Kavieng & New IrelandNew Ireland has perfect white-sand beaches and rivers of clear water tumbling down from the ruggedly forested central Schleinitz Range. In the remote south is the spiritual home of Tumbuan culture. In the north are the intriguing traditions of the Malagan, while Kabai culture dominates in the central areas. New Ireland is a beautiful, friendly and easy going place and, although little known and rarely visited is easily accessible to those looking for that special once in a lifetime adventure. Long, narrow and mountainous, New Ireland boasts undeniable beauty, peaceful people, never ending beaches, the popular Malagan Show, the unique traditions of Shark Calling, exhilarating sports fishing, excellent sailing grounds, world-class surfing and is one of the most diverse diving destinations on the earth. New Ireland people had been so blessed with rich and varied cultural practices and values that blend well with the environment. The people of New Ireland are Melanesian and speak 22 local languages. Traditional clan power is wielded by chiefs, but clan rites and land claims are passed on in a matrilineal system. The people of New Ireland have three distinct culture or traditional practices: Malagan, Kabai and Tumbuan. While Malagan and Kabai are unique only to New Ireland including "traditional shark hunting", Tumbuan which is a men's sacred society and widely practiced by the Tolais in East New Britain Province, actually originated from the southern area of New Ireland in the Lak/Kandas area where it is mostly practiced. New Ireland’s culture is rich, colourful and intricate. Kavieng is situated at the northern tip of New Ireland. It has a large, beautiful harbour and is surrounded by a spray of Islands with beautiful sandy beaches, coral reefs and reef breaks. Along the edge of the harbour is Nusa Parade, a gently curving road, shaded by huge trees, which passes many points of historical interest, the main market and the port. The traditional art of Shark Calling is practiced along the west coast and the main Kavieng Market is situated on the foreshore and is a central hub of activity most days of the week, except Sundays. There is a fantastic variety of locally grown fruits and vegetables, fresh and smoked fish, live mud crabs, baskets of sunga and kina shells (types of molluscs like pipis and cockles), and of course plenty of buai (betel-nut). Also found in large quantities are huge trays of tapioca slice made with coconut milk, sago slice, donuts, rice balls and other local delicacies. Although generally a produce market, you will also find woven baskets, locally printed lap-laps, and hand-made bilums (bags) available for sale. Sea breezes keep Kavieng cool and it’s a pretty and peaceful place to wander around, with very friendly and welcoming people. There is no shortage of accommodation in and around Kavieng and we have listed some of the better ones below. If you're expecting 5 star hotels with silver service, however, then Kavieng is probably not the place for you.
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