Kavieng and New Ireland

Kavieng sits at the northern end of New Ireland, a long narrow island in northeastern Papua New Guinea. The town occupies Balgai Bay, facing an archipelago of islets that separate it from New Hanover (Lavongai), and was founded by the German administration in 1900.

The currents running between New Ireland and New Hanover nourish reefs teeming with life, and Kavieng has more than 20 recognized dive sites, with current-swept channels, coral and planes and ships sunk during World War II. From November to April, northwest swells bring reef waves sought by surfers.

On land, the Boluminski Highway follows the east coast for about 293 km, passing beaches, villages and coconut plantations on the way to Namatanai. Along the route, the village of Laraibina welcomes visitors to see the sacred eels in a stream, and there are freshwater bathing holes, such as Fissoa.

New Ireland is the land of malagan carvings, made for ceremonies honoring the dead, and of tatanua mask dances. In Kavieng, a Japanese cannon mounted on a bunker along Harbour Road recalls the occupation from 1942 to 1945.

This destination brings together 1 city: Kavieng.