New Ireland non-diving/beach activities

I'm planning on going to Kavieng in July with a friend. I've searched the forum but can only find info regarding beaches and diving/snorkelling. My friend dives but I don't, so we want sea but also land/cultural activities.

I'd be great to hear any recommendations for land tours, village visits, interesting things to see on land in New Ireland and smaller islands.

I've also heard there's interesting traditional art is made in New Ireland. Can anyone recommend where I could see some and maybe buy a few local pieces? I'm assuming there won't be any shops as such.

I'm also open to recommendations NOT to visit New Ireland and go somewhere else in PNG instead, like Bougainville or Milne Bay if those locations give a better all round experience, not just beaches. We're already booked for Kimbe and Rabaul.

Thanks, guys!

I only saw a selection of local art for sale at the Nusa Island Retreat.

The best of that is made on the Tabar Islands, which are also good places to experience local village life and culture. I visited Tatau, and caught a local "Mother's Day" celebration with traditional dances, costumes, feasting. It was a great time to see local culture but of course catching uch an event requires luck.

I found New Ireland friendlier and more attractive than either New Britain or Bougainville.

Hey Laszlo, thanks for the info!

How did you get to the Tabar Islands, and can you recommend somewhere to stay and activities there? There's so little info available online any advice is much appreciated.

And that goes for any tips you might have for New Ireland, Kavieng, etc in general!

I hitched a ride with locals heading there from the mainland, and stayed wuth the same people.
In Kavieng I stayed at the church-run Peter Torot Center - the cheapest commercial accommodation I found in PNG.

Thanks!

you can travel down the boluminski highway hopping from village to village
the scenery is stunning - you can find hot springs and streams if you ask around
but do ask and get permission before just wandering around on private land

Thanks, @majordom. Is that a day trip or does it take a while to get down the highway?

you can easily do a day trip using PMV but most villages have some form of guest house
if you want to stay overnight and back to kavieng the next day

given the choice though i would get out to the smaller islands if you can get transport
there and back

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