Four things to see and do in Kokopo, Papua New Guinea
Kokopo is the capital of Papua New Guinea’s East New Britain Province, well known for its diving, snorkelling, war history, island visits and volcano treks. Here, Lemach Lavari shares a few of his favourite things to see.
The Kokopo markets are renowned throughout PNG. Credit: Lemach Lavari
1. Kokopo Market
This market is regarded as one of the cleanest and most well-kept in Papua New Guinea. It provides an authentic glimpse into the culture, community life and food from the region, including fresh garden produce and fish from the Gazelle Peninsula.
Ready-to-eat food items are available, such as aigir (greens in coconut cream). Souvenir options include handmade baskets and shell jewellery. A hint is to bring small notes (PGK2, 5, 10 or 20) as vendors only accept cash.
2. Kokopo War Museum and remains of Queen Emma’s residence
World War 2 artillery in the grounds of the war museum. Credit: Lemach Lavari
The museum is a fascinating place to learn about the local experiences during World War 1 and World War 2. Remnants from the Battle of Bita Paka and the Japanese occupation are on display on the front lawn and in glass cabinets in the gallery. Visitors can see old weapons, photographs and uniforms, and learn about the lives of soldiers and locals during the wars.
Just up the road, you can see the concrete steps of Queen Emma’s mansion. The steps are the only thing remaining from the mansion, which was occupied in 1886 by pioneering entrepreneur Emma Forsayth. She has been described as one of the most successful business figures in the South Pacific and was affectionately known as Queen Emma of New Guinea. She built a vast commercial empire of plantations, trade stores and shipping. The site of the mansion is now occupied by the Gazelle International Hotel.
3. Bita Paka War Memorial Cemetery
The Bita Paka war cemetery. Credit: Lemach Lavari
The cemetery is about a 20-minute drive from central Kokopo and holds the graves of servicemen and women from both world wars. The cemetery is built on the site of the German wireless radio station. Australia entered World War 1 when it captured the station in 1914. The cemetery holds more than 1000 troops, mostly Australian. Other countries include the UK, Netherlands, India, New Zealand, Solomon Islands, Fiji and PNG.
The well-kept lawns and gardens provide a tranquil setting. The best times to visit are early in the mornings or late in the afternoons when it’s cooler and quieter.
4. Volcanic Mount Tavurvur
Mount Tavurvur and Mount Vulcan silhouetted in the background. Credit: Lemach Lavari
The eruption of Mount Tavurvur in 1994 together with Mount Vulcan forced the relocation of the provincial capital from Rabaul to Kokopo. Tavurvur is active and is one of the most iconic volcanoes in the Pacific. It is about a 30- to 40-minute drive from central Kokopo. The closer you get to the foot of the volcanoes, the more you will notice the devastation. It’s a surreal, almost eerie panorama, where the raw power of nature is both beautiful and unsettling.
If you’re game, local operators guide visitors to the top of the crater. A recommended experience is to cook wild fowl eggs in the hot thermal springs and to eat them with some fresh coconut from the market.
Air Niugini flies from Port Moresby to Rabaul Airport (which serves Kokopo) several times daily.
See airniugini.com.pg.
This article was first published in the May-July 2026 issue of Paradise, the in-flight magazine of Air Niugini.
