Introduction
New Britain is the largest island in Papua New Guinea's Bismarck Archipelago, separated from the mainland by the Dampier and Vitiaz Straits and from New Ireland by St. George's Channel.
New Britain's main town, Rabaul, was the main base for the Japanese during their occupation in World War Two and fascinating relics from this turbulent era are everywhere.
Rabaul was also one of Papua New Guinea's most attractive towns until 1994 when it was devastated by the explosions of the Tuvurver and Vulcan volcanoes; it was tragically destroyed and is now all but deserted.
Most surviving residents moved a short way along the coast to Kokopo, which enjoys impressive views of Blanche Bay and distant tropical islands and volcanoes.
