New Ireland
New Ireland is a narrow island in Papua New Guinea, known for its coral reefs, traditional malagan carvings and the relaxed harbor town of Kavieng.
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About New Ireland
Kavieng is the capital of Papua New Guinea's New Ireland Province and the main town at the northern tip of New Ireland island. Overlooking Balgai Bay and the Bismarck Sea, it serves as the province's principal port, commercial centre and gateway for travellers drawn to the region's reefs, islands and war history.
The town developed as a colonial trading post in the early 1900s and later passed through German and Australian administration before Japanese occupation during the Second World War. Today Kavieng remains a compact tropical settlement, with its wharf, market, churches and modest colonial-era buildings reflecting its layered history.
New Ireland is strongly associated with malagan carvings and ceremonies, and local craft traditions remain an important part of cultural life around Kavieng. The waterfront market is a lively place to see fresh fish, mud crabs, lobster and garden produce, while nearby Nusa Island and Kavieng Harbour provide access to snorkelling, kayaking and some of Papua New Guinea's best-known dive sites.
The surrounding coast offers much more than the town centre. Dive operators visit WWII shipwrecks and aircraft wrecks, surfers head to breaks along the Boluminski Highway, and visitors can explore coastal villages, Pam Falls, limestone formations and lookout points within a short drive of town.
For leisure travellers, Kavieng is a base for diving, fishing, surfing and island stays. For business and government visitors, it is the administrative and trading centre of New Ireland, connected to Port Moresby and other regional towns by regular flights through Kavieng Airport.
New Ireland Travel Guide
Best Time to Visit
The drier months from May to October generally bring calmer seas, making them the most popular period for diving, snorkelling and boat trips. Kavieng has a warm tropical climate year-round, with heavier rain and more variable sea conditions common from November to April.
How to Get Around
Kavieng town is compact enough to explore on foot, while taxis and PMV minibuses handle short trips around the centre. Boats connect Kavieng with Nusa Island and other nearby islands, and rental cars are useful for travelling the Boluminski Highway along the coast.
Where to Stay
Accommodation ranges from hotels and guesthouses near the town centre to waterfront lodges and island retreats such as Nusa Island. Dive-focused stays are common, while budget guesthouses offer a simpler base close to the market, wharf and shops.
Food & Drink
Fresh seafood is central to eating in Kavieng, with reef fish, lobster and mud crabs available through the market and local restaurants. Tropical fruit and garden produce feature alongside dishes built on staples such as taro and sago, and lodges typically offer a mix of local and international meals.
Ground Transportation Services in New Ireland
Airport Transfers
Travel between Kavieng Airport (KVG) and hotels, guesthouses, the town centre, the wharf and the Nusa Island boat jetty.
Hourly Chauffeur
Book a private driver by the hour for business meetings, sightseeing, coastal stops and flexible travel around Kavieng.
Car Rental
Rent a vehicle in Kavieng for independent trips along the Boluminski Highway, visits to coastal villages and access to surf and dive points.
Bus & Group Transfers
Arrange minibuses or charter buses for dive groups, tour groups, corporate travel, events, airport transfers and sightseeing in and around Kavieng.
Airports in New Ireland
Frequently Asked Questions
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