Arriving
Hoskins airport serves the province. From there roads run along the north coast through oil palm country to Kimbe, the provincial capital, and to Walindi, where the dive boats are based.
What to do
Most visitors come to dive, from resorts on the bay or aboard liveaboard boats, but the island rewards anyone who slows down: hot springs at Pangalu near Talasea, sulphur ponds and megapodes at Pokili, forest birds found nowhere else, and sportfishing for dogtooth tuna and blue marlin.
History on the coast
The Second World War reached these shores. Allied troops landed at Arawe on 15 December 1943 and at Cape Gloucester, in the far west, on 26 December 1943, and again near Talasea in March 1944. Local guides can show what remains.
Good manners
Land and reef belong to local clans. Ask before you walk, fish or photograph, pay reef and village fees gladly, and you will be welcomed.
Questions and answers
How do I get to West New Britain?
Fly from Port Moresby to Hoskins, about an hour and a quarter, then drive to Kimbe or Walindi.
What is the capital of West New Britain?
Kimbe is the provincial capital.
What is there to do besides diving?
Hot springs at Pangalu, megapodes at Pokili, endemic birds, sportfishing, festivals and Second World War sites.