Free East New Britain Travel Guide & Mobile App

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East New Britain
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Explore East New Britain’s volcanoes, wartime heritage, Tolai culture, tropical coastlines and island waters from Kokopo and historic Rabaul.

East New Britain occupies the eastern end of New Britain, one of Papua New Guinea’s largest islands, and includes the Gazelle Peninsula, the provincial capital Kokopo, the ruined former town of Rabaul and the scattered Duke of York Islands. The province is shaped by volcanic geography: fertile coastal plains give way to forested hills, active cones rise beside Simpson Harbour, and offshore islands provide a distinct maritime setting. Tokua, near Kokopo, is the principal air gateway, while road travel between Kokopo and Rabaul reveals a landscape where gardens, villages, plantations and volcanoes frequently appear together.
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Kokopo is the province’s administrative and commercial centre, with accommodation, markets, museums and practical services for visitors. Rabaul, once the major town of the region, occupies a vast volcanic caldera and was partly buried by ash during the 1994 eruptions of Tavurvur and Vulcan. Its abandoned streets, damaged buildings and harbour views create a powerful sense of place, although access around active volcanic areas depends on local advice and conditions. The neighbouring settlements of Matupit and nearby coastal communities retain close associations with the Tolai people, whose Kuanua language, gardening traditions, exchange customs and carved or woven arts are important parts of local identity.
The region’s history is visible in several layers. Archaeological evidence reflects long settlement in the Bismarck Archipelago, while the Tolai built complex communities and trading relationships before German colonial rule. Bitapaka War Cemetery and numerous wartime remains recall the First World War capture of the German base at Rabaul, the later Japanese occupation and the heavy Allied campaign during the Second World War. Tunnels, shore installations, wrecks and memorials are distributed around the former military landscape, and should be visited with a knowledgeable local guide where possible.
East New Britain also rewards travellers interested in active landscapes and marine environments. Boat excursions can reach reefs and islands around the Duke of York group, while snorkelling and diving conditions vary with weather, currents and local arrangements. On land, visitors can explore markets, village gardens, coastal roads and viewpoints towards the volcanoes, but the province is not a destination for improvised access: roads, boats, communications and accommodation outside Kokopo can be limited. The most rewarding itineraries allow time for weather changes, local introductions and careful interpretation of a region where living culture, wartime history and volcanic change remain closely connected.

When is the best time to visit East New Britain?

Best: June–August · 29°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January29270
February29250
March29230
April29210
May29190
June (best)29170
July (best)29150
August (best)29170
September29190
October29210
November29230
December29250

Getting to and around East New Britain

How to get there

Tokua Airport, in East New Britain near Kokopo, is the principal air gateway for the province and is generally reached through domestic connections from Port Moresby or other Papua New Guinean centres, depending on current schedules. Kokopo and Rabaul are connected to the airport by road. International visitors normally enter Papua New Guinea through Port Moresby before taking a domestic flight; allow time for transfers and possible schedule changes. There is no routine international passenger airport in East New Britain.

Transportation

Road travel is the main way to move between Tokua, Kokopo, Rabaul and settlements on the Gazelle Peninsula. Private vehicles with experienced local drivers, hotel transfers and organised tours are more practical than relying on infrequent public transport for a sightseeing itinerary. Conditions vary outside the main urban corridor, and heavy rain can affect roads. Boats are used for island excursions, but trips should be arranged locally with experienced operators who understand tides, weather, fuel and landing conditions. Walking is useful in settled areas but not a substitute for transport between dispersed sites.

Top city travel guides in East New Britain

The cities of East New Britain, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Best attractions in East New Britain

East New Britain’s attractions combine active volcanic terrain, wartime archaeology, Tolai culture and tropical marine environments. Rabaul is the central historical landscape, with ash-covered remains, harbour views, Japanese tunnels and military installations spread around the caldera and its surrounding settlements. Tavurvur and Vulcan are visually dominant, but access near them must always follow current volcanic advice. Kokopo provides museums, markets and practical bases for exploring the province, while Bitapaka War Cemetery offers a carefully maintained place of remembrance. Coastal roads and village visits reveal garden cultivation, local craft and everyday life beyond the main towns. Boat excursions from the Gazelle Peninsula can reach the Duke of York Islands, where reefs, beaches and clear-water environments support swimming, snorkelling and diving when conditions permit. The region is best experienced through organised, locally guided excursions rather than independent exploration of unstable ruins, restricted volcanic ground or remote shorelines. Its appeal lies less in a single formal attraction than in the close relationship between living communities, a heavily layered military past and a landscape that remains geologically active.

