Papua New Guinea covers the eastern part of New Guinea, the second largest island in the world, and lies entirely within the tropics just 160km north of Australia and just south of the Equator. Part of PNG lies within the doldrums and the relatively ‘cyclone’ free 5degrees south of the equator.

What does this mean to a keen diver? Essentially it ensures calm and protected waters that are not affected by the weather extremes (cyclones) that can strip waters of its marine and plant life. Everything is more colourful, more accessible and easily dived within a short distance of the surface.

PNG is also one of the most naturally diverse countries on earth. The 4000metre high Owen Stanley Ranges and its dense rainforest are home to unique flora and fauna and not too far from there you’ll find sandy beaches and bays and more than 600 offshore islands, atolls and coral reefs.
 
Underwater photographers often refer to PNG as the underwater Garden of Eden. Many international award-winning photos have been taken in Papua New Guinea and are proudly displayed within some of the resorts, creating an amazing Technicolor gallery. The incredible healthy variety of reefs, the diversity of marine life and the WWII wrecks, airplanes and even submarines, is truly what makes PNG a world-class diving destination.

PNG is a country of great adventure where you can enjoy experiences found no other place on earth and you're sure to never forget.

So how do you get there?

There are many different options with both Air Niugini & Pacific Blue servicing the region. Most depart from Cairns or Brisbane with good ‘same day’ connections from NZ. The team at Dive Fish Snow Travel, can advise what best suits you, depending on where you call home and where you are going.

Due to the rugged landscape in PNG, there is no road system. Therefore the main means of transportation is by air, which means it is quick and convenient for divers to move by jet aircraft from one dive resort to another.

Enquire here for your airfare options »

Madang - Has it all - wrecks, big fish, muck dives, pristine reefs and atolls

Located at the north coast of the PNG mainland, Madang and its adjacent islands are scattered with coral cays, sand-fringed lagoons and deserted atolls. The area is fast becoming known as one of the best tropical dive locations in PNG. With a staggering choice of unspoiled sites to choose from, the Madang area has everything to wow and amaze the keen diver: coral reefs, World War II ships and aircraft wrecks submerged in crystal clear water, sunken live volcanoes and cathedral-like caves, grazing dugong, cruising turtles and a mind-blowing array of multi-coloured reef fish.

Many of the bays and islands are seldom dived and each becomes a personal journey of discovery.

Both Madang Province and Madang Township are welcoming to visitors and offer a host of cultural and environmental adventure and leisure experiences.

The Diving

Madang has the reputation of being one of the most ecologically diverse reef systems in PNG.

Within this tiny area exists an abundance of reef marine life such as anemones, ghost pipefish, feather stars, mandarin fish, barrel sponges and gorgonian fans to name but a few.

This forms a mini barrier reef of steep walls with each dive site having a variety coral structures. At several places the outer reef has breaks or passages, allowing for greater water flow on incoming tides and thus an increase in schooling fish and big fish action of the likes of Dog Tooth Tuna, Barracudas, Spanish mackerel and Reef Sharks.

Within the sheltered lagoon are reefs, which being shallower, allow for more bottom time to appreciate a variety of smaller fish life, shrimp and nudibranchs. A real muck divers paradise so allow plenty of time to explore WWII wrecks and planes from a bygone era. Diving in Madang »

Accommodation

Madang Resort

Madang Resort is located close to town and on the waters edge. Madang offers world class diving for the avid diver. Among the resort and its beautiful tropical gardens with exotic birdlife and animals, are 4 swimming pools, there you will find one that suits you to relax by.

Accommodation in Madang »

Divetimes Package to Madang, PNG Package Includes: Return Airfares Ex Auckland, 7 Nights twin share Accommodation, 6 Dive Package, Return airport transfers Does not include taxes of NZ $528 Package # 16772 NZ $2525* pp twin share ex AKL

Rabaul - has PNGs biggest wreck

If you are looking for WWII Naval history, Rabaul is without doubt the best location in the South Pacific and Asia.

