New Georgia

Scenic, Cultural, Immersive

New Georgia, the largest island in the Western Province, is a place where nature, heritage, and community all come together. It’s the kind of destination where you can host a meaningful gathering that feels both grounded and adventurous. With dense forests, volcanic coastlines, and welcoming villages dotting its shores, it strikes a perfect balance between being remote and still relatively easy to access.

Whether you’re planning a barefoot beach wedding, a storytelling retreat, or a marine conservation workshop, New Georgia sets the stage for something truly memorable. It’s best suited to small- and medium-sized groups that want an experience that’s immersive, scenic, and culturally rich.

What really stands out here is the variety of event experiences that work so well. You’ve got the classic Beach & Coastal appeal, with white-sand beaches and coral-lined bays like Munda and Roviana Lagoon, perfect for relaxed, nature-based gatherings. The Community & Culture experience comes to life in places like Lambete and Baraulu, where guests can engage with village life and participate in traditional knowledge-sharing. Heritage & Ancient experiences are everywhere too – the island is rich with World War II history, from the old Munda airstrip to hidden Japanese bunkers and gun placements that make for powerful storytelling spaces. If your event leans toward the adventurous, the jungle offers plenty for Adventure & Exploration – from guided waterfall hikes to cave discoveries. And of course, for those focused on sustainability, the reefs and mangroves nearby make this an ideal location for Conservation & Environment experiences like marine education and eco-conscious travel.

When it comes to venues, New Georgia keeps things grounded and authentic. The Agnes Gateway Hotel in Munda is a reliable choice for formal gatherings, with meeting space, accommodation, and waterfront views all in one place – perfect for weddings, small conferences, or cultural showcases. For something more traditional, the Roviana Lagoon Canoe Base offers an unforgettable location for water-focused storytelling or ceremonial events. You’ll also find community grounds in villages like Noro or Dunde, which are often used for kastom dances, school performances, and local festivals – and they can easily be adapted for events with community support.

What makes events here feel so special is the chance to integrate natural and cultural elements in meaningful ways. You might begin a ceremony with a Roviana war canoe arrival, or organise an evening featuring panpipe musicians and bamboo band performances. There’s also the opportunity to include shell money exchanges, or offer guests guided rainforest walks that end at waterfalls, snorkelling excursions in crystal-clear waters, or reef clean-up activities with local conservationists. Many of these are best coordinated with elders, women’s groups, and youth leaders, all of whom add authenticity and warmth to the experience.

The setting is peaceful and deeply atmospheric – you’ve got dense green rainforest inland, calm lagoons around the coast, and the kind of slow-paced rhythm that invites reflection. At sunset, the light over the water is golden, and after dark, the stars come out in full force. Events here feel rooted, local, and deeply memorable.

In terms of infrastructure, it’s relatively straightforward. You can fly from Honiara to Munda Airport, then travel by boat to reach other parts of the island. Accommodation is available through guesthouses, eco-lodges, and the Agnes Gateway Hotel, all mostly based in Munda or Noro. Power and internet are stable in Munda, but more limited in the smaller villages, where solar energy is more common. For supplies and services, you can usually arrange transport, catering, decorations, and entertainment locally – just make sure to plan and coordinate well in advance.

The best event types for New Georgia? Definitely Weddings & Celebrations, especially those that make use of the coastline and incorporate local music and feasting. Cultural Exchange Programmes also work brilliantly – think of week-long residencies with local craftspeople or storytelling elders. It’s also ideal for Creative Retreats, especially writers, artists, or photographers, and for Eco-Conferences or small group workshops that want access to natural environments.

And finally, if you’re thinking about how your event can support the place that’s hosting it – New Georgia makes that easy. You can hire local performers and youth groups, fund or donate reusable infrastructure, or work with local schools or conservation teams to create something that continues after your event ends. Done right, your gathering won’t just be memorable – it’ll be meaningful.