Kieta
Kieta is located near Arawa on the east coast of Bougainville. From Kieta, visitors can explore Bougainville in its entirety or skip over to Buka Island, which is also belongs to the province of Bougainville.
Things to see and do
Visitors to Bougainville can enjoy trekking, snorkelling, birdwatching and cultural tours. The renowned Numa Numa Trail, extending 62 kilometres, is one of the most challenging treks in Papua New Guinea for those seeking an adventure. Bougainville boasts one of the largest varieties of birds in Papua New Guinea, so keen birdwatchers are in for a treat. Make sure you contact Bougainville Experience Tours who are based in Arawa for more information on tours in the region. As with many parts of Papua New Guinea, Bougainville was an area of heavy fighting during World War II. In 1942, the Japanese used Bougainville as its base to launch attacks on Guadalcanal in the Solomon’s, as well as for a strategic stronghold as a backup to their mainland operations. Ask one of the locals to show you some of the many war relics that can be found at random throughout Bougainville. For culture vultures, keep an eye out for the Reed Festival, a bi-annual event staged in Arawa. The festival celebrates the cultural diversity of the region showcasing music, plays, dancing and creative arts. Island hop over to Buka where the pristine waters offer the perfect conditions to snorkel and dive. The marine life here is stunning with Buka Passage offering the ideal spot to explore this aquatic oasis.
Other attractions worth checking out
- Sohano Island
Annual Festivals & Shows
- Reed Festival, Bougainville (bi-annual event staged in Arawa)