Things to do in New Ireland Province
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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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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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Bagail Cemetery
The closest thing Kavieng has to a regular 'sight' is the Bagail Cemetery, where Baron Boluminski was buried. The tough guy's grave is right before you as you enter the cemetery.
The tyrannical German Baron Boluminski became district officer of Kavieng in 1910 and built the highway that bears his name by forcing each village along the coast to construct and maintain a section. He made villagers push his carriage over any deteriorated sections.
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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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Punter's Palace
A very friendly kai bar which is packed with locals at lunchtime. Dig into budget savouries such as stews, fried fish or chicken and chips, and you'll leave patting your tummy contently. The food is fresh and hygienically prepared. Copious pizzas are also available but you'll have to order them a couple of hours in advance.
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Namatanai
This is the second-largest town on New Ireland Province; it has a hotel, supermarket and a few stores (but no bank). Namatanai was an important station in the days of German occupation. Now it's just a transit point on a pretty bay. You'll get electricity only from 18:00 to 22:00, despite the local hydro project.
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Libba
Located 4km south of Bol, Libba village is a great place to look at Malagan art and stock up on handicrafts. The village is home to master carver Ben Sisia. Ben charges to see the Malagan house - be very respectful. Even the village church is carved in the local style.
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Sot Kat
Another buzzing kai bar that is off the radar for most visitors but comes recommended by savvy locals. It's a good-value stomach filler for those in need of some honestly prepared stews, and fish and chips at puny prices. Good roast chicken, too.
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Kavieng Harbour
Kavieng Harbour is large and beautiful. You can go down to the waterfront and catch a banana boat out to one of the many islands. New Sulaman makes for a good picnic and snorkel. You can negotiate a 'drop me off, pick me up later' trip.
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Cathy Hiob's Eels
At the 90km on the Boluminski Highway mark it's worth pulling over to see Cathy Hiob's Eels at Laraibina (ask for Munawai village). Cathy handfeeds some huge eels in the river, which slither right past your hands. Bring a tin of fish.
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Matanasoi
Leaving Kavieng, the first major settlement is Matanasoi (or Liga) village, about 5km along the highway from Kavieng airport. There's a limestone cave filled with crystal-clear water. The Japanese used this grotto for drinking water.
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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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Kavieng Market
The bustling Kavieng Market has a good range of fresh fruit and vegetables including the giant, yellow hand grenade-like pandanus fruit. You'll also find several well-stocked supermarkets in town.
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Provincial Government Buildings
The southern section of Nusa Parade continues past the market and further along on the left are the Provincial Government Buildings, built on the site of Baron Boluminski's residence.
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Tsang Sang Bakery
The only bakery in town has fresh bread and sweet cakes available from about 07:00. There's not much left after 15:00. It's pretty basic and super cheap.
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Fissoa
Fancy a dip? Dunk yourself in a crystal-clear, natural swimming pool upstream from the bridge at Fissoa, in the grounds of the Fissoa Vocational Centre.
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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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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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Konos
In Konos you can arrange for a boat to take you to Tabar Island. There are a few good beaches near the village.
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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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