The National Mask Festival brings cultural groups from across Papua New Guinea together in East New Britain to share traditional masks, costumes, dance, music and cultural traditions.
The National
Mask Festival
7 DAYS
6 NIGHTS
The National Mask Festival
7 Days / 6 Nights
The National Mask Festival is one of Papua New Guinea’s most fascinating cultural events, bringing communities together in East New Britain for three days of traditional masks, dance, music and ceremony. It’s an annual event introduced in 1995 to sustainably promote the Mask Cultures of East New Britain, New Ireland and other areas in Papua New Guinea.
The experience begins with the Kinivai at dawn, a deeply significant Tolai ceremony marking the arrival of the duk-duk and tubuan spirits from across the water. From there, you’ll spend three days at the festival, where groups from across Papua New Guinea gather in intricately carved masks and traditional costumes to share dances and stories connected to their communities and heritage.
Beyond the colour and energy of the festival, this is a chance to experience the living traditions of East New Britain and better understand the stories, beliefs and customs behind what you’re seeing. With local guides guiding you, there’s time to experience the celebrations respectfully and see why the National Mask Festival remains such an important cultural event.
You’ll swim with Spinner Dolphins, travel by boat through the Duke of York Islands, spend time with a local island community, climb Mt Tavurur and explore the remarkable history of Rabaul. It’s a week that brings together culture, nature and history in one of Papua New Guinea’s most beautiful regions.
Local Guides.
Having a local team with you gives you a much deeper understanding of East New Britain and the traditions you’ll experience along the way.
The South Sea Horizons team will be with you throughout the journey, from the National Mask Festival and Kinivai ceremony to the Duke of York Islands and Rabaul. They’ll give you the context around the places, communities and cultural traditions you encounter, while making sure you experience them respectfully.
Your tour is fully guided, with private transfers and local support throughout the itinerary.
Culture & Ceremonies.
The National Mask Festival is much more than a display of traditional masks. The performances, dress, music and ceremonies are connected to living cultures from communities across Papua New Guinea.
One of the most memorable experiences is the Kinivai at dawn. As the first light appears over the water, bamboo flutes and rhythmic drumming signal the arrival of the Tolai duk-duk and tubuan spirits.
Across the following three days, the festival grounds spring to life with intricately carved masks, costumes made using feathers, shells and natural fibres, and dances that share stories of origin, warfare and community life.
Itinerary
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Rabaul
Day 1
Port Moresby to Rabaul
Your journey begins with a morning flight from Port Moresby to Rabaul in East New Britain.
A South Sea Horizons representative will assist with check-in at Port Moresby Airport before you relax in the Executive Lounge ahead of the approximately 1.5-hour flight.
On arrival, you’ll be met by the local team and transferred to Rapopo Plantation Resort in Kokopo. As the sun sets across Simpson Harbour, settle in before joining the South Sea Horizons team for a welcome dinner and briefing on the week ahead.
Flights:
Commercial flight Port Moresby to Rabaul, including Executive Club
Accommodation:
Rapopo Plantation Resort, Kokopo
Included activities:
Welcome dinner and tour briefing
Meals:
Dinner
Kinavai & National Mask Festival Day 1
Day 2
Kinavai Ceremony
It’s an early start this morning as we travel to the beachfront to experience the Kinivai.
As dawn breaks, the sounds of bamboo flutes and rhythmic drumming signal the arrival of the Tolai duk-duk and tubuan spirits. More than simply a performance, the Kinivai is a spiritual rite with deep significance for the Tolai people.
After returning to the resort for breakfast, we head to the main showgrounds for the first day of the National Mask Festival. Groups from across Papua New Guinea gather to share their cultural traditions through masks, elaborate costumes, dance and music.
Spend the day exploring the festival before returning to the resort in the late afternoon.
Accommodation:
Rapopo Plantation Resort, Kokopo
Included activities:
Kinavai and National Mask Festival Day 1
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
National Mask Festival Day 2
Day 3
National Mask Festival
After breakfast, we return to the showgrounds for the second day of the National Mask Festival.
With communities from across Papua New Guinea taking part, you’ll have another full day to experience the different masks, traditional dress, music and performances that make the festival such an important cultural gathering.
Lunch can be enjoyed at the showgrounds or back at the resort, giving you the flexibility to spend the day at your own pace before returning to Rapopo in the late afternoon.
Accommodation:
Rapopo Plantation Resort, Kokopo
Included activities:
National Mask Festival Day 2
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
National Mask Festival Day 3
Day 4
National Mask Festival
Today we return to the festival for the third and final day of performances.
Spend more time among the different cultural groups, seeing the extraordinary variety of masks, costumes and traditions represented throughout the festival.
The South Sea Horizons team will be available throughout the day, with the option to have lunch at the showgrounds or return to the resort before heading back for the afternoon program.
