New Britain Travel Guide

Plan the perfect trip to New Britain with this comprehensive travel guide, featuring points of interest, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, accommodation options, safety and health, transportation, and nearby destinations to explore.


Introduction to New Britain

New Britain is one of the largest islands in Papua New Guinea, situated in the Bismarck Archipelago in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It is a volcanic island with a rich cultural and natural history, providing visitors with a unique travel experience. New Britain is renowned for its diverse birdlife, stunning beaches, and awe-inspiring landscapes, including volcanoes, rainforests, and coral reefs. It is also home to numerous traditional villages where visitors can experience the local culture and traditions.

List of Places to Visit in New Britain

New Britain is a destination for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and culture enthusiasts with many different attractions to explore.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • New Ireland Museum: This museum holds an impressive collection of artifacts from New Ireland and New Britain, including traditional clothing, war shields, and pottery.
  • Tavurvur: This active volcano offers up-close views of lava vents and bubbling mud pools.
  • Kokopo War and Cultural Museum: Provides information on the military history of Kokopo and also showcases examples of local art.

Natural Attractions of New Britain: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Rabaul: This town is the hub for most of the tours and attractions in the region, including diving and snorkeling in its vibrant coral reefs.
  • Kimbe Bay: This bay is home to a diverse and pristine coral reef system that attracts visitors from around the world.
  • Mt. Tavurvur: Sign up to hike up this active volcano and witness its incredible eruptions.

Hiking/Biking Routes of New Britain

New Britain is a paradise for adventure sports enthusiasts, offering exhilarating hiking and biking routes with scenic views of the island’s stunning natural beauty.

  • Nakanai Mountains: This mountain range offers several hiking trails ranging from 1-4 days with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Baining Mountains: This mountain range is home to the fire dance, and visitors can go on a guided hike to the villages that keep this tradition alive.
  • Kokopo War and Cultural Museum: Hike up to the museum through the dense forest for beautiful panoramic views of Kokopo Town and the surrounding area.

Best Things to Do in New Britain: Activities and Tours

New Britain offers a wide range of activities, from cultural experiences to water sports adventures.

  • Diving and snorkeling: Visit Rabaul or Kimbe Bay to explore the vibrant coral reefs with crystal-clear water and stunning marine life.
  • Cultural experiences: Visit traditional villages or join in cultural events, such as the fire dance or the Mask Festival.
  • Explore nature: Take a guided tour through the region’s rainforests or hike up Mount Tavurvur to witness incredible eruptions.

Week-Long Itinerary for New Britain

Day 1 - Arrive in Rabaul Day 2 - Visit Kimbe Bay Day 3 - Explore Nakanai Mountains Day 4 - Cultural experiences in traditional villages Day 5 - Diving and snorkeling at Rabaul Day 6 - Hike up Mt.Tavurvur Day 7 - Departure

Food and Drink Scene of New Britain

The food scene in New Britain is flavorful and influenced by the region’s indigenous cultures and colonial past.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Kokoda: A traditional dish consisting of raw fish marinated in lemon juice and mixed with coconut cream and other spices.
  • Taro: A starchy root vegetable that is used in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, and bread.
  • Prawns: A popular seafood ingredient in many dishes.

Local Beverages

  • SP Lager: A local beer that is brewed in Port Moresby and is a popular drink in the region.
  • Coconut Milk: Commonly used in meals and refreshing to drink on hot days.
  • Alcoholic Cocktails: These are made with local ingredients, including coconut milk and fruit juices.

Where to Stay in New Britain: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

New Britain has a variety of accommodation options to choose from, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses.

  • Gazelle International Hotel: Located in Kokopo, this hotel provides guests with modern amenities, great food, and excellent service.
  • Kabaira Beach Hideaway: Located in Kimbe Bay, this accommodation option is situated on a private beach and offers guests a real escape from the busy city life.
  • Rapopo Plantation Resort: Overlooking the turquoise waters of the Simpson Harbour, this hotel is perfect for travelers seeking luxury amenities, such as a spa and an outdoor pool.

What to Buy in New Britain: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

New Britain offers unique souvenirs for travelers to take home, including:

  • Traditional Carvings: Made from wood or stone, these carvings are usually of animals or masks that are reflective of the island’s cultural heritage.
  • Shell jewelry: The island is home to various shell species, which are used to make necklaces, bracelets, and other jewelry items.
  • Coconut oil: Often considered a miracle oil, coconut oil is common in Papua New Guinea and can be found in many stores.

Local Culture and Customs of New Britain

The local culture in New Britain is rich and rooted in tradition. Visitors should respect the local customs, including dress etiquette, asking permission before taking pictures, and learning about customs from the locals.

Best Time to Visit New Britain

The best time to visit New Britain is from May to October when the weather is dry and temperatures are mild, with average highs of 28℃. Avoid visiting during November and April as these are the wettest months, with high humidity and heavy rainfall.

Do’s and Don’ts of New Britain

Do:

  • Dress conservatively when visiting traditional villages out of respect for the local culture.
  • Pay attention to the customs of the local people and respect their privacy.
  • Get travel information and book tours from only certified providers.

Don’t:

  • Don’t take photographs of people or things without permission.
  • Don’t touch or remove cultural artifacts in museums or traditional villages.
  • Don’t litter or damage the island’s natural environments.

Safety and Health

Safety in New Britain

New Britain is generally safe, but it is advisable to take precautions when traveling around to avoid becoming a target of petty crimes. Visitors should not travel alone and avoid traveling at night without a guide. It is also advisable to avoid political rallies or protests.

Health in New Britain

There are many health risks associated with traveling to Papua New Guinea. Visitors should receive all necessary vaccinations before traveling, including typhoid, polio, and hepatitis A and B. Visitors should also be aware of the risk of malaria and dengue fever, which are common in the area.

Getting to New Britain: Transportation Options and Logistics

Visitors can enter New Britain through the Hoskins or Tokua airports. The airports are serviced by local and international airlines, including Air Niugini, PNG Air, and Virgin Australia. Traveling by ferry is also an option, with ferries running between New Britain and Rabaul, Kavieng, and Kimbe.

Airports Near New Britain

  • Tokua Airport (Rabaul)
  • Hoskins Airport (Kimbe)

Bus Stations Near New Britain

  • Rabaul Bus Station

Other Options

  • Taxis: Taxis are available throughout the region, but it is advisable to agree on a price with the driver before starting the ride.
  • Car Rentals: Several car rental services are available in the region, but it is advisable to have a driver or guide with knowledge of the areas to navigate through.

How to Get Around in New Britain

New Britain has public transportation available, but it is not reliable. Visitors can rent a car or hire a driver to navigate through the island. Taxis are also available, but prices can be high.

Where to Go Next from New Britain: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Kavieng: Located on the northern tip of New Ireland, Kavieng is renowned for its world-class diving and snorkeling spots and unspoiled beaches.
  • Rabaul: An hour’s flight away, Rabaul is a town located on the eastern end of New Britain and is a hub for most of the travel tours and attractions in the area.
  • Port Moresby: The capital city of Papua New Guinea is a two-hour flight from New Britain, offering visitors a chance to experience the country’s urban life and bustling shopping centers.

Conclusion

New Britain is a unique destination with something to offer for everyone. It is a place where visitors can experience the local culture, explore scenic views, and indulge in adventure sports. With this comprehensive travel guide, visitors can plan a perfect vacation in New Britain.

New Britain's topography New Britain's topography Rabaul with Tarvuvur volcano still active in 2007 Rabaul with Tarvuvur volcano still active in 2007


    Kimbe
    Rabaul