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2 cities
Province · Islands Region
East New Britain
Eastern New Britain has Rabaul and Kokopo: the caldera and the Tavurvur and Vulcan volcanoes, World War II tunnels and the July mask festival.
In the photo: Beach on the Duke of York Islands
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
The province
Get to know East New Britain
The province of Eastern New Britain occupies the eastern part of the island of New Britain, including the Gazelle Peninsula and the Duke of York Islands. The capital, Kokopo, sits on the shore of Blanche Bay, near Rabaul.
Rabaul lies inside a volcanic caldera flooded by the sea and surrounded by volcanoes. In 1994, Tavurvur and Vulcan erupted at the same time, and ash covered much of the town; the provincial capital was then moved to Kokopo. Tavurvur remains active, and access to viewpoints around the caldera depends on the volcano’s conditions.
During World War II, Rabaul was the main Japanese base in the South Pacific. Tunnels, shelters, Admiral Yamamoto’s bunker and barge tunnels can still be visited, and the Kokopo War Museum and the Bita Paka war cemetery commemorate that period.
The Tolai, the people of the Gazelle Peninsula, have masked dancers called duk-duk and tubuan, and the Baining perform the fire dance at night using large masks. The National Mask and Warwagira Festival in July brings together groups from the province and other parts of the country.
Destinations
1 destination in East New Britain
Cities
2 cities in East New Britain in the guide
East New Britain
Capital
Kokopo
Kokopo has been the capital of East New Britain since 1994, when eruptions of Tavurvur and Vulcan covered Rabaul in ash. In the German era it was called Herbertshöhe and was the capital of German New Guinea until 1910. It lies on the shore of Blanche Bay, near Tokua Airport, and concentrates the region’s lodging. The War and Cultural Museum of Kokopo is in town, and to the south is the Bita Paka War Cemetery.
East New Britain
Rabaul
Rabaul lies within a volcanic caldera flooded by the sea, surrounding Simpson Harbour. The town was buried in ash during the 1994 eruption and is gradually rebuilding. There you can find the still-active Tavurvur volcano and the Rabaul Volcanological Observatory, which overlooks the caldera. From the time when Rabaul was the main Japanese base in the South Pacific remain Admiral Yamamoto’s bunker and the Japanese barge tunnels cut into the rock at Karavia Bay.
When to go
The climate is warm and humid year-round, with frequent rain that is heavier from December to March. From May to October, days are usually somewhat drier. The National Mask and Warwagira Festival takes place in July: check the dates before you go.
Getting there
Tokua Airport (RAB), east of Kokopo, has flights from Port Moresby and other towns. From Tokua, roads lead to Kokopo and Rabaul. The Duke of York Islands are reached by boat from Kokopo.
Your questions
Frequently asked questions about East New Britain
What happened in Rabaul in 1994?
The Tavurvur and Vulcan volcanoes erupted at the same time, and ash covered much of Rabaul. The town was evacuated, and the provincial capital was moved to Kokopo. Part of Rabaul remains inhabited.
Can you visit Rabaul’s Japanese tunnels?
Yes. Shelters, tunnels, Admiral Yamamoto’s bunker and tunnels used to hide barges are among the sites visited with local guides in Rabaul and Kokopo. The Kokopo War Museum complements the visit.
When is the National Mask Festival?
The National Mask and Warwagira Festival takes place in July in Eastern New Britain, featuring Tolai duk-duk and tubuan dancers, the Baining fire dance and groups from other provinces. Dates change from year to year: check before you go.
How many days should I plan for Rabaul and Kokopo?
Three or four days are usually enough for the caldera and volcanoes, the war tunnels and museums, a dive or trip to the Duke of York Islands and a cultural performance.