Kokopo

Kokopo is the capital of East New Britain Province in Papua New Guinea, located on the Gazelle Peninsula of New Britain island. It became the provincial capital in 1994 after volcanic eruptions devastated nearby Rabaul, and it now serves as the main gateway to the region's volcano landscapes, World War II history and dive sites.

Kokopo's history reaches back to the German colonial era, when the settlement was known as Herbertshöhe. Today that layered past is visible at the Kokopo War Museum, also called the East New Britain Historical & Cultural Centre, and at the Bitapaka War Cemetery, which commemorates soldiers from the First World War.

The town itself is compact and relaxed, centred on the lively Kokopo Market and a waterfront with views toward the volcanoes. Day trips connect visitors with the still-active Tavurvur volcano, Rabaul's Simpson Harbour, hot springs, Japanese wartime tunnels and the Duke of York Islands.

Kokopo is the administrative and commercial centre of the province and the Islands Region, with a local economy built on copra, cocoa, fisheries and a growing tourism and dive industry. Beachfront resorts, plantation lodges and guesthouses cater to both divers and business travellers attending provincial and regional meetings.

For travellers, Kokopo offers a practical base that is close to the airport, quieter than Rabaul and well positioned for volcano treks, wreck and reef diving, war-history tours and island excursions.