Massive gun emplacements; underground hospitals; Tramways that hauled tugboats and barges into tunnels to off load ammunitions; bombs and torpedoes for the subs; can still be explored today. Include the WWII graves and war museums and you have the incredible Rabaul WWII experience including the perfect combination of wrecks, history and reefs.

Dive the multitude of WWII ship and plane wrecks that now form a dazzling artificial reef. Rabaul gives easy access to some of PNG’s most famous and spectacular reefs and over 30 premiere dive sites to choose from.

It has a history of strategic WWII battles and volcanic eruptions, creating both amazing scenery and world-class diving.

Rabaul has long been known for its spectacular fish life and WWII shipwrecks and planes that litter the coastline. Sitting at the gates to both the Bismarck Sea and the Solomon Sea, Rabaul is an underwater wonderland to the adventurous diver, with visibility 20+ metres in the harbour and 40+ metres outside

The Diving

Rabaul was the biggest Japanese Naval and submarine base for the South Pacific. It was the fortified base and staging area for Japan’s invasion of Papua New Guinea.

Selections of these wrecks are accessible to divers and offer unique experiences enhanced by exhilarating reefs, walls and drop-offs. It is truly the Mecca for the adventurous wreck diver.

The wrecks are in depths from 5 to 50 metres. You can drop into the WWII factory ship “Hakkai Maru”, so large that it resembles a ten storey building, or reflect on the fate of the Mitsubishi bi-plane’s pilot from his seat in the forward cockpit.
Diving in Rabaul»

Accommodation

Rapopo Plantation Resort

The new beachside Rapopo Plantation Resort, Rabaul, provides you with easy access to some of PNG’s most famous and spectacular reefs. It is right at the beachfront overlooking Pigeon Island and bellowing Mt Tavurvur with nothing to disturb you but the sound of the breaking waves. The magnificent views of Mt Tavurvur with its activity and the beautiful sunsets are truly breathtaking when viewed from the balcony of your Luxury Seaside accommodation at Rabaul.

Divetimes Package to Rabaul, PNG Package Includes: Return Airfares Ex Auckland, 7 Nights at Rapopo Plantation Resort twin share Accommodation, 6 Dive Package, Return airport transfers. Does not include taxes of NZ $528 Package # 16772 NZ $3175* pp twin share ex AKL

Walindi Plantation and Dive Resort

Walindi, in the heart of Kimbe Bay, has certainly attracted the who’s who in the world of sport diving and underwater photography with Walindi photos having appeared on the covers of dive magazines around the world.

Walindi is one of the few destinations that have access to the class of diving typically available only on live aboards. Access dozens of beautiful coral gardens, stunning drop offs and action-packed seamounts, where batfish, barracudas, and sharks come to play. Even more intriguing is the possibility of encounters with sperm, pilot and humpback whales, along with other mammal's known to frequent tropical waters.

Unquestionably, the most dramatic rendezvous are with the orcas that have been appearing in Kimbe Bay several times a year for more than a decade. Resident pods of spinner and bottlenose dolphins are a more dependable source of enjoyment. Such is the commitment from Walindi to their guests, they have specially designed ‘boom nets’ on their boats to allow snorkellers to ride alongside the dolphins in comfort as the boat slices through the water – an unforgettable experience!

The Diving

Kimbe Bay, supports an incredibly diverse marine habitat. With more than 30 dive sites sprinkled throughout the Bay, you'll have ample opportunity to discover it. All are pristine, undamaged and protected by mooring lines at every site with a rigid policy of “look but don’t touch”.

70% of all coral species in the Indo/Pacific region are found in Walindi waters. Scientists studying the region have identified more than 900 species of fish and 400 species of corals. No other dive area in the world can boast such diversity.

