Papua New Guinea Tours & Trips
Picture yourself in the National Museum, lost in the tales of long-ago tribes. Now, envision the Melpa, their sing-sings a riot of color and energy, as dancers, their heads adorned with intricate headdresses, ready themselves with face paint. Then, there's the Asaro Mudmen of Goroka, their faces hidden behind gray clay masks. And don't forget the Bismarck Sea, where you can snorkel among the vibrant coral reefs. Papua New Guinea is waiting to be explored.
Excellent
- Choose from 15 Papua New Guinea tours
- 20 verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
The best Papua New Guinea tour packages
Compiled by
NinaPapua New Guinea travel expert at TourRadar
- Papua New Guinea Highlands Tribes Tour and Goroka Festival
- Rabaul Mask Festival
- Legacy of Kokoda: Anzac Day & PNG Discovery
- Goroka Festival and Asaro Mudmen Day trip 5-night Tour - Bird of Paradise Hotel
- Tigak Sea Kayaking
- Mount Hagen Show and Sing Sing - August
- Niugini Islands: Secrets of the Shark Callers
- Mount Hagen Show Tour - Highlander Hotel August 2025
- Goroka Highlands Journey – Trans Niugini Tours
- Ambunti Crocodile Festival
Port Moresby's Nature Park opens this cultural odyssey, leading to Mount Hagen's tribal encounters with Huli Wigmen. Kumul Lodge provides prime Bird of Paradise viewing in Jiwaka and Chimbu provinces. Private sing-sings with Akameku and Nupaha tribes precede VIP access to Goroka Festival's 150 tribal groups.
Duration 10 days Destinations Port Moresby, Mount Hagen, Paiya Village, Goroka, Asaro Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, French Operator Indigo Safaris From
- US$4,612
Rabaul Mask Festival
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“I had a very good time in the mask festival and in Papua New Guinea with the fantastic people I met over there.”
Rodrigo, traveled in July
The Mask Festival in Kokopo celebrates Tolai traditions with dawn's Kinavai ceremony. Mt. Tavurvur's steam vents, Matupit Island survivors' settlement, and the spectacular Bainings Fire Dance at Kainagunan Village create unforgettable memories. Four nights at oceanfront Rapopo Plantation Resort costs approx. $920 per day.
Duration 5 days Destinations Rabaul, Kokopo, Matupit Island, Port Moresby Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Crooked Compass From
- US$4,958
This trip takes you through Papua New Guinea's WWII history and culture across Port Moresby and Rabaul. You'll visit Bomana and Bitapaka War Cemeteries, the Isurava Memorial, and Rabaul's volcanic observatory overlooking the former Pearl of the Pacific. Accommodations include stays at the Hilton Hotel and Rapopo Plantation Resort. At sunrise, swim with hundreds of Spinner Dolphins in their natural habitat. The ancient Baining Fire Dance gets performed exclusively by initiated men from the local community. Duke of York Islands visit includes time with village hosts who demonstrate traditional weaving and cooking techniques.
Duration 8 days Destinations Port Moresby, Rabaul Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Crooked Compass From
- US$12,489
Goroka Festival and Asaro Mudmen Day trip 5-night Tour - Bird of Paradise Hotel
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Wonderful experience.”
Gerrit, traveled in September
PNG's largest cultural gathering at the Goroka Festival brings together 140 groups performing for 30,000+ attendees. VIP access at the central showgrounds complements stays at the Bird of Paradise Hotel, while an exclusive Asaro Mudmen day unfolds in the Asaro Valley.
Duration 6 days Destinations Port Moresby, Asaro, Goroka Age Range Ages 6+ Operated in English, French, Spanish Operator Indigo Safaris From
- US$2,547
Crystal waters of New Ireland's coastline stretch 55km from Kavieng through the Tigak islands. Remote villages of Ungakumng and Tsoilik, Bangatang shipwreck snorkeling, and Kabotteron Island camping await. Local singsings and fresh seafood feasts complement stays at the exclusive Nusa Island Eco Retreat.