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Best landmarks in East New Britain

Rabaul’s volcanic caldera is East New Britain’s defining natural landmark, enclosing a harbour and urban landscape altered by the eruptions of Tavurvur and Vulcan. The dark volcanic slopes and ash-covered remnants around the former town give the area a visual character found nowhere else in the province. At Kokopo, Bitapaka War Cemetery is one of the region’s most significant commemorative landmarks, with ordered grounds that contrast with the surrounding tropical vegetation. The Japanese tunnels and wartime installations around Rabaul form a dispersed military landscape rather than a single monument, recalling the town’s role as a major Pacific base during the Second World War. Simpson Harbour remains important for understanding Rabaul’s strategic geography, while the Duke of York Islands provide a contrasting maritime landmark group of low islands, reefs and channels. Churches, village meeting places and market spaces are also meaningful features of the settled landscape, although their significance is often local and access should be arranged with the relevant community.

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Best restaurants in East New Britain

Dining in East New Britain is centred on hotels, guesthouses, local eateries and markets in Kokopo and Rabaul, with fewer formal options once visitors travel into rural or island areas. Meals commonly draw on Papua New Guinea’s wider Melanesian food traditions: taro, sweet potato, cassava, sago, greens, coconut, seasonal fruit and locally caught fish may appear alongside rice and imported staples. Coastal settings make seafood a natural feature, while village cooking may use earth ovens, known in many parts of the Pacific as mumu, though preparation varies between communities. Markets are useful for fruit, vegetables and snacks, but visitors should select food carefully and carry drinking water. Ask locally about Kuanua and Tolai food customs rather than assuming that a dish is unique to the province. Imported beer and soft drinks are available in established venues, while locally produced ingredients and fresh fish provide the clearest sense of East New Britain’s food landscape.

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Best bars in East New Britain

Evening life is concentrated in Kokopo and, to a lesser extent, Rabaul, where hotel bars, restaurants and informal local venues provide the main settings for socialising. The atmosphere is generally low-key rather than centred on a large nightclub circuit, and entertainment may consist of conversation, music, sporting broadcasts or occasional live performances. Some accommodation venues offer a more familiar bar environment for visitors, but opening arrangements and security policies can change. In rural districts and the Duke of York Islands, evenings are usually quiet, with activities shaped by village life, early starts and the availability of electricity. Visitors should avoid walking unfamiliar roads after dark, use arranged transport and follow local advice about where to go. Alcohol is not necessary to engage with the region’s evening culture, and respectful behaviour is particularly important in small communities where visitors are guests rather than anonymous tourists.

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Best nightclubs in East New Britain

Evening life is concentrated in Kokopo and, to a lesser extent, Rabaul, where hotel bars, restaurants and informal local venues provide the main settings for socialising. The atmosphere is generally low-key rather than centred on a large nightclub circuit, and entertainment may consist of conversation, music, sporting broadcasts or occasional live performances. Some accommodation venues offer a more familiar bar environment for visitors, but opening arrangements and security policies can change. In rural districts and the Duke of York Islands, evenings are usually quiet, with activities shaped by village life, early starts and the availability of electricity. Visitors should avoid walking unfamiliar roads after dark, use arranged transport and follow local advice about where to go. Alcohol is not necessary to engage with the region’s evening culture, and respectful behaviour is particularly important in small communities where visitors are guests rather than anonymous tourists.

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Best shops in East New Britain

Shopping in East New Britain is practical and locally focused, with the largest concentration of shops in Kokopo and additional market trade in Rabaul and surrounding settlements. Kokopo’s markets are useful for seasonal fruit, vegetables, betel nut, cooked snacks and everyday goods, while small retailers stock basic supplies and imported products. Visitors may find woven items, carved objects, shell jewellery and locally made handicrafts through markets, cultural visits or craft sellers, but quality and availability vary. Ask who made an item and whether it may legally and appropriately be sold before buying, particularly when shells, feathers, archaeological-looking objects or wartime materials are involved. Regional food products such as cocoa, copra-related goods and tropical produce may be available, though packaging and transport restrictions should be considered. Bargaining is not automatically appropriate everywhere; follow the seller’s lead, agree clearly and pay with small kina notes when possible.

