Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
the United States
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
1 city
Province · Islands Region
New Ireland
New Ireland is a long, narrow island: Kavieng, surfing and diving, the Boluminski Road along the coast, and the malagan sculptures.
In the photo: Boluminski Road
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 New Ireland
The province of New Ireland includes New Ireland Island, a long narrow island, and islands such as New Hanover (Lavongai), Tabar and Lihir, in northeastern Papua New Guinea. The capital, Kavieng, lies at the northern tip of the main island, among bays and islets.
The Boluminski Road follows the east coast from Kavieng, passing beaches, villages, churches and coconut plantations, and is traveled by car or bicycle. On the west coast the sea is calmer and access by boat is easier.
Kavieng is one of the country’s surf destinations, with reef breaks on the surrounding islands, and a diving destination, with reefs, current channels and World War II shipwrecks.
New Ireland is the land of malagan sculptures, painted wooden figures made for ceremonies honoring the dead. In villages such as Kontu and other coastal communities, shark callers keep the tradition of attracting sharks with coconut-rattle devices from canoes.
Destinations
1 destination in New Ireland
When to go
The climate is hot and humid year-round. The surf season generally runs from November to April, with swells from the northwest monsoon; from May to October the sea is often calmer along parts of the coast, which favors diving. Confirm conditions with operators.
Getting there
Kavieng Airport (KVG) has flights from Port Moresby and other towns. The Boluminski Road runs from Kavieng along the east coast. For the islands, transport is by boat, with local operators and accommodations.
Your questions
Frequently asked questions about New Ireland
When is the surf season in Kavieng?
It usually runs from November to April, when swells from the northwest monsoon arrive. Waves break on reefs around the islands near Kavieng, reached by boat. Confirm conditions with operators.
What is the Boluminski Road?
It is the road that follows New Ireland’s east coast from Kavieng, passing beaches, villages and coconut plantations. It can be traveled by car or bicycle, with overnight stays in simple village accommodations.
What are malagan sculptures?
They are carved and painted wooden figures and panels made for malagan ceremonies honoring the dead in northern New Ireland. Older pieces are held in museums in several countries and at the National Museum in Port Moresby.
What is the shark calling?
It is a tradition in coastal villages of New Ireland, such as Kontu, in which fishermen attract sharks using rattles made from coconut shells from canoes. Visits depend on arrangements with the community.