New Hanover IslandAbout New Hanover Island
New Hanover Island, also known locally as Lavongai, is part of Papua New Guinea’s New Ireland Province and forms one of the larger islands in the province’s island chain. The island is inhabited and forms part of the broader cultural and geographic group of islands in this part of the Bismarck Archipelago.
The island’s landscape includes coastal villages, agricultural land, and reef-fringed shores that support local livelihoods and transport links to the provincial centers. It is administered as part of New Ireland Province and lies northeast of the main New Ireland island.
Best Time to Visit New Hanover Island
Dry season (May-October) is generally the best time to visit for more reliable transport and calmer seas.
Weather & Climate near New Hanover Island
New Hanover Island's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 21°C to 28°C. Heavy rainfall (3306 mm/year), wettest in December.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 21° - 27° | 24° | 342 mm | - | - | 2.6 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 21° - 27° | 24° | 308 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 21° - 28° | 24° | 357 mm | - | - | 2.4 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 22° - 28° | 25° | 322 mm | - | - | 1.8 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 22° - 28° | 25° | 265 mm | - | - | 1.9 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 21° - 27° | 24° | 232 mm | - | - | 2.0 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 21° - 27° | 24° | 213 mm | - | - | 2.4 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 21° - 27° | 24° | 189 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 21° - 27° | 24° | 158 mm | - | - | 2.6 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 22° - 28° | 25° | 228 mm | - | - | 1.8 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 21° - 28° | 25° | 306 mm | - | - | 1.6 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 21° - 27° | 24° | 386 mm | - | - | 1.8 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to New Hanover Island
Access is typically by small inter-island ferry or motor launch from New Ireland Province’s hubs (e.g., Kavieng). Some services are seasonal and irregular; coordinating with local transport operators or tour companies in Kavieng is recommended.
Tips for Visiting New Hanover Island
- Travel schedules to remote islands can be irregular-confirm boat or air links in advance.
- Respect local customs and ask permission before photographing people or villages.
- Bring basic medical supplies and assume limited services; plan fuel and provisioning in the nearest larger town.