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East New Britain essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Papua New Guinean kina (PGK). Larger hotels, established businesses and some tour providers in Kokopo may accept cards, but connectivity and payment services can be unreliable, particularly outside the provincial centre and on islands. Carry kina in modest denominations for markets, small purchases, transport and village arrangements, while keeping cash secure. Exchange and cash-withdrawal facilities are more limited than in Port Moresby, so visitors should plan their funds before travelling to remote areas.
Safety
Use locally informed transport and accommodation, avoid displaying valuables and seek current advice about areas to visit after dark. Volcanic ash, gases, earthquakes, unstable wartime structures, tropical heat, strong sun and changing sea conditions are practical hazards. Do not enter tunnels, ruins or restricted volcanic zones without permission and appropriate guidance. Roads can be uneven and driving standards vary, while remote areas may have limited communications and medical support. Respect local land access and keep guides informed of your plans.
Emergency Situations
Papua New Guinea’s emergency systems and telephone coverage can be inconsistent outside major settlements. From a mobile phone, dial 112 where the service is available, but do not rely on it as the sole plan: keep the contact details of your accommodation, driver and tour organiser, and ask them how to reach local police, fire or medical services. For volcanic activity, follow instructions from the authorities and the Rabaul Volcano Observatory. Carry essential medication and travel insurance with medical evacuation cover, as specialist treatment may require transfer elsewhere.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress modestly in villages and when visiting churches or community areas, and ask before photographing people, graves, ceremonies, houses or gardens. Seek permission before entering customary land or using beaches and reefs that may be locally managed. Do not remove shells, artefacts or wartime objects, and never handle military debris. In markets, agree prices politely and pay attention to local guidance about betel nut, known locally as buai. Tipping is not a universal obligation, but a modest payment for agreed guiding or exceptional service is appropriate.
Local Tips
Kokopo is the most convenient base, but Rabaul is essential for understanding the province’s volcanic and wartime history. Visit memorials and military sites with interpretation rather than treating them as photo opportunities. Ask accommodation staff about current volcanic conditions, road access and reputable boat operators. Early starts are useful for excursions, especially in hot weather. Local markets offer seasonal produce and a direct view of everyday commerce; buy respectfully and remember that some customary objects are not commercial souvenirs.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloMonin[moh-neen]
GoodbyeNok[noh-k]
YesAyo[ah-yoh]
NoSori[soh-ree]
Please/You're welcomeSori[soh-ree]
Thank youTenkyu[ten-kyoo]
Excuse me/SorrySori[soh-ree]
How are you?Yu orait?[yoo oh-rait]
Fine. And you?Orait. Yu?[oh-rait. yoo?]
Do you speak English?Yu tok Pisin?[yoo tohk pee-sin]
I don't understandMi no save[mee noh sah-veh]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMi likim lukim menu, plis[mee lee-keem loo-keem meh-noo, plees]
I don't eat meatMi no kaikai mit[mee noh kai-kai meet]
Cheers!Kaim[kai-m]
I would like to pay, pleaseMi laikim pai, plis[mee lai-keem pai, plees]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![help!]
Go away!Ronim![roh-neem!]
Call the Police!Kolim polis![koh-leem poh-lees!]
Call a doctor!Kolim doktor![koh-leem dok-tah!]
I'm lostMi lus[mee loos]
I'm illMi sik[mee seek]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Mi likim bai...[mee lee-keem bye...]
I'm just lookingMi lukim tasol[mee loo-keem tah-sol]
How much is it?Hamamas em?[ha-mah-mahs em?]
That's too expensiveEm i tu mipela[em ee too mee-peh-lah]
Can you lower the price?Yu inap daunim prais?[yoo ee-nahp down-im pryce?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Wanem taim em?[wah-nem tah-im em?]
It's one o'clockEm i wan klok[em ee wan klok]
Half past (10)Haf pas (10)[haf pahs (ten)]
MorningMornin[mor-ning]
AfternoonAftanun[af-tah-nun]
EveningIvening[ee-ven-ing]
YesterdayYestedei[yes-teh-day]
TodayTudei[too-day]
TomorrowTumoro[too-moh-roh]
1Wan[wahn]
2Tu[too]
3Tri[tree]
4Foa[foh-ah]
5Faiv[fahyv]
6Siks[siks]
7Sev[sev]
8Eit[ate]
9Nayn[nayn]
10Ten[ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Wea em ...?[weh-em ...?]
What's the address?Wanem adres?[wah-nem ah-dress?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Yu inap soim mi (long map)?[yoo ee-nahp so-im mee (long map)?]
When's the next (bus)?Wen em (bus) i kam?[wen em (bus) ee kahm?]
A ticket (to ....)Wan tiket (go....)[wahn ti-ket (go....)]

