Papua New Guinea is a magnificent country, amazingly biodiverse and with some of the most beautiful and rugged terrain to be found anywhere. For travellers looking for the road less travelled, Papua New Guinea will both entrance and intrigue. With very little tourism infrastructure you can feel like you’re stepping into the great unknown – but this is exactly what is so compelling about this country.
With an amazing biodiversity, Papua New Guinea is only one-ninth as big as Australia, yet it has just as many mammal species, and more kinds of birds and frogs. A mirror of Australia, both countries share a common history going back tens of millions of years. Australia however, is flat and dry, while Papua New Guinea is wet and mountainous.
Papua New Guinea has several thousand separate communities, many with only a few hundred people. This is a country divided not just by customs and tradition, but by language, and is home to over one third of the world’s languages.
Of all regions, Rabaul is one that will fill you with awe. On 19 September 1994 Mt Tavurvur erupted, spewing huge amounts of ash over Rabaul, and the Simpson Harbour and Karavia Bay area. Almost the entire old town of Rabaul remains buried in deep, black volcanic ash, with terrain resembling a moonscape. The volcano is still active and continues to belch huge plumes of smoke into the sky.
Rabaul was mostly abandoned, though, thanks to the deep water, its port facilities keep the town alive. However the commercial and residential district has been moved to Kokopo, only 20 minutes away.
Day 1 Rabaul
Upon arrival in Rabaul, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, the lovely and relaxing Kokopo Beach Bungalows. The airport is located about an hour from Rabaul, and the road, though narrow, provides a captivating view as it winds its way around the glittering waters of the Gazelle Peninsula. Through the coconut trees villages of thatched huts surrounded by colourful flowerbeds and tropical fruit trees, you can look out over calm waters.
East New Britain has a fascinating World War II history and you will have the opportunity to explore Japanese caved systems, barged tunnels, aircraft wrecks and submarines. This afternoon you may wish to relax and enjoy this beautiful area. Overnight: Kokopo Beach Bungalows
Day 2 Volcano Harbour Cruise (B)
Our harbor cruise takes you up close to both volcanoes (Mt Vulcan – dormant and Mt Tavurvur – active). Cruise into the famous Simpsons Harbor, see the ‘Beehives’ (two remarkable rocks in the middle of the harbor), cruise around Matupit Island to the hot springs, with the highlight of the trip getting off at the base of Mt Tavurvur to see the men from Matupit Island ‘mine’ the Megapod eggs.
It is an experience to see these men mine the eggs by literally digging holes of 1-2m deep in the ash in an attempt to find the eggs. Continue on to Pigeon Island to do some snorkeling. Pigeon Island is a nature reserve and hosts some spectacular marine life. If you are lucky on the way you will see pods of wild dolphins that frequent Blanche Bay. We can arrange a picnic for you on the island or you can return to the Resort for lunch. Overnight: Kokopo Beach Bungalows
Day 3 Gazelle Peninsula Tour (B)
Discover the history of East New Britain with your full day Gazelle Peninsula Tour. You will visit the Bitapaka War Memorial Cemetery which is the resting place of many allied servicemen. Then visit the Kokopo Museum which hosts an extensive range of war relics and reminders of the Japanese and German occupation of East New Britain. Continue on to visit the various Japanese Barge tunnels and arrive in Rabaul for lunch. Then go up as close as possible to the Volcanos and hot springs finishing with a visit to the Volcano Observatory. Overnight: Kokopo Beach Bungalows
Day 4 Duke of York Island Tour (B,L,D)
The Duke of York Islands is an unspoiled group of islands located to the east of the Resort. By boat it is approximately 40 minutes to the islands, and on arrival there is plenty of time to snorkel and swim in aqua waters and picnic on white sandy beaches.
The hospitality of the islanders will be evident as you are shown to your guesthouse and made to feel welcome. Though modest in design, your accommodation will enhance your appreciation of the culture of Papua New Guinea and the nature of a simple lifestyle that does not rely on the trappings of materialism. Overnight: Guesthouse
Day 5 Duke of York Island Tour (B)
This morning you will have the opportunity to relax and spend time with locals, learning more about their lives on the islands. You may enjoy a nature walk to the tip of the island, where you will have the opportunity to visit the remains of Queen Emma’s plantation residence. Emma Coe, born in Samoa in 1850 of mixed American/Samoan parentage, was educated in Australia and the States before returning, against her father’s will, to Samoa.
In 1878, after the death of her first husband at sea, she and Thomas Farrel began a trading business in Mioko on the Duke of York Islands. She became the first real planter in PNG when she established a plantation at Ralum.
An exceptionally smart business woman, she enjoyed a lavish lifestyle including legendary parties in her mansion Gunantambu. In particular she liked men’s company, acquiring a number of husbands and lovers over her life-time became known as Queen Emma – a legend in her own lifetime.
Return by boat to Kokopo, where the remainder of your day is at leisure. Overnight: Kokopo Beach Bungalows (BLD)
Day 6
Tour ends (B)
After breakfast, a transfer from the hotel will take you to Jackson’s International Airport for your onward journey.
Tour Details
Inclusions
- 6 day tour ex Rabaul
- Double / Twin share hotel accommodation with ensuite bathrooms
- Gazelle Peninsula Tour (full day)
- Volcano Harbor Tour (half day)
- Duke of Island Tour (Overnight)
- All ground transfers
- Meals as indicated
- Local guides
Exclusions
- All flights
- Passport & Visa costs
- Travel insurance
- All items of a personal nature
Cost
Land component
$1,495 – 6 day tour
Single Supplement
$1,495
The Fine Print
- A non-refundable deposit of $1,000 is required to secure a booking. The remaining monies are payable 60 days prior to departure.
- Travel Insurance is highly recommended.
- Visas can be arranged prior to travel, or on arrival in Papua New Guinea.
- Please check trekking and adventure terms and conditions on website.
