Sea Transport
As you would imagine, being an island province, much
of the transport throughout the province is by boat.
Rabaul Shipping have a weekly passenger ferry which
operates between Rabaul and Kavieng. This ferry service
also extends from Rabaul into other areas of Papua New
Guinea.
It is also possible to catch a banana boat between
Kokopo and the south-western side of New Ireland, near
Uluputur, which then has easy access to Namatanai.
 Most
communities in New Ireland own a Yamaha Banana Boat,
which they use to get from one island to another. It
really is this island region’s version of the family
car. People move around quite a lot so it is possible
to pay for a ride to some of the many areas of the Province.
So long as you aren’t on a strict timetable, this
can be quite a cheap way to get around. You do need
to be flexible with your schedule though, as you may
often need to wait a few days for someone to be going
where it is you are planning on getting to. It does
need to be highlighted however, that these local boats
do not carry lifejackets, flares, or any safety gear
of any kind.
If you want to get to the Tabar Island Group, banana
boats generally leave from Konos, midway down the East
Coast of New Ireland.
Getting out to the many islands to the West of Kavieng,
including New Hanover (Lavongai), can be organised out
of Kavieng.
Local Transport
There are town bus services, highway bus services to
Lakurumau, bus services to Namatanai, and a taxi service.
Public Motor Vehicles (PMV) truck transport also provides
an opportunity to travel in local style. Boats are available
to outer islands, and hire cars are available through
accommodation providers and hire car operators. Energetic
visitors may also travel by kayak or bicycle!
The Kavieng produce market is an important part of New
Ireland life and livelihoods. The PMVs and boats carrying
produce to and from the beachfront town market on Tuesday
to Saturday also carry fee paying passengers.
Small roadside produce markets along the Boluminski
Highway are key passenger drop off and pick up points
for buses and PMV's on Mondays to Saturdays.
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