Kavieng
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Positives
- Consistent, seasonal swells
- Clean, tropical waves
- Short idyllic boat rides
- Melanesian and Papuan culture
Negatives
- Often small
- Very rainy surf season
- Difficult and expensive access
- High malaria risks
Kavieng surf travel guide
Some of PNG's best uncrowded waves break on tiny coral specks scattered through the Bismarck Archipelago. Melanesian in flavour, these islands bearing unlikely European names such as New Britain, New Ireland and New Hanover hold the best potential for maximizing the power of any WNW to ENE swells. Kavieng is the main town and jump off point for the islands that nestle not too far offshore.
Surf spots in Kavieng
Research the 6 surf breaks in Kavieng and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 6 breaks in Kavieng.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Kavieng
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Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 140,000
- Population
- 8,947,024
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- PGK
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 3.01 PGK PGK
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +675
- Dialing out
- 05
- Language
- Tok Pisin, Hiri Motu, English (Pidgin), 800 local languages
Electricity
- Plug Type
- i
Visas
Most nationalities can get a free visa on arrival for stays of up to 60 days. Australians currently only get 30 days.
Getting There
Niugini flies Port Moresby (POM) - Kavieng - Rabaul triangle from $425/rt. Domestic flights - 16kgs (35lbs) plus an additional 15kgs (33lbs) per person for sports equipment (scuba). There are regular boats from Rabaul to Kavieng, but schedules are short term and unreliable.
Getting Around
Transport is very limited because of poor roads and 4WD rental for driving the one road on New Ireland is astronomical ($150/d min). Most travel is by public transport PMV (Passenger Motor Vehicle) which includes cheap crowded buses, trucks or even motorboats. Local trade and banana boats can be hired, but not as cheaply as the official PMV boats at $15/hr.
Accommodation
There are a few hotels, B&B's and resorts in this area and they're all expensive. A basic hotel costs about $50/d, but most surfers stay at the Nusa Island Retreat on Nusa Lik, which will take no more than 12 people at a time and provide transport to the breaks ($250-299/n). Beach and waterfront bungalows, good restaurant and surf transfers are all part of the package. The fresh seafood is excellent.
Activities
World-class diving and fishing. On land you can play volleyball and snooker, visit the crocodile farm or WWII relics. Local people use coconut shell rattles and their voices to 'call the sharks'. Pidgin is a mix of local and English vocabulary which can be hard to interpret. The Surfing Association of Papua New Guinea promotes sustainable development by implementing the Kavieng Area Surf Management Plan that limits the total number of visiting surfers to 20 per day. Fees apply, regardless of where you stay and are distributed among the surfside communities. Book your place with the Kavieng Surf Club.
Hazards & hassles
The Kavieng area is pretty safe and the locals are friendly and hospitable. Petty theft is quite rare, but remain vigilant. Reefs are super shallow and home to sharks, stonefish and sea snakes. A greater health risk is malaria and infection from reef cuts.
Handy Hints
Take lots of cash as credit cards either attract a surcharge or don't work. There is no surf gear available. Bring your standard shortboard, a fish for small mushy days and some reef boots. There is reasonable hospital care in Kavieng. Contact Perfect Wave for package trips to Nusa Lik or Waterways and Perfect Wave for PNG Explorer.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.