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The New Guinea Islands (NGI) Region of Papua New Guinea is known for coral reefs, volcanic landscapes, island culture, and coastal communities. The region includes 5 provinces: Autonomous Region of Bougainville, East New Britain Province, Manus Province, New Ireland Province, and West New Britain Province.
Located across the Bismarck and Solomon Seas, the NGI Region offers access to some of PNG’s clearest waters, active volcanoes, WWII history sites, and remote island experiences. Travellers visit for diving, snorkelling, cultural encounters, and time spent across PNG’s island environments.
The NGI Region sits to the north and east of mainland Papua New Guinea and includes island chains spread across the Bismarck Sea and Solomon Sea.
The region consists of large islands such as New Britain and Bougainville, along with smaller island groups including Manus and New Ireland. Key travel hubs include Rabaul, Kokopo, Kavieng, Lorengau, Kimbe, Buka and Arawa.
| Fact | Detail |
| Region | New Guinea Islands Region |
| Provinces | 5 |
| Key Hubs | Rabaul, Kokopo, Kavieng, Lorengau, Kimbe, Buka, Arawa |
| Known For | Diving, islands, volcanoes, WWII history, culture |
The New Guinea Islands Region stands out for its marine biodiversity, island landscapes, and coastal culture.
The region differs from the Highlands through its warm climate, ocean access, and strong connection to island living. Communities are closely linked to the sea, with fishing, reef knowledge, and coastal traditions shaping daily life.
Travellers experience:
Each province offers a different mix of reef, culture, and landscape.
The Islands Region includes 5 provinces, each offering distinct island experiences.
Province | What It’s Known For |
Remote islands, WWII sites, cultural identity | |
Rabaul volcanoes, museums, WWII history, cultural festivals | |
Remote islands, lagoons, vibrant culture | |
Kavieng, surfing, diving, Malagan culture | |
Kimbe Bay, coral reefs, marine biodiversity |
Diving defines travel across the NGI Region. Areas such as Kimbe Bay in West New Britain Province and Kavieng in New Ireland Province provide access to magnificent coral reefs, rare fish species, reef sharks and diverse marine life. While in East New Britain, swim with dolphins near the Duke of York Islands. Snorkelling is widely available in the region in shallow lagoon areas and around offshore islands.
Discover world-class, off-grid surfing in the New Guinea Islands. In New Ireland Province, ride uncrowded waves at Rubio Plantation Retreat, a secluded beachfront escape near Namatanai. For a more immersive surf adventure, join a liveaboard charter with PNG Surfaris, offering access to remote breaks around Kavieng and Nusa Island Retreat.
Further northwest in Manus Province, stay at Chopon Surf Club, where consistent waves meet laid-back island living. Beyond surfing, enjoy paddleboarding, snorkelling, and exploring pristine marine environments.
Cast off on an unforgettable fishing adventure in the New Guinea Islands. Join Baia Sportfishing and explore remote rivers in search of prized Niugini and Spot Tail Bass.
Offshore, the deep waters of the Bismarck Sea deliver world-class game fishing, with opportunities to target blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi (dorado), wahoo and dogtooth tuna.
Volcanic forces have shaped some of Papua New Guinea’s most dramatic scenery, particularly around Rabaul and Talasea. Towering calderas, ash-strewn plains and rugged coastal formations tell the story of powerful eruptions that continue to define the landscape today.
In Rabaul, watch a magical sunrise near Mount Tavurvur, enjoy megapode eggs and plantains cooked in naturally heated pools, offering a unique taste of the land itself. Over in West New Britain, unwind at the soothing Garu Hot River, where warm mineral waters flow through lush surroundings – perfect for a restorative dip after a day of exploration.
Cultural experiences take place in coastal villages across all provinces. Visitors engage with fishing communities, observe traditional practices, and learn about local customs tied to the ocean. Best places to stay for rich cultural experiences are Clem’s Place on Tunnung Island, New Ireland; Pangpang Paradise Island in the Duke of York Islands, East New Britain; and Pokpok Island’s Uruna Bay Retreat provide a rare glimpse into community life in the eastern part of Bougainville Island (ARoB).
The NGI Region contains numerous World War II sites, particularly in East New Britain Province and Bougainville. Visitors can explore museums, memorials, aircraft wrecks, tunnels, and historical locations connected to the Pacific campaign.
The Islands Region reflects a strong connection between people and the ocean.
Communities rely on fishing, reef systems, and coastal trade. Cultural practices include storytelling, canoe use, traditional cooking, and ceremonial gatherings linked to island identity.
Across the region, visitors can experience:
Cultural interaction forms a key part of travelling through the Islands Region.
The Islands Region features some of Papua New Guinea’s most diverse marine environments.
Coral reefs, lagoons, and offshore islands dominate the landscape. Kimbe Bay in West New Britain Province is recognised for its marine biodiversity, while the waters around New Ireland Province support reef systems and diving sites.
Other natural features include:
These environments support both tourism and local livelihoods.
The easiest way to travel through the Islands Region is by combining domestic flights and boat transfers.
Flights connect Port Moresby to Rabaul, Kavieng, Kimbe, Lorengau, Buka and Kieta. From these locations, boats provide access to smaller islands and coastal areas.
Due to distance between islands, structured itineraries improve travel efficiency and allow access to multiple destinations within a single trip.
Travellers can explore options through the Itineraries & Packages page.
Island itineraries provide a practical way to experience multiple locations and activities across the region.
The Bougainville Poro Tour focuses on remote island travel and cultural experiences in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
The ENB Poro Tour explores Rabaul and surrounding areas in East New Britain Province, combining history and volcanic landscapes.
For accommodation-based stays:
Island-focused stays include:
The New Ireland Poro Tour combines diving, island visits, and cultural experiences in New Ireland Province.
These itineraries combine transport, accommodation, and guided activities, making travel across the Islands Region more accessible.
The best time to visit the Islands Region is during periods of calmer seas and more stable weather.
Lower rainfall improves visibility for diving and snorkelling, while calmer conditions make boat travel between islands easier. Conditions vary across provinces, but marine activities operate year-round.
The Islands Region offers one of Papua New Guinea’s most accessible and diverse coastal travel experiences.
Visitors gain access to:
Planning travel across the Islands Region can involve multiple islands and transport options. Contact our friendly team for practical advice on where to go, when to travel, and how to experience the region with confidence.
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Kind regards,
The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority
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