If you’re starting to think about your next big adventure, Papua New Guinea should be high on the list for 2026. Just a short flight from Australia, PNG offers something rare, a destination that still feels deeply untouched, welcoming, and full of culture, colour and natural wonder.
This is a country where every region tells a different story. Ancient traditions are still lived every day, landscapes range from active volcanoes to coral reefs, and friendly communities are eager to share their way of life.
Planning a 2026 trip also means you can take advantage of the current Hello Poro campaign, with tourism packages that make planning feel simpler while giving you more out of the experience.
Need some inspiration? Start with our Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Papua New Guinea and let the ideas start flowing.
When to Go: Seasons & Weather Tips
Papua New Guinea’s tropical climate means warm weather year-round, but the seasons make a difference when planning your trip.
The dry season (May to October) is the most popular time to visit. Conditions are ideal for trekking, diving, and attending cultural festivals. It’s also the best time for exploring highland regions or walking the Kokoda Track, especially around ANZAC Day in April, when many Australians make the pilgrimage.
The wet season (November to April) brings heavier rainfall, but also lush green landscapes and fewer crowds. Travel can be more challenging, especially in remote areas, but this is when the rainforest is at its most vibrant.
Planning tip: Check what’s happening around the country before locking in your dates. Some festivals, diving conditions, and hiking trails are seasonal, our activities overview is a great place to explore what’s possible and our events page to find out whats on.
Pick Your Adventure Style
Papua New Guinea offers something for every kind of traveller. Whether you’re chasing culture, nature, or ocean escapes, here’s how to shape your 2026 trip:
Culture Lovers
Immerse yourself in local life along the Sepik River, experience the colour and energy of traditional festivals, or explore WWII historical sites across Rabaul and the Highlands.
Trekking & Nature
Challenge yourself on the Kokoda Track or summit PNG’s highest peak, Mount Wilhelm. You’ll be rewarded with alpine views and rich cultural insights along the way.
Beach & Relaxation
Slow down on PNG’s best beaches or unwind with snorkelling and village stays in Milne Bay. The coastlines here feel like your own private paradise.
Diving & Wildlife
World-class diving awaits in Kimbe Bay, Tufi, and Kavieng. Inland, the Highlands are known for birdwatching – especially the dazzling birds-of-paradise.
Planning around your adventure style helps shape the right time of year, region, and pace for your trip.
Where to Go: Planning Your Route
PNG is incredibly diverse, so it’s worth mapping out a few key regions before booking. Here are some highlights to help shape your 2026 itinerary:
- Port Moresby – The capital city and main gateway; ideal for short stays or day trips to Loloata Island or Bomana War Cemetery.
- Rabaul / East New Britain – Active volcanoes, WWII history, and some of the best wreck diving in the country.
- Sepik River – Famous for its art, ancestral culture, and striking spirit houses.
- Highlands – Cooler temperatures, lush mountain scenery, and trekking opportunities like Mount Wilhelm and the Goroka Show.
- Milne Bay – Peaceful waters, liveaboard diving, and palm-fringed islands perfect for slow travel.
- Tufi – Known for its dramatic fjord coastlines, snorkelling, and cultural stays in remote villages.
Explore our interactive map on where to go to start mapping out your ideal route.
Trip Pairing Ideas for Your 2026 PNG Itinerary
Traveller Type | Best Region Pairings | Why It Works |
History Lovers | Kokoda Track + Rabaul | Kokoda offers a powerful WWII connection, while Rabaul adds wartime tunnels, wrecks, and active volcano landscapes. |
Divers & Ocean Travellers | Milne Bay + Tufi | Clear water, reefs, and marine life in Milne Bay, paired with Tufi’s fjords, soft corals, and laid-back village stays. |
Culture Travellers | Highlands + Sepik River | The Highlands deliver sing-sings and mountain communities; the Sepik adds art, carvings, and ancestral traditions. |
Relaxation Seekers | Milne Bay + Loloata Island | Easy island stays, calm beaches, and simple access from Port Moresby for a slower itinerary. |
Wildlife Enthusiasts | Highlands + Kimbe Bay | Birds-of-paradise in the Highlands alongside Kimbe Bay’s rich marine biodiversity. |
Adventure Travellers | Mount Wilhelm + Tufi | A high-altitude summit followed by coastal adventure, snorkelling, and cultural experiences. |
How Long Should You Spend in Papua New Guinea?
A well-planned PNG trip can work for a week or stretch into a longer adventure, depending on how many regions you want to visit and how active your itinerary is. Travel between areas often requires flights, so giving yourself enough time makes the experience smoother.
7 days
A good fit for travellers focusing on one region.
- Port Moresby plus short day trips
- Rabaul for WWII history and volcanoes
- Milne Bay for snorkelling, island time, and relaxed village stays
- Tufi for diving and culture
10–12 days
Ideal if you want a mix of culture, coast, and some light adventure.
- Combine the Highlands and a coastal region
- Add a short Sepik River visit
- Split time between diving and cultural festivals if dates align
14+ days
Best for those wanting deeper exploration or multiple remote areas.
- Highlands + Sepik + Milne Bay
- Multi-region diving (Kavieng, Kimbe Bay, Tufi)
- Slower-paced cultural travel
Kokoda Track
The Kokoda Trek requires its own time allowance. Most groups walk the track in 8–10 days, with recovery time and flights in and out of Port Moresby. If you plan to trek around ANZAC Day, booking early is important.
Travel Tips for a Smooth Trip
Planning ahead will make your 2026 PNG trip feel effortless. Here are some quick tips to keep in mind:
- Flights: Most travellers fly into Port Moresby with Air Niugini or PNG Air, then connect to regional centres.
- Health & safety: Visit your GP at least 6–8 weeks before departure. Pack any medications you may need and consider travel insurance. Always follow local advice and use local guides for trekking, diving, and cultural visits.
- Packing: Bring lightweight tropical clothing, reef shoes, sun protection, insect repellent, and a universal power adapter.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi can be limited outside major towns. Embrace the digital detox and enjoy the slower pace.
- Money: PNG uses the kina (PGK). Many rural areas are cash-only, so bring enough funds for village stays and local markets.
- Planning offers: If you are booking ahead, the Hello Poro campaign brings together a range of tourism packages and inclusions that can enhance your experience while supporting confident trip planning.
- Book early: Trekking tours, cultural festivals, and dive liveaboards can book out months in advance, especially during peak season (May to October).
For more detailed planning info, visit our Travel Tips page.
What’s Happening in 2026?
2026 is shaping up to be a big year for cultural travel in PNG, with iconic events and seasonal highlights worth planning around.
ANZAC Day on the Kokoda Track (April) – A moving time to trek the trail, with services held to honour Australian and Papua New Guinean soldiers.
Crocodile Festival in Ambunti (August) – Celebrate Sepik culture through dance, drumming, and crocodile totems along the mighty Sepik River.
Goroka Show (September) – One of PNG’s largest cultural events, featuring over 100 tribes in full traditional dress.
Mount Hagen Show (August) – Another unforgettable sing-sing with colour, music, and proud cultural expression in the Highlands.
Dates may shift slightly year to year, so we recommend checking closer to your travel dates or signing up to our newsletter to stay updated.
Let’s Start Planning
2026 is the perfect time to experience the raw beauty, rich culture, and welcoming spirit of Papua New Guinea. Before locking anything in, check the Hello Poro page to see what offers are available while you plan your PNG journey. Whether you’re dreaming of remote island adventures, cultural encounters, or unforgettable treks, your journey starts here. If you have any questions regarding your trip to PNG, contact our team for more information.
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