New Ireland Accommodation and Travel Information
North of New Britain in the Bismarck Archipelago, this long narrow island group has a stunning coastline with white sand beaches and excellent surfing, fishing and diving. The main centre is the port of Kavieng, which sits at the head of a large and beautiful harbour overlooking Nusa Island. The many small islands sheltering the harbour can be visited by canoe, and there are some good surfing breaks close to town. The province is known for shark calling, an ancient art which is still practised on the island’s west coast. The Buluminski Highway travels from one end of the island to the other affording spectacular views along the way.
Attractions:
- Kavieng
Sea breezes keep Kavieng cool and it’s a pretty place to wander around. Along the waterfront you’ll find the market, the port, a fishery, and the hospital. Across the harbour is Nusa Island.
- Artefacts
The island people are skilled canoeists and carvers. Collections of Malangan carvings can be seen at the Kavieng Hotel and Malagan Beach Resort. Carvers can be seen at Libba Village near Konos. The local people on Nusa Island manufacture most of the beautiful jewellery. You can visit the village and buy direct. Nusa Island Retreat also has an extensive range of PNG and New Ireland artifacts available for sale.
- Offshore Islands
The many small islands sheltering the harbour have good swimming and snorkelling, and some have accommodation. You can travel out by dinghy.
- Festivals
Held late June or early July, the Luka Barok festival celebrates old rituals and includes shark-calling and feasting. The Malangan Show and Independence Day celebrations are held in mid-September.
- Shark-calling rituals
The traditional art of calling sharks is practiced along the coasts of New Ireland particularly on the west coast around Kontu and Tabar villages.
- Diving and snorkelling
War wrecks, big fish, coral and sharks are some of the things to be seen here. Dive operators include Lissenung Island Resort, Mansava Adventure Lodge on Tsoi Island, Scuba Ventures and Nusa Island Retreat.
- Fishing
Fishing gear and services can be hired from Kavieng Hotel, Nusa Island and Pelagic Pursuits.
- Surfing
There are many good breaks close to town, accessible by boat or vehicle. Nusa Island Retreat, based on Nusa Lik Island, has accommodation and caters for surfers.
- Canoeing
Canoes and paddlers can be hired from the beachfront in Kavieng or hire an outrigger from the Malagan Beach Resort. Nusa Island Retreat and Mansava Adventure Lodge offer traditional canoeing.
- Golf
The nine-hole golf course lies between Tabar Terrace and Tanga Street and the Golf Club is located on Coronation Street. Golf clubs can be hired from the Kavieng Hotel.
- Cycling
Kavieng’s flat terrain is ideal for cycling and there is little motorised traffic. Bicycles can be hired from the Kavieng Hotel and Malagan Beach Hotel. There is guesthouse accommodation along the Boluuminski Highway. For bike tours and hire contact Rainbow Tours in Kavieng or New Ireland Tourism Bureau through Kavieng Hotel. For good quality mountain bikes, Nusa Island Retreat offers a range of day and overnight tours right down to Namatanai.
- Kayaking
Single and double sea kayaks can be hired at Nusa Island Retreat – a beautiful way to see the harbour and islands. Day and overnight options are available.
For accommodation in New Ireland, just visit our New Ireland accommodation page to search New Ireland accommodation listings, and make enquiries or bookings online. Our listings include motels and motor lodges, hotels, bed and breakfasts, camping grounds and holiday parks, resorts and lodges, backpackers and hostel accommodation.
For things to see and do in New Ireland, just visit our things to see and do in New Ireland guide to search for New Ireland listings, and make enquiries or bookings online. Our listings include tourist attractions, tours, and sightseeing in the area.