Few people would expect to find fjords in Papua New Guinea. The Tufi area on the south east coast of Oro Province is one of PNG's best kept secrets. Situated on Cape Nelson, Tufi is a spectacular place to visit.
Cape Nelson, jutting out into the Solomon Sea, was formed by the eruption of three volcanoes, whose fast flowing lava created the rias, or fjords. Unlike the fjords of Scandinavia, the water is always warm and the sheltered bays are home to stunning coral formations and tropical marine life.
The fjords are over 90 metres deep and rise vertically out of the water to over 150 metres. Wide entrances are protected by reefs and they funnel into the mountainside where mangroves form a canopy over narrow waterways. The vertical faces of the gorge are covered with moss and orchids and waterfalls cascade directly into the sea. Cape Nelson has exceptionally clear waters, abundant fish and beautiful corals in the fiord-like rias formed by ancient volcanic eruptions. There are easily accessible wrecks and reefs with drop-offs, hammerhead sharks and moray eels. Wanigela, on Collingwood Bay, has great places for snorkelling and can be reached by boat from Tufi.
Wander among the villages or go to the open market and see the handcrafted pottery, jewellery and tapa cloth that are typical of the region. Tapa cloth is made from the beaten bark of the paper mulberry tree and decorated with exotic designs in natural earth colours. In October every year there is a Tapa Cloth Festival. Other festivals held locally are Martyrs Day and the Korata Church Day.
The province is also the home of the largest butterfly in the world, the Queen Alexandra Birdwing, which as a wingspan of 30cm. With the diminishing rainforest, this species is unfortunately fast becoming extinct. There are a number of village guest houses which offer comfortable accommodation and will arrange fishing, diving and coral viewing excursions. The Tufi Dive Resort, perched on the side of a fjord has mountain views up and out to sea. It is constructed of bush materials and decorated with carvings and artefacts from around the country.
Oro Province has a history of drama, from the early gold rush days to the devastating Pacific campaign of World War 2. The northern end of the Kokoda Trail terminates at the village of Kokoda and from here to the coast, and around the beaches of Buna and Gona, some of the most violent and bitter fighting of World War 2 took place. It is estimated that over 15,000 Japanese soldiers died on the Kokoda Track. The area is still littered with war relics and at Jiropa Plantation on the Buna Road, there is a Japanese plaque commemorating their dead.
Butterflies: The province symbol is the Queen Alexandra birdwing butterfly which is the largest in the world with a wingspan of 30cm. You can see the birdwing, and three similar species, at Ondahari Village, about 40 minutes north of Popondetta. Make bookings for the village guesthouse at the Oro Guesthouse in Popondetta.
Things to do
Diving & snorkelling
Canoeing
Outrigger canoes.
Trekking & walking - Kokoda
Hiking
Fishing
TUFI
Tufi offers a boutique resort, nestled on top of a Fiord with 180-degree panoramic views of the sea and the Fjord in the only fjords in Papua New Guinea. Tufi is located at Cape Nelson in Oro Province some 80 miles due east of Kokoda and not too far from the Milne Bay and Oro Province border. Tufi offers 24 hour reticulated power, all air-conditioned bungalows. Tufi not only offers pristine reefs and amazing underwater macro but we also offer a range of exciting adventure activities, with everything from bat caving to deep sea fishing, bush and nature walks where many species of birds are seen, kayaking as well as snorkeling trips for non-divers and overnight village stays.
You will find perfect peace, no traffic, no television, no newspapers, no pollution. A holiday that makes the outside world and all the daily stresses seem a million miles away in another time. Local tribal villages give visitors an insight into indigenous culture, through a range of specially designed cultural activities. Tufi offers a truly cultural experience that no other resort has to offer from outrigger safaris, treks to remote locations, to cultural shows and overnight stays in village guesthouses.
The orchids, birds and butterflies of the rainforest and lowland areas through guided bushwalks and overnight treks that are as outrageously beautiful as the underwater scenery enjoyed by divers.
KOKODA
The Kokoda Track (also known as the Kokoda Trail) is one of the Worlds great treks. Linking the Southern and Northern coast of Papua New Guinea, it is a challenge to be enjoyed by the fit bushwalker. The Kokoda, Kokoda Track and Sogeri areas have a World War II history of bitter fighting between Australian and Japanese Armies during the latter half of 1942.
The Kokoda Track is a native footpath that traverses the rugged peaks of the Owen Stanley Ranges, and it was here that an in-experienced, ill-equipped, outnumbered Australian force faced the might of the Japanese army. As well as their opposition, both nations faced the problems of conducting a war in the extremely inhospitable Papua New Guinea jungle, an environment that inflicted casualties without favour.
The Australians, together with their Papuan fuzzy wuzzy angels allies, after four months of bitter fighting, overcame these obstacles and inflicted on the Japanese army its first land defeat of the Second World War. In the process, they became immortalized and a source of inspiration for future generations of Australians.
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