shipwreck on the beach, wonderful birdlife, a fabulous beach for swimming and snorkelling, and of course, the Blow Holes at the northern tip of the island.
A stone’s throw from Kavieng, as it is directly across the harbour.
MAINLAND NEW IRELAND
Mainland New Ireland offers diverse and aesthetically spectacular natural attractions.
Check Out the list of Tour Guides in New Ireland on the Travel Info page
Image: David Kirkland
laraibina eels
Located on a beautiful beach amongst the village of Laraibina, a freshwater stream that connects to the ocean is where these giant eels hang out and are quite a unique attraction. They can grow up to 1.2 metres long, and are silky smooth. The eels are tame and fed in their natural habitat. See, Touch, and Feed the giant eels. Hand-feed them canned tuna, and while they munch away, you can actually pet them. BYO tin of fish. Once in a lifetime experience with nature at it's best.
84km from Kavieng
fissoa swimming hole
Fissoa is definitely not the only swimming hole in New Ireland, but it is certainly one of the most visited and easiest to find. Located next to the Vocational College at Fissoa, the freshwater swimming hole is crystal clear and very cooling on a hot day. Rope swings and overhanging trees, combined with kids eager to show you their skills & bravery, make this a great day trip from Kavieng, or an excellent stopping point on a trip further down the highway.
100km from Kavieng
Check out Laraibina Eels on YouTube & Facebook
Photo courtesy of Karanas Comfort Tours
BELIFU CANYON
A hidden gem!! The word is out, as this incredibly unique and beautiful spot was only ever known about by the locals in the area until recently. Now a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, this is a gorgeous day trip from Kavieng, or another fabulous spot to add to your mainland New Ireland adventure! Contact Karanas Comfort Tours. Located on the West Coast of New Ireland, south of Lamusmus.
About 2 hours from Kavieng
Check Out Belifu Canyon on our YouTube Channel
Photo courtesy of Karanas Comfort Tours
PAM KOLWARA WATERFALL
This fabulous waterfall is located along the Boluminski Highway in Central New Ireland, just south of Dalom River.
80km from Namatanai and 180km from Kavieng
Take a look at Pam Kolwara on our YouTube Channel