Accommodation:
Rapopo Plantation Resort, Kokopo
Included activities:
National Mask Festival Day 3
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Dolphin Swim and Duke of York Island
Day 5
Duke of York Island
Start the day on the water, boarding a private banana boat at sunrise and travelling to a nearby dolphin breeding ground for the chance to swim with Spinner Dolphins.
After returning to the resort for breakfast, we head back out by boat for a full-day journey through the Duke of York Islands.
You’ll cruise between the islands, hear more about their history and keep watch for dolphins, dugongs and local fishing canoes along the way. On the island, you’ll be hosted by the local village and learn more about traditional weaving, cooking and fishing.
Enjoy a picnic lunch, explore the island and take some time to snorkel before returning to Kokopo in the afternoon.
Accommodation:
Rapopo Plantation Resort, Kokopo
Included activities:
Early morning dolphin swim, private Duke of York Island boat tour, village visit, island tour and snorkelling
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Mount Tavurvur Volcano Climb and Rabaul Historical Tour
Day 6
Mt Tavurur & Rabaul
Another early morning begins with a private transfer to Rabaul to climb Mt Tavurur, Rabaul’s remaining active volcano. The climb takes approximately two to two-and-a-half hours, with spectacular views along the way.
After breakfast, we turn our attention to the fascinating history of Rabaul.
Your historical tour explores the role the town has played through both world wars and two major volcanic eruptions. Visit Admiral Yamamoto’s bunker and submarine base, the Niugini Club and the Rabaul Volcanic Observatory, with views across the town once known as the Pearl of the Pacific.
After lunch at the Rabaul Hotel, return to the resort for a relaxed final afternoon.
Accommodation:
Rapopo Plantation Resort, Kokopo
Included activities:
Mt Tavurur volcano climb, Rabaul Historical Tour, Admiral Yamamoto’s bunker and submarine base, Niugini Club and Rabaul Volcanic Observatory
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Port Moresby
Day 7
Rabaul to Port Moresby
After breakfast, you’ll be privately transferred to Rabaul’s Tokua Airport for your return flight to Port Moresby.
Flights:
Commercial flight Rabaul to Port Moresby, including Executive Club
Meals:
Breakfast
Explore the National Mask Festival.
Essential Information.
This seven-day journey includes six nights at Rapopo Plantation Resort in Kokopo, return economy flights between Port Moresby and Rabaul, a fully guided tour, meals as outlined in the itinerary, scheduled activities and tours, and transfers.
The itinerary combines three days at the National Mask Festival with experiences throughout East New Britain, including the Kinivai, Duke of York Islands, dolphin swimming, Mt Tavurur and a historical tour of Rabaul.
What is the National Mask Festival?
What is the Kinivai?
The Kinivai is an important Tolai cultural and spiritual ceremony experienced at dawn. Bamboo flutes and rhythmic drumming accompany the arrival of the duk-duk and tubuan spirits across the water. It is a significant cultural rite rather than simply a festival performance.
How many days do we spend at the National Mask Festival?
The itinerary includes three days at the National Mask Festival, giving you plenty of time to experience the different groups, masks, traditional dress and performances.
What else is included besides the festival?
The journey also includes an early morning dolphin swim, a day trip to the Duke of York Islands, a local village experience, snorkelling, a climb of Mt Tavurur and a historical tour of Rabaul.
Where will we stay?
All six nights are spent at Rapopo Plantation Resort in Kokopo in a Premier Poolside Room.
Are domestic flights included?
Yes. Return economy-class commercial flights between Port Moresby and Rabaul are included, along with Executive Lounge access.
What should I wear?
Lightweight, breathable clothing is suitable for East New Britain’s tropical climate. Comfortable walking shoes are important, particularly for the Mt Tavurur climb, while comfortable water shoes such as sandals are recommended for the Duke of York Islands. Modest clothing should be worn when visiting local communities.
Do I need travel insurance?
Comprehensive travel insurance is required when travelling with South Sea Horizons, including (but not limited to) cover for medical treatment and evacuation, cancellations, delays and lost or damaged baggage.
Related Tours.
Discover more of Papua New Guinea’s festivals and cultural gatherings, with journeys taking you into different regions, communities and traditions across the country.
5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS
Goroka Show
The Goroka Show is our country’s biggest ‘sing-sing’, the name given to a gathering of tribes or villages where they show off their distinct cultures.
7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS
Mt Hagen Show
Experience one of Papua New Guinea’s biggest cultural gatherings, as communities from across the country come together in the Western Highlands for traditional dress, dance and song.
10 DAYS / 9 NIGHTS
PNG & Solomon Islands
Explore Rabaul and the Solomon Islands on a 10-day journey through volcanic landscapes, fascinating WWII history and traditional culture, with unforgettable island experiences and snorkelling in the beautiful waters around Tulagi.
Start Planning your trip.
Our team of experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime.