Papua New Guinea Volcanoes

Papua New Guinea (PNG) sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it one of the most volcanically active countries in the world. Its rugged terrain, island chains, and dramatic coastlines have been formed and reshaped by frequent eruptions over thousands of years. From towering stratovolcanoes to submarine vents, PNG’s volcanoes are central to its geography, biodiversity, and cultural history.

This guide covers key facts about volcanoes in Papua New Guinea, including how many are active, notable eruption sites like Rabaul and Mount Lamington, and what makes the country one of Earth’s most geologically dynamic regions.

Papua New Guinea

How Many Active Volcanoes in Papua New Guinea?

Papua New Guinea has 39 volcanoes, with at least 14 currently classified as active, including Mount Tavurvur (Rabaul) and Mount Lamington. Most are part of the Bismarck Volcanic Arc, formed by tectonic subduction between the Pacific and Australian Plates.

Why Is Papua New Guinea So Volcanically Active?

Papua New Guinea is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where the Australian Plate and Pacific Plate collide. This tectonic interaction creates intense geological activity, including the formation of volcanic arcs, frequent earthquakes, and geothermal systems. Subduction of the Pacific Plate beneath the Australian Plate drives most volcanic activity in the region.

Tectonic Activity and Volcanic Zones

Plate Boundary	Volcanic Region	Key Volcanoes
Australian Plate ↘ Pacific Plate	Bismarck Volcanic Arc	Rabaul (Tavurvur), Langila, Ulawun
Australian Plate ↘ Solomon Sea Plate	New Britain & Bougainville Arc	Bagana, Lolobau, Pago
Australian Plate ↘ Woodlark Plate	D’Entrecasteaux Islands Arc	Fergusson Island volcanoes (e.g. Lamonai)

These boundaries produce a mix of stratovolcanoes, calderas, and submarine volcanoes, many of which remain active or potentially active.

Most Famous Volcanoes in Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea is home to several high-profile volcanoes, many of which remain active or show intermittent activity. These volcanoes have shaped landscapes, communities, and historical events across the country.

Volcano	Province	Type	Last Eruption	Notes
Tavurvur	East New Britain	Stratovolcano	Ongoing	Part of the larger Rabaul Caldera, known for frequent ash plumes and local disruptions.
Mount Lamington	Oro Province	Stratovolcano	1951	Caused over 3,000 deaths in PNG’s deadliest eruption. Now dormant but historically significant.
Ulawun	West New Britain	Stratovolcano	2019	Tallest volcano in PNG and one of the most active in the South Pacific.
Manam	Madang	Stratovolcano	2022	Highly active. Thousands of residents have been permanently relocated.
Kadovar	East Sepik	Stratovolcano	2018	Unexpected reactivation after centuries of dormancy.
Bagana	Bougainville	Lava dome	Frequent	Isolated and consistently active, producing regular ash emissions.

These volcanoes highlight PNG’s geological volatility and are closely monitored by the Rabaul Volcanological Observatory and international agencies.

Rabaul Papua New Guinea Volcano System

The Rabaul Caldera is one of Papua New Guinea’s most active and studied volcanic systems. Located in East New Britain, it includes several vents, most notably Tavurvur and Vulcan.

In 1994, a twin eruption from Tavurvur and Vulcan destroyed much of Rabaul town, burying infrastructure under ash and forcing mass evacuations. Since then, the provincial capital has been relocated to Kokopo, about 20 km away.

Today, Rabaul remains a centre for volcano tourism, offering visitors access to:

Active vents with visible emissions
Thermal hot springs and bubbling mud pools
WWII bunkers and shipwrecks beneath the ash layers

The Rabaul Volcanological Observatory monitors the site closely, and guided tours allow safe access to key vantage points.

Mount Lamington – History and Impact

Mount Lamington, located in Oro Province, is best known for its catastrophic eruption on 21 January 1951, which killed almost 3,000 people. It remains one of Papua New Guinea’s deadliest natural disasters.

The eruption produced pyroclastic flows and ash that obliterated entire villages, including Higaturu, the former provincial capital. Thousands more were displaced, and emergency response efforts became one of the earliest examples of coordinated international disaster relief in PNG.

In the aftermath, Popondetta was established as the new capital and centre of recovery. The event reshaped local geography and community structures.

Today, Mount Lamington is closely monitored by the Rabaul Volcanological Observatory. While dormant, it stands as a powerful symbol of both natural force and community resilience.

Mount Giluwe – PNG’s Volcanic Giant of the Highlands

Mount Giluwe, located in the Western Highlands, is Papua New Guinea’s second-highest mountain at 4,367 metres. While it’s no longer active, it’s an eroded stratovolcano that once dominated the highlands with volcanic force.

Today, it’s recognised as one of the Volcanic Seven Summits – the tallest volcanic peaks on each continent – making it a sought-after climb for international mountaineers. The summit is covered in alpine grasslands, with occasional snow during colder months, offering a rare contrast to PNG’s tropical lowlands.

Giluwe’s ancient volcanic origins have shaped much of the surrounding landscape, influencing soil fertility, vegetation patterns, and local microclimates. Though it no longer erupts, its legacy as one of the world’s highest volcanic landforms continues to attract geologists, hikers, and adventurers alike.

Visiting Volcanoes in PNG: What to Know

Several volcanoes in Papua New Guinea are open to visitors through local tour operators and community guides. Always confirm access conditions before travel.

Tavurvur (Rabaul): Walk to the crater rim, observe active steam vents, and visit hot springs nearby. Tours often include WWII tunnels and sites around Kokopo.
Mount Lamington Region (Oro Province): Explore historical sites, eruption memorials, and local museums in Popondetta.
Manam Island: Highly active and remote, access is often restricted. Travel requires permits and escort by provincial authorities.

Always travel with a licensed local guide and check volcanic activity updates from the Rabaul Volcanological Observatory.

Volcano Tourism Tips & Safety Advice

Is it safe to travel to see volcanoes in Papua New Guinea?

Yes, many travellers safely visit active volcanic sites in Papua New Guinea every year, especially in areas like Rabaul, Tufi, and Manam. However, understanding the conditions and taking local advice seriously is essential.

Safety Tips for Volcano Visitors

Check Alerts: Always check the Rabaul Volcanological Observatory or local authorities for current activity warnings before visiting any volcano.
Travel With a Guide: Local guides are familiar with the terrain, cultural protocols, and safety procedures. This is especially important in remote areas like Bagana or Ulawun.
Wear Appropriate Gear: If trekking near volcanoes or through ash zones, wear closed shoes, a hat, and a mask or cloth to cover your nose and mouth.
Respect Local Communities: Many volcanoes are considered culturally significant. Always ask before taking photos and follow community guidance.

Is It Safe to Travel to Papua New Guinea?

Most visits to PNG are trouble-free, but it’s important to be aware and prepared:

Stick to Known Routes: Areas like East New Britain (Rabaul/Kokopo) and Tufi have well-developed tourism infrastructure.
Use Reputable Operators: Whether flying, trekking, or diving, go with established companies that prioritise safety.
Stay Informed: Some parts of PNG may have travel advisories. Check your country’s official travel advice before planning your trip.
Respect the Weather: PNG’s tropical climate can impact travel, especially during the wet season (Nov–Apr). Always allow for flexibility.

Emergency Contact & Support

PNG has emergency coordination services in major centres like Port Moresby and Kokopo.
In volcanic zones, evacuation plans are in place and local communities are trained to respond quickly if needed.

Travelling to see PNG’s volcanoes is safe when done with care, planning, and respect for local knowledge. The experience is often life-changing, offering not only striking landscapes, but a deep connection to nature, resilience, and culture.