New Ireland Province, Papua New Guinea
 New
Ireland's Provincial Centre, Kavieng, is situated
at the northern tip of New Ireland. It has often
been described as the typical Somerset Maugham
South Sea island port. It has a large, beautiful
harbour and is a popular destination for sports
fishing enthusiasts and cruising yachts. 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,
the port, fisheries and the hospital.
Kavieng is a sleepy little town with a golf course,
a range of restaurants and bar facilities, banks,
general stores, bakeries and supermarkets. Places
to stay include, guesthouse, hotel and resort
style accommodation. Traditional style beach front
bungalow accommodation is provided on the islands
just offshore from Kavieng and along the Boluminski
Highway just out of Kavieng town.
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 shell necklaces, locally
printed lap-laps, and hand-made bilums (bags)
available for sale.
Like most remote Pacific regions, Kavieng's people
are friendly and welcoming, and they pride themselves
on their helpfulness and hospitality. Most New
Irelanders in Kavieng speak English, but if they
don't, they'll pass your queries on to someone
who does, so don't be afraid to ask for assistance!
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In addition to the Kavieng Market, there are
a variety of Kai Bars (food outlets) in Kavieng
where you can pick up cheap takeaway or local-style
food. The
Kavieng Hotel has a bar, complete with pool
table and satellite TV, and a garden setting restaurant
which is open every day of the week for breakfast,
lunch and dinner. The Kavieng Hotel is famous
for its Friday Night Seafood Buffet with what
seems like an unlimited amount of mud crabs and
crayfish, as well as plenty of fish and other
seafood, salads and vegetable dishes. The Kavieng
Club has a large bar and a billiard room,
and is a relaxing place for a drink after a game
of golf on the 9-Hole Golf Course or a quick snack
for lunch or dinner.
The Malagan
Beach Resort is perfectly situated on the
beachfront, and its outside area is an excellent
place to watch the sun set whilst enjoying a drink
from the bar. Its a-la-carte restaurant is open
for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
 Nusa
Island Retreat, a 2 minute boat ride across
the harbour, has a traditional New Ireland bar
and restaurant set right on the beach, complete
with sand floor and tables made from coconut trees.
The bar has a great selection of local and imported
spirits, and an excellent wine and cocktail list.
Nusa’s restaurant is open for breakfast and
lunch with a good selection to choose from off
their menu, with buffet dinners available every
night of the week from 7pm. Popping over to Nusa
for a predinner swim and drink is an integral
part of the Kavieng lifestyle, and Sundays are
family days so dads and their kids will head over
to Nusa Sunday afternoons.
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