Tavurvur

Tavurvur is an active stratovolcano on the eastern rim of the Rabaul caldera in East New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea. It is part of the cluster of volcanoes that surround Simpson Harbour and is one of the most active vents in the Rabaul area.

The summit overlooks Simpson Harbour and provides dramatic views of the caldera and the town of Rabaul across the water; observers commonly note ash plumes and lava activity from the crater when the volcano is active. Monitoring and short-term access restrictions are common during elevated activity because of ash and gas hazards.

Tavurvur has produced repeated eruptions in the 20th and 21st centuries; the major 1994 eruption devastated much of Rabaul and prompted the relocation of much of the town to Kokopo. The vent has continued to produce intermittent explosive activity and ash emissions since then, monitored by local and international observatories.

The volcano sits on the northeastern coast of New Britain island, overlooking Simpson Harbour and near the town of Rabaul; Kokopo lies across the harbour and serves as the nearest larger settlement and base for visiting the area.

• Best viewpoints: Sits on the eastern rim of the Rabaul caldera overlooking Simpson Harbour, giving clear views of ash plumes and eruptions from safe observation points across the water in Kokopo and Rabaul when activity is low.
• Activity history: Active volcano with frequent ash emissions - significant eruption in 1994 led to the evacuation and large-scale damage to Rabaul town.

Tavurvur sits on the rim of the Rabaul caldera just outside Rabaul town on New Britain. Reach Rabaul by road along the Gazelle Highway from Kokopo (the principal coastal route) and then drive a short distance to designated viewing points near the caldera where Tavurvur is visible; local guides and tour operators in Rabaul/Kokopo also run short excursions to recommended viewpoints.

Because access points and local arrangements can vary, check current local transport options in Rabaul (taxi, local shuttle or guided tour) for the final short transfer to the volcano viewpoints.

• Visit Tavurvur early in the day when winds often keep ash away from popular viewing points and visibility is best; many guided tours from Kokopo or Rabaul run morning departures for this reason.
• Always check current volcanic advisories from the local observatory and use an organized local guide or tour operator-access routes and safe viewing distances can change with activity, and guides know the up-to-date safe viewpoints around Simpson Harbour.
• For dramatic compositions, view Tavurvur from designated harbour viewpoints that include the neighbouring crater(s) across Simpson Harbour rather than from crowded roadside stops; guides will take you to the best outlooks.