As Walindi is not a large dive resort, divers receive undivided attention on all dive trips. Dive sites range from volcanic caves enveloped by stag horn coral, to dramatic reef drop-offs, gorgonian fans, pelagics, turtles, sea mounts and offshore atolls - it’s fair to say that Walindi is “blessed with it all.”

Diving in Walindi »

Accommodation

Enchanting Walindi Plantation Resort is situated along the western shores of Kimbe Bay on the northern coast of West New Britain. Accommodation at Walindi is in cosy beachfront bungalows nestled in a beautiful tropical garden, combining creature comforts with the ambience of the surrounding jungle. Relax on your private Balcony - the perfect place for appreciating the beautiful setting.

Walindi is an eco resort, striving to make a difference ….. no telephone and TV in the rooms ensures that your stay is a true break from the bustle of the everyday world

Accommodation in Walindi »

Divetimes Package to Walindi, PNG Package Includes: Return Airfares Ex Auckland, 7 Nights twin share Accommodation, 6 Dive Package, Return airport transfers. Does not include taxes of NZ $528 Package # 16772 NZ $3270* pp twin share ex AKL

Kavieng

Kavieng has 2 Tropical island resorts just off its coast in northern PNG, both offer traditional island style bungalows set within a truly beautiful pacific paradise location with stunning sunsets and sandy beaches.

While the diving is the main attraction at Kavieng, it’s also a great place for fishing and surfing. There are some great island and jungle walks to keep you occupied, WWII relics to explore and a host of other activities for non-diving days.

Other than its friendly locals, the island is host to beautiful natural flora and fauna.

The Diving

Kavieng is well known for its current swept passages, rich aquatic life and big pelagic action. It also offers a wide variety of different types of dives to choose from: plunging walls and precipitous drop offs, patch reefs, fringing reefs, macro dives, muck dives and WWII wrecks. Most exciting is that recent exploration has uncovered a new Japanese plane wreck, 2 shipwrecks, a barge carrying WWII equipment and a more recent fishing vessel. Whatever your diving interest it’s here and available to you in Kavieng.

Diving in Kavieng»

Accommodation

Nusa Island Retreat

Nusa Island Retreat is set on an idyllic sandy point and enjoys some stunning harbour / island views with quick access to nearby Kavieng township. It is truly an unspoilt and exotic tropical location that also enjoys being central to a smorgasbord of activities.

Accommodation at Lissenung Island

A tiny private island with a palm-fringed sandy beach, surrounded by some of the world’s best coral reefs. Accommodation is in traditional bungalows set in beautifully landscaped gardens with some of the most magnificent sunsets.  The Resort is located only 2 degrees south of the Equator, ensuring year-round fantastic diving conditions in balmy water.
 
Read More »

Divetimes Package to Kavieng, PNG Package Includes: Return Airfares Ex Auckland, 7 Nights twin share Accommodation, continental breakfast, lunch & dinner, 6 Dive Package, Return airport transfers Does not include taxes of NZ $528 Package # 16772 NZ $3550* pp twin share ex AKL

Tufi

Located in the Oro province on the North Eastern side of mainland PNG, just 55 minutes flight from Port Moresby, Tufi offers keen divers a wide variety of incredible, world-class diving experiences. Along with its unique macro diving, you can also experience the incredible fjords, uncharted reefs, abundant and diverse marine life, and WWII wrecks, all within the most calm and clear waters of the Fjords.

Read More »

The Diving

With its spectacular and abundant marine life, Tufi offers some of the best macro and muck diving off some of the most incredible reefs just off shore.

Due to very little current movement in the fjords, many sponges and coral species grow prolifically around Tufi, ensuring the most amazing picture perfect backdrop for the keen underwater photographer.

If the marine life is more for you, it is not uncommon to dive amongst schooling barracuda and reef fish, hammerheads, reef sharks, manta rays, eagle rays, grouper and cruising pelagic as well as soft and hard corals. Tufi is truly an unspoiled pristine environment.

