Kavieng

Kavieng is located on the northern tip of the New Ireland. With only one or two flights arriving every day, it is not a major tourist destination. However, with excellent diving, sailing, fishing and surfing it can offer a rewarding visit for those with the time, and money, to seek it out. Visible from Kavieng are the many islands lying between New Ireland and New Hanover.
On January 21, 1942, Kavieng was bombed by Japanese forces. The Japanese invaded and occupied the island. By the time the Allies retook the island in 1945, Kavieng had been almost completely destroyed. Today Kavieng is New Ireland's export port for copra and other products and is home to a thriving tourism industry.
As a result of the Japanese occupation and subsequent Allied invasion there are several relics from WWII in the town.

• Air Niugini has daily flights from the nation's capital, Port Moresby, as well as flights from Rabaul, Manus and other locations in PNG.

The town of Kavieng is small and can be safely visited on foot. Even the airport is only one mile from the center.

• Surfing. The northern end of mainland New Ireland around Kavieng is a popular surfing area, with North Pacific Ocean swells between November and April. PNG surf tourism promoters have entered into partnership with local land and reef owners to develop "surf management plans." These provide resource owners with income from the surfers and limit the number of surfers at one time.

• Diving. Most of the islands between Kavieng and New Hanover to the north are fringed with reefs. Numerous currents bring in nutrients for the sea life. Several dive companies operate from the town, and organize dives both to natural sites and wrecks dating from World War II. Dive organizers include:

• Scuba Ventures Kavieng.

Fishing. The seas around Kavieng have an abundance of fish of many species (see New Ireland article). Companies providing fish charters include:

• Sports Fishing New Ireland. Operate the 42-foot MV Maikara for 4-5 day fishing cruises or day trips from Kavieng.

Play golf. Rounds can be played on a nine-hole course at the Kavieng Club.

• Carvings. New Ireland is home of some unique carvings from the Malagan culture. These are to be found in collections and museums all over the world but these days only a few skilled carvers remain.

Budget

• Noah’s Ark Transit House

  phone: +675 9841267
  address: Ligga Village
  Basic accommodation overlooking the sea for backpackers and groups.

• Rawal Tropical Guesthouse

  phone: +675 984 1097
  address: P.O. Box 125
  Attractive new construction in the center of town.

• The Peter Torot Conference Centre

  phone: +675 9842682
  address: Tabar Terrace, PO Box 49
  Owned by the diocese of Kavieng. Dormitory and private accommodation.

Mid-range

• Kalaro Guest Haus

  phone: +675 984 2546
  address: Enuk Street, PO Box 539
  Four air-conditioned rooms in the center of town.

• Kavieng Club

  phone: +675 9842224
  address: Coronation Drive, PO 62
  Next to the golf course, this offers a range of accommodation types.

• Kavieng Guest House

  phone: +675 984 1165
  address: Emirau St, PO Box 691
  Seven rooms between the airport and town.

Splurge

• Kavieng HotelThe town's main hotel, for visiting business people and tourists.

• Lissenung Island Resort

  phone: +675-7234 5834
  address: P.O.Box 536
  On a very small island, 20 minutes by boat from Kavieng, the resort offers attractive accommodation and diving.

• Nusa Island Retreat

  phone: +675 984 2247
  address: PO Box 305
  On an island five minutes from Kavieng, this resort offers traditional-style bungalows, including some built over the sea.