Going to New Britain/New Ireland PNG in 2 months - where to stay?

Where are the places you most recommend to stay in New Britain/New Ireland? I'll be there for 6 weeks, and will be in Rabaul for the Mask Festival. Do you recommend a specific guide you liked who can take me to the Baining Fire festival? I also want to get into the ocean for some snorkeling time - where are your favorite places?

I prefer the cheaper accommodation options, but am willing to pay a bit more for a highly recommended place.

Thanks!!!

WOW, 2 months just for those 2 islands - a welcome change from posters who wish to see half of Oceania in one month! :-)

I really think you'll have ample time to find the best spots on both islands.
New Ireland has more possibilities, namely lots of cheap (for PNG) village guesthouses. Ones on islands off NI proper are likely to be near good reefs.

NB is more problematic as its road network is limited.
If you stick to the Rabaul region, Kabaira may be your best bet for budget(ish) accommodation, and you should be able to join their dive trips for snorkeling.

Thanks for your reply. Did you go anywhere else in New Britain? How did you like it?
Were you sticking with the islands north of Kavieng or did you see more of New Ireland?
Thanks!

One more thing I meant to ask - do you think I need to book the guesthouses ahead of time since I will be there in July or can I just show up and easily get rooms?

I never ever booked anything in advance in PNG myself.
Other than a brief stop in Kimbe, I only visited northern New Britain.
I hike in the Baining Mts was as remote as I got there.
I liked NI much more.
On NI I went as far as Tatau in the Tabar Is, but even the northern islands closer to Kavieng are very pretty.

No need to book in advance. In Kavieng go to the tourist info office near the post office. They're pretty helpful. Pick p food in Kavieng, too. Cooking at most guest houses is unimaginative