Accommodation

The resort in Tufi, with 180º views of the sea, fjords and mountains, is a hidden oasis. Nestled atop a breath-taking fjord, the resort overlooks the stunning vista of Tufi Harbour. You can choose a village experience in one of the village huts or stay at the resort in one of the deluxe or standard bungalows.

Read More»

Divetimes Package to Tufi, PNG Package Includes: Return Airfares Ex Auckland, 7 Nights twin share in standard bungalow, continental breakfast, lunch & dinner, 6 Dive Package, Return airport transfers Does not include taxes of NZ $185 Package # 16772 NZ $3790* pp twin share ex AKL

The avid diver knows the advantages of liveaboard diving - you cruise to the remote unspoiled reefs of PNG to find superior marine life, big pelagic fish and undamaged virgin reefs. Since the big liveaboards anchor at the dive sites, you can do up to four dives per day, including a night dive. 

With air-conditioned cabins, sumptuous chef-prepared meals, hostess in attendance and unparalleled crew service (up to one crew member for every three passengers), liveaboards are the easiest & most luxurious way to dive some of the remotest locations.

Experience exciting drift and wall dives, superb fish life with BIG schools of pelagic fish, night dives, soft corals & shark feeding. On a liveaboard trip you will see more spectacular marine life in the course of one day than you would see on a whole 7 day diving trip elsewhere.

One Liveaboard trip will change the way you think about diving forever.

One trip will change the way you think about diving forever. Maybe if you are thinking these ultimate live-aboards are just for the 5 a day dive fanatics with thousands of dives recorded, highly experienced divers, well it is not true. Most Liveaboards cater for all kind of divers, with such an experienced crew around you to ensure you are diving within your limits and safety. 

Dive Fish Snow Travel often books 9 - 10 days diving charters to some of PNGs premium dive locations. When planning liveaboards, we always ensure to take advantage of the very best weather and moon phases so you get the ultimate PNG diving experience.

Still not convinced? Let's try to address some of the concerns first time liveaboard divers have.

Some Liveaboard Myths

• Liveaboard will make me seasick.
  No, Liveaboards are very comfortable big boats, and most liveaboards are cruising in calm sheltered seawaters.
• Too many dives, I probably will get too tired or wouldn't cope.
  It is actually easier doing 4 dives a day from a comfortable liveaboard with heaps of crew catering to your every needs than it is doing 2 land based boat dives.
• You need to be an expert diver with at least 100s of dives under your belt
  You don't need to be a gun ho diver to get the most out of a liveaboard experience, to the contrary liveaboard diving is a fantastic way to gain and increase you experience, confidence with doing lots of dives over few days.
• Diving on liveaboard is very expensive
  If you consider cost per dive it is actually cheaper on a liveaboard plus the prices includes all meals, diving, accommodation, shore trips, fishing etc.

Have more concerns about a liveaboard? Talk to our Dive Travel Consultants about a liveaboard dive holiday, as we know once you go on a liveaboard dive holiday - It will set a whole new level of exciting diving for you.

Enquire here »

Reminder - Win a Great Christmas Gift

With thanks to the Auckland Seafood School we have 2 x $80 Vouchers towards 2 places on one of their amazing Seafood Cooking classes; Plus a copy of The NZ Seafood Cookbook to give away to one lucky Divetimes or Reeltimes reader.

How to Win it: Simply reply to this email telling us ‘I’d love to do a Seafood Cooking School Class’ and you are automatically entered into the draw.

The draw will take place on Friday 16th December, 2011 and the winner will be announced on our Facebook page the same day.

Don’t forget to ‘Like us’ on Facebook !