History of East New Britain

Early settlement and the Bismarck Archipelago

East New Britain has been inhabited for thousands of years, forming part of the wider Bismarck Archipelago whose archaeological record is important to understanding early Pacific settlement and the development of Lapita culture. Communities adapted to volcanic soils, forest, reefs and sheltered harbours, combining gardening, fishing and exchange. The archaeological story is broader than a single site and includes changing pottery traditions, voyaging connections and long-established coastal occupation. These foundations remain relevant to the region’s living communities, particularly the Tolai people of the Gazelle Peninsula.

Tolai societies before colonial rule

Before European administration, Tolai communities developed organised villages, productive garden systems and extensive networks of exchange across the Gazelle Peninsula and neighbouring islands. Shell valuables known as tabu played an important role in ceremonial and economic relationships, while kinship, land and customary authority shaped community life. Kuanua remains an important Tolai language, alongside Tok Pisin and English in wider public life. Many contemporary cultural practices and local understandings of land can only be understood against this pre-colonial social history.

German New Guinea and the rise of Rabaul

Germany established colonial control over the Bismarck Archipelago in the late nineteenth century, incorporating the region into German New Guinea. Rabaul developed as an administrative and commercial centre because of its deep harbour and strategic position, while plantations and mission activity expanded elsewhere in the Gazelle Peninsula. Colonial rule brought new institutions, labour systems and external markets, but also dispossession, coercion and profound social disruption. The surviving street plans, cemeteries and buildings around Rabaul and Kokopo reflect this period unevenly.

The First World War and Australian administration

In 1914 Australian forces captured the German administrative centre at Rabaul during the opening stages of the First World War. German authority ended, and the territory was subsequently administered under an international mandate before later Australian control. Rabaul continued to function as a major regional port and administrative town. Bitapaka War Cemetery, near Kokopo, commemorates Commonwealth personnel who died during the campaign and is also associated with the first Australian military action resulting in a death during the war.

Japanese occupation and the Second World War

Japanese forces occupied Rabaul in 1942 and transformed the harbour and surrounding area into a major military headquarters and base. Thousands of military personnel and labourers were involved in constructing tunnels, roads, airfields, gun positions and supply facilities. Allied bombing and later isolation damaged the base, but the Japanese position remained significant throughout the New Guinea campaign. Wartime tunnels, wrecks, memorials and overgrown installations remain across the region, although visitors should treat unexploded ordnance and unstable structures as serious hazards.

Volcanic destruction and the growth of Kokopo

Rabaul’s modern history was dramatically reshaped by volcanic eruptions in 1937 and, most decisively, in 1994, when Tavurvur and Vulcan erupted simultaneously. Ash buried or damaged large parts of the town, and provincial administration and commercial activity increasingly shifted to Kokopo. Rabaul remains inhabited and historically important, but its reduced urban footprint and active volcanic setting distinguish it from the expanding provincial centre. The eruptions also demonstrate how geological forces continue to influence settlement, transport and tourism in East New Britain.

East New Britain in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to East New Britain

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Traveling to East New Britain, Papua New Guinea? Make the most of your trip with Evendo, the ultimate app-based travel guide. Whether you're looking to explore the stunning volcanic landscapes of Mount Tavurvur, delve into the rich history of the Kokopo War Museum, or relax on the pristine shores of Rabaul's beaches, Evendo has you covered.

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