Activities in Island Provinces
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Kavieng Surf Club
Calling all surfers! Kavieng has an up-and-coming surf scene (luckily it's still a fairly secret surfing Nirvana), with a good range of reef breaks, both lefts and rights, that are easily accessible. They vary in difficulty, depending on the size and direction of the swell. From November to late April, swells of up to 2.4m are not unheard of. What makes surfing here so unique is the lack of crowds - utter bliss if you come from, say, Bali.
Even if it's growing in popularity, the Kavieng Surf Club ensures that the number of surfers is kept at a sustainable level thanks to a surf quota system. Among the most thrilling spots are Pikinini, Karanas, Nago Island, Edmago Island,…
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Kabaira Dive Rabaul
It's almost too good to be true: Simpson Harbour offers several first-class wreck dives, while the reefs off the western tip of Gazelle Peninsula are totally unspoiled and positively festooned with healthy, hard and soft corals, sponges, gorgonians and a dizzying array of tropical fish: a perfect combination. Run by the capable Stephen Woolcott, Kabaira Dive Rabaul is based at Kabaira Beach Hideaway, a few finstrokes from splendid reefs.
The main drawback is the location; if you're based in Rabaul, you'll have to fork out about A$40 for transfers, or take a PMV (40 minutes). If you're a keen diver, it's best to base yourself at the Kabaira Beach Hideaway. Good snorkelling…
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Baia Sportfishing Lodge
Sportfishing enthusiasts will make a beeline for Baia Sportfishing Lodge, a reputable, high-standard fishing lodge in remote Baia that attracts Ernest Hemingway fans. It's run by Liamo Reef Resort in Kimbe. The numerous river systems are home to the infamous black bass and spot tail bass, and the neighbouring coral reefs are a playpen for reef and pelagic species, including tuna, wahoo, giant trevally, marlin and sailfish among the prime catches.
There's a minimum stay of four nights. Prices include fishing gear, boat and guide, as well as transfers to Hoskins airport (about 4½ hours by boat).
reviewed
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Cycling
Feel like enjoying the scenery and atmosphere from the saddle instead of a seat in a car or PMV? Cycling is an ecofriendly and cheap way to discover New Ireland's east coast along cycle-friendly Boluminski Hwy. You can choose your own pace and become intimate with local communities. Boluminski Hwy seems to have been purpose-built for cycling, with very little traffic, no pollution, a surfaced road that's perfectly flat, and a number of guesthouses conveniently located along the way.
You can cover the whole stretch in four to five days.
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Arawa to Buin
The Arawa-Buin section (about three hours by vehicle) was still a bit tricky when we visited, due to the odd checkpoint controlled by so-called BRA diehards (locals prefer to call them raskols) south of Aropa. They sometimes turn foreigners back or ask them for whatever money they need. Don't panic: this 'checkpoint' is apparently very occasional, and by the time you read this, there should be no more checkpoints or roadblocks on the island. Monitor the news when you arrive in Buka.
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Pelagic Pursuits
Kavieng has terrific sportfishing. Now is your chance to tackle marlin, tuna, trevally, jack and sailfish. Run by Peter McEwan, Pelagic Pursuits, located inside the Zen 48 store in Kavieng, offers charter fishing trips. The best area extends off the northern tip of Lavongai (New Hanover). Price starts at around K2500 per day for four anglers.
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Island Tours
Further south, Madehas Island, Christmas Island, White Island and Sal Island, blessed with lovely reefs and gorgeous beaches, are well worth the 20- to 30-minute boat ride from Buka. If you want to snorkel, seek permission first from the locals. Island Tours can be arranged with Kuri Village Resort.
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dive centre
Apart from the superb natural surroundings and rare birds, the main attraction here is the unsurpassable diving in Kimbe Bay. You might see anything from a tiny glass shrimp, to a pod of killer whales. The Walindi Plantation Resort has a very professional dive centre.
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surfing
For daredevil surfing fiends, there are wicked waves to catch all through the islands. The best season runs from November to March. The merciless reef off Ahus Island is terrific. It gets up to 3.6m at times, so take care.
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Scuba Ventures
Dorian and Cara run Scuba Ventures, an excellent dive shop on the waterfront. A single boat dive will set you back about A$65 (A$125 for a two-tank dive). An open-water certification costs about A$660.
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Rapopo Dive
Fancy diving? Rapopo Dive, based at Rapopo Plantation Resort, offers a range of day trips Equipment rental is K175. It's an excellent centre that has professional staff.
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Imajica
Imajica offers high standard, week-long cruises off New Ireland aboard a splendid 82-foot schooner, as well as surfaris and diving trips.
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Adventure in Paradise Yacht Charters
Operated by a dynamic couple, Adventure in Paradise Yacht Charters, next door to Nusa Island Retreat, offers 'surfaris' in the area.
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Kabaira Beach Hideway
Offers fishing trips, bushwalking in the Baining Mountains, village visits and 'survival-type' camping trips on offshore islands.
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trekking
Outdoorsy types might consider trekking up the active Mt Garbuna. The area also offers excellent bird-watching possibilities.
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Tabo Meli's Rainbow Tours
Guided cycling tours around Kavieng and down the Boluminski Hwy can be organised through Tabo Meli's Rainbow Tours
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Nusa Island Retreat
Guided cycling tours around Kavieng and down the Boluminski Hwy can be organised through Nusa Island Retreat.
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