Auckland Seafood School Recipe

As promised last month, here is the second of the 2 fantastic recipes we have to share with you thanks to John Campbell our chef and the Auckland Seafood School. Here’s a photo of our fishing and diving travel consultant ‘Markus’ with the dishes we cooked and Chef John Campbell – the Salmon dish is closest to them…

Pan fried Salmon on risotto with mascarpone and preserved lemon

Serves 5

Risotto

• 50ml Lupi Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 2 tbsp basil chopped
• ½ onion finely diced
• 2 tbsp parsley chopped
• 2 garlic cloves chopped
• 50 gm Italian Parmesan grated
• 250gm Arborio rice
• Marlborough Flaky Sea Salt
• 50ml white wine
• NY cut black pepper
• 700ml Essential Cuisine chicken stock

Method

1. Heat a large pot, add the Lupi Extra Virgin Olive Oil and sweat off the onion and garlic
2. Add the Arborio rice, cook for a few minutes with no colour
3. Add wine and continue to cook for a further few minutes
4. Cook the rice for about 20 minutes adding a spoonful of stock every few minutes
5. Season. Now add the basil, parsley and parmesan.

Salmon

• 5 x 150 – 170gm salmon fillets
• 30ml Lupi Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Risotto
• Marlborough Flaky Sea Salt
• 50gms mascarpone
• NY cut black pepper
• 20gms preserved lemon

Method

1. Make the risotto with the supplied recipe.
2. Heat a sauté pan with the olive oil.  Season and pan fry the salmon on both sides for about 4 - 5 minutes. Salmon is best a little under cooked.
3. To serve, place some risotto on a plate and top with the salmon, mascarpone and preserved lemon. Enjoy.

Holiday Planners
Looking at a Tropical Holiday to any of these destinations? Click on the planner below that interests you.

Do not forget. We can book any overseas holiday We can help you with any overseas holiday plans too and of course, you don't pay any more than you would anywhere else, plus you get our friendly personal service. Book with us: Cruise Rail journeys Beach holiday Coach tour Overland Trek Disneyland Honeymoons Romantic Getaways Europe, Asia, USA, Canada or even Africa. anything from relaxing on a tropical beach in Vanuatu for a week to a month overland through Africa or even a family trip to Disneyland! Trade in your winter blues for some Tropical Blues Contact us and we can get you the same deals as anywhere else. Just call us NZ: +64-9-4792210 or Toll Free NZ: 0508 348 334 USA & Canada Toll Free: 1-866-838-3604

Win a Dive Holiday to Papua new Guinea
Winning details announced in June!

Dive Fish Snow Travel is proud to be associated with Papua New Guinea’s most professional airlines, dive operators and Resorts. Thanks to the wonderful people at Air Niugini, PNG Tourism, Walindi Resort and Madang Resort, you can be in to win a trip for 2 for an incredible 14 night holiday to one of the world’s last frontiers forworld class diving. Experience wrecks, swim throughs, pygmy seahorses, big fish, colourful corals, mantas, a huge number of fish species and so the list continues, all in the warm sparkling clear waters of this underwater photographers paradise.

The Prize Includes for two people:

• Return economy class airfares ex Brisbane to Port Moresby and internal airfares within PNG on Air Niugini.
• 7 nights accommodation at Madang Resort with airport transfers and 10 dive package.
• 7 nights accommodation at Walindi Resort in a beachfront Bungalow with airport transfers and 10 dive package – includes 3 meals per day, tanks and weight belt and daily laundry service.

As a DiveTimes Subscriber you are already in the Draw to win this great prize.

You are receiving this newsletter because either you or someone on your behalf has signed up at divefishsnow.co.nz. To Unsubscribe just 'Reply' to this email and type 'unsubscribe' in the Subject. To be in the Draw and win a dive holiday in Solomons worth $12,000, you need to be in our subscribers list at the time of the draw and at the time of claiming your prize. Subscribed as %%First Name%% %%Last Name%%. Email: %%emailaddress%%

Regards - "THE DIVE TEAM" - Dive Fish Snow Travel Auckland
PHONE: (09) 479 2210 -
TOLL FREE: 0508 348 334
EMAIL: divetravel@divefishsnow.co.nz

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