Both areas are good for surfing but the tourist infrastructure is very limited in Vanimo. The New Ireland area where Kavieng is the capital is currently the best access point to go and experience the waves PNG has on offer. From Kavieng you can access the central and southern areas of the New Ireland mainland, the New Hanover area and the islands of Manus and St Matthias via surf charter vessels.
Vanimo is regarded as a good area for surf but Kavieng is the preferred area as all the tour operator?s work out of this town. You must remember when traveling to PNG to surf, that you must abide by the wave management plan which offers limited numbers to each of the designated areas.