New Georgia Group: Volcanic Islands and Trekking

When looking for hotels in the New Georgia Group, you can plan your trip around two specific highlights: New Georgia, one of the three large volcanic islands that border Marovo to the south and west, and the nature and trekking experiences on Kolombangara. To help you decide, distinguish the geographical context from individual activities. You can first consider whether you are more interested in the landscape and protected area, or whether the two-day trek should determine the timeframe for your stay.

Volcanic Islands and Marovo

New Georgia is one of the three large volcanic islands that border Marovo to the south and west. This brings two perspectives together: New Georgia’s location relative to Marovo, and the nature experiences specifically associated with Kolombangara. The geographical context provides a broad framework for planning your trip; the protected area and trek are concrete examples to help you further shape your plans around your interests.

Kolombangara: Protected Area and Endemic Species

The protected area on Kolombangara covers 28 percent of the island. This percentage puts the size of the protected area into perspective and complements a look at individual species. The Kolombangara white-eye (Zosterops murphyi) and Kolombangara leaf warbler (Phylloscopus amoenus) live in the protected area. According to the information provided for the area, these two species are found nowhere else in the world.

This offers two distinct ways to appreciate nature: the share of the island covered by the protected area, and the two specifically named endemic birds. If landscape and biodiversity are especially important to you when choosing a destination, these details provide a tangible connection to Kolombangara.

The Two-Day Trek

In the broader Solomon Islands destination, Kolombangara is described as a cone-shaped volcano standing 1,770 meters high. A two-day trek leads from the coastal plains across steep slopes to its crater rim; the overnight stay is in the rainforest. The trek combines a set duration with a change of terrain and overnight location. Confirm the guide and access arrangements locally.

More Nature and Culture in the Solomon Islands

The broader Solomon Islands destination also offers other natural attractions. East Rennell includes brackish Lake Tegano, rugged limestone islands, and numerous endemic species, including an endemic sea snake. At 15,000 hectares, the lake is the largest in the insular Pacific. East Rennell was the first natural site to be inscribed on the World Heritage List with customary land ownership and customary management.

Traditional music offers a cultural perspective on the Solomon Islands, with group and solo vocals and ensembles featuring slit drums and panpipes. At Hotomai Cultural Village in Central Guadalcanal, visitors can take part in traditional weaving, cooking, and gardening, and experience performances of traditional songs and dances. These examples complement the nature experiences with music and hands-on cultural activities in the broader destination.

For an overview of the broader Solomon Islands destination: Honiara International Airport on Guadalcanal is the country’s main arrival point. Solomon Airlines flies to 20 domestic destinations. As routes and flight schedules may change, check current destinations and schedules before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Munda

Back to the broader travel overview: Western Province.