Skip to content
Voykit
Draft data. Times, fares and step counts are desk estimates awaiting field checks. How we verify
Source checked
A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
Field checked
Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
Plan calculated
Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.

Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify

Back to Namatanai

In the print dialog pick “Save as PDF” to keep it on your phone. A5 makes a pocket booklet; A4 suits a desk printer.

Voykit pocket guide · Papua New Guinea

Namatanai

Skip unless you have a specific reason: no scheduled flights, a 4-hour drive from Kavieng, and limited accommodation. One night is enough if you pass through.

Namatanai is the second-largest town in New Ireland province, linked to Kavieng by the Boluminski Highway. It has a small guesthouse and a waterfront hotel, but no scheduled air service. Most travellers use it as a stop on a New Ireland road trip rather than a destination.

Port MoresbyAlotauBuloloDaruGorokaKainantuKaviengKeremaKimbeKiungaLaeMadangMendiRabaulNamatanai200 kmdots: other places in this guide
Sketch, not to navigate by: shapes follow this guide’s areas and places, not official boundaries. North is up.
Country
Papua New Guinea
Best months
May–Nov (dry season)
Avoid
Dec–Apr (wet season, road conditions may worsen)
Stay
1 night

Checked 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change; anything marked (check) is not confirmed.

Essentials

Currency
PGK
Money
Currency is the kina (PGK, K). Cards work at larger hotels and some shops in towns; everywhere else is cash.
Daily spend
Budget K150–250 · Mid K250–400 · High K400+ (estimate; check)
SIM and data
Digicel has the widest coverage; Vodafone PNG and bmobile cover towns. Buy a SIM in Port Moresby with your passport.
Emergency
Police 112 · Ambulance 111 · Fire 110
Plugs
Types I · 240 V · 50 Hz · Same angled flat pins as Australia; bring a power bank, since lodges run generators for set hours.
Tipping
Restaurants and hotels: Not expected.; Guides and drivers: K50–100 a day as thanks if service was good (2026 estimate).; Kokoda porters: Operators set a tip pool; also give gear you no longer need, as many trekkers do.; Villages: Pay agreed custom fees rather than tipping individuals.
Water
Not safe from the tap. Drink bottled, boiled or filtered water; lodges supply rainwater that should be treated.
Toilets
Western toilets in hotels and lodges; long-drop pit toilets in villages and on treks. Carry paper and hand gel.

What things cost

ItemPrice
Meal at hotel restaurantK30–60
Beer (bottle)K8–12
PMV ride within townK5–10

Desk estimates, checked 2026-09; check locally.

Get in

By air

check · Namatanai Airport
No scheduled services; runway closed to regular flights. Nearest airport with scheduled service is Kavieng (KVG).

Typical fares

PMV Kavieng → Namatanai
about K50, 4 h (check)
Private transfer Kavieng → Namatanai
K350–500 (check)
Show 7 more sections and the pocket cardHideGet around, See and do, Sleep, Phrase card, Etiquette, safety and scams, One and two days, Sources, Pocket card

Get around

Walk or arrange a ride with your accommodation. No public transport within town.

See and do

Known for

  • Boluminski Highway
  • German colonial history
  • Gateway to Lihir gold mine

Day trips

WhereHowTime
KaviengBoluminski Highway by car or PMV (public motor vehicle)About 4 h
Lihir IslandOccasional boat from Namatanai (check locally)Several hours

Sleep

Town centre
Namatanai Hotel on the waterfront; Boluminski Guesthouse a couple of km out.

Phrase card

EnglishSay or show
HelloGudegoo-deh
Thank youTenkyuten-kyoo
How much?Hamas?ha-mas
Where is the guesthouse?Wea guesthouse i stap?weh guest-house ee stap

Etiquette, safety and scams

Etiquette

  • Greeting: Shake hands lightly; greet everyone in a group; avoid: Crushing handshakes or ignoring elders
  • Village visit: Arrive with your guide, meet the leaders first, bring a small gift if advised; avoid: Walking into gardens or houses uninvited
  • Money and gifts: Pay agreed fees to the right person; avoid: Handing out money or sweets to children
  • Anger: Stay calm and let your guide negotiate; avoid: Shouting; public shame can escalate quickly
  • Sunday: Expect church and quiet; join a service if invited; avoid: Noisy activities near villages
  • Dress: Loose clothes covering shoulders and knees; a laplap (sarong) works; avoid: Swimwear or short shorts in villages

Scams and watch-outs

  • No scheduled flights: the airport is closed to regular services.
  • Boluminski Highway is sealed for most of the way but has a crushed coral surface near Namatanai – drive carefully.
  • Limited dining and shopping; bring supplies from Kavieng.

Namatanai is generally safe during the day, but crime can occur. Ask your accommodation about current conditions and avoid walking alone after dark.

One and two days

No timed day plan for Namatanai yet. Suggested stay: 1 night. Build a day from the list below, mornings for the big sight.

  • Boluminski Highway
  • German colonial history
  • Gateway to Lihir gold mine

Sources

Written by Voykit; facts cross-checked against these sources, last desk check 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change: check on the day.

Pocket card

Cut along the border and keep it in your wallet. Show the local-script lines to a driver.

Namatanai

Long dispela adres, plis

To this address, please

My hotel (write the name and address in the local script)

Tok Pisin is widely spoken; English is understood in hotels.

Voykit · checked 2026-09

Printed from Voykit (/namatanai). Written by Voykit; checked 2026-09. Estimates only: confirm prices, hours and entry rules on the day.