Tavurvur is the most active of the several volcanoes that ring Rabaul's caldera. It sits on the southeast rim of the harbour, still steaming and periodically ejecting ash and rock, a constant reminder of the geological forces that shaped the town. Local guides take visitors across the harbour by boat and then on foot to the crater rim — a surreal walk over black volcanic rock with sulphurous gas venting from fissures and the ruins of Rabaul visible across the water.
The trek to the summit takes about 2-3 hours round trip from the boat landing and is accessible to reasonably fit travellers. The views from the rim over Simpson Harbour and the surrounding caldera are extraordinary. A local guide is essential — conditions change quickly and some parts of the approach route are unstable. The guides are usually available through guesthouses in Rabaul or Kokopo. Early morning departures give the best light and cooler conditions.