Duration 9 days Destinations Port Moresby, Kavieng, Nusa Island, Kabotteron Island, Tsoilik Age Range Ages 12+ Operator No Roads Expeditions From
- US$3,014
Mt. Hagen Show bursts with energy as 70+ tribes perform traditional dances. VIP access at the showground combines with Paiya village's intimate 12-group performance and traditional 'Mumu' feast from underground ovens. Traveler's Hut provides panoramic views over the town's stunning landscape.
Duration 5 days Destinations Mount Hagen, Paiya Village Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, French, Spanish Operator Indigo Safaris From
- US$1,944
Duration 9 days Destinations Port Moresby, Kavieng, Nusa Island, Rabaul, Karu, Kokopo Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Crooked Compass From
- US$10,506
The upscale Highlander Hotel hosts visitors for four nights during Papua New Guinea's largest cultural festival. The Mount Hagen Show features diverse sing-sing groups, while Paiya village's mini-show presents 12 distinct tribal groups performing traditional marriage ceremonies and mock battles.
Duration 5 days Destinations Mount Hagen, Paiya Village Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, French, Spanish Operator Indigo Safaris From
- US$2,735
The vibrant Goroka Festival comes alive with thousands of warriors performing traditional dances, complemented by visits to McCarthy Museum's Highland artifacts. The coastal villages of Madang, Pig Island's turquoise waters, and remote Sepik River communities of Meno and Tongijamp Yesan offer authentic local guesthouse stays.
Duration 10 days Destinations Goroka, Madang, Wewak, Yuo, Pagwi, Ambunti, East Sepik Province, Port Moresby Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Crooked Compass From
- US$13,675
Papua New Guinea's unique Sepik River Crocodile Festival in Ambunti pairs luxury at Wewak Hotel with authentic village hut stays. Middle Sepik villages like Palimbe and Yenchan showcase sacred Haus Tambaran rituals, while Wagu Lake offers rare bird of paradise sightings. Traditional visits to Malu and Avative reveal unique burial grounds.
Duration 7 days Destinations Wewak Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Crooked Compass From
- US$5,721
What our customers ask about Papua New Guinea Tours & Trips
What cultural experiences can you actually get involved in and where do they happen?
You've got to see a traditional sing-sing while you're here it's absolutely incredible. Picture these amazing gatherings full of elaborate costumes music and dancing that really show off Papua New Guinea's diverse tribal heritage. The Mount Hagen Show brings together more than 100 tribes each sharing their unique traditions and the Goroka Show happening around Independence Day in September is just as spectacular with over 100 tribes doing sing-sings. If you want to go deeper you can even do a village homestay. Our Sepik Explorer tour takes you right into villages along the Sepik River where you'll see traditional carving and fishing up close.
What about getting off the beaten track - which routes do experienced travelers recommend?
Getting away from the main tourist spots can be tricky but it's totally worth it. The Sepik River is amazing for exploring remote villages and seeing real local life along the water. Then there's the Kokoda Track which is this incredible WWII trail - it's seriously challenging physically but the history and landscapes are unforgettable. Just ask Marian and Zvi who did it with No Roads Expeditions they called it their toughest physical challenge ever but also one of their most beautiful and inspiring experiences.
When are the main festivals and what makes them special?
The Mount Hagen Festival happens every August and it's huge with over 100 tribes showing off their cultures. In September you've got the Goroka Show right around Independence Day with another 100+ tribes doing traditional sing-sings dances and rituals. There are also these great smaller festivals like the Ambunti Crocodile Festival and Siwai Cultural Show where you can get a more intimate look at local traditions.
How do you actually get around Papua New Guinea and what's the transport situation like?
Getting around can be pretty challenging given the rough terrain and basic infrastructure. Domestic flights connect the main spots - like the Air Niugini PX161 from Goroka to Port Moresby at 1040 landing 1130. You'll need motorized canoes to explore the Sepik River and four-wheel drives are essential in the Highlands. Public transport exists but it's not always reliable. Most people find tour packages are the way to go they handle all the transport which makes everything much easier. Though worth noting one traveler's experience with Crooked Compass's Mount Hagen Festival & West New Britain tour where the local operator didn't deliver everything promised shows why picking a solid tour company really matters.