Tufi

Tufi is a small town in Northern (Oro) Province, perched on a dramatic headland overlooking the Solomon Sea at the tip of Cape Nelson. It is the main gateway to the Tufi Fjords — a series of 14 deep, steep-sided rias (drowned river valleys) that cut into the Cape Nelson peninsula, creating what is often called "PNG's Norway." The fjords are forested to the waterline, with waterfalls cascading over black volcanic cliffs and into sheltered, crystal-clear water.

Tufi is one of PNG's most renowned dive destinations, famous for the combination of pristine fjord diving (muck, macro, and reef), the War Memorial and WWII wrecks in the harbour, and the Tufi Resort — one of the country's best-established boutique dive lodges. The fjords are also the traditional territory of the Yareba people, whose villages perch on the cliff edges above the water.

By Plane

Tufi Airport (TFI) has charter flights from Port Moresby. Tufi Resort arranges transfers for guests.

By Car / Road

There is no road from Popondetta to Tufi. Access is by air or by sea (private boat).

Dinghy transfers arranged by the resort. Walking on the headland.

• Tufi Fjords — 14 deep, steep-sided rias carved into volcanic rock, with black-sand beaches, waterfalls, and jungle dropping directly into the water.

• War Memorial — a monument on the headland honouring Allied forces who operated in the area during WWII.

• Yareba cliff villages — traditional villages perched on the cliff edges overlooking the fjords, accessible only by boat.

• Diving — Tufi's main attraction. Fjord muck diving (unusual critters, frogfish, leaf fish, ghost pipefish), reef diving on the outer barrier, and WWII wreck diving (Japanese tanker, aircraft wrecks). Tufi Resort runs 2–3 dives per day, with Nitrox available. Guided dives K200–400 per dive.

• Fjord cruises — boat tours through the fjords to see waterfalls, cliff villages, and wildlife (dolphins, sea eagles, fruit bats).

• Village cultural visits — Yareba village tours arranged through the resort; traditional dancing and woven bilum demonstrations.

• Snorkelling — the fjord waters are glassy calm and clear; excellent snorkelling on the barrier reef.

• Tufi Resort — excellent meals included in packages: seafood (fish, lobster, crab), fresh tropical fruit, and garden vegetables. Mains K40–80 for non-guests.
• Village food — by arrangement if staying with local families.

Bottled water essential. Beer and wine available at the resort bar.

• Budget: Tufi village guesthouse — basic rooms from K80–150/night.
• Mid-range: Tufi Resort — comfortable beachfront bungalows with full board and dive packages, from K500–1,200/night. The premier accommodation in Oro Province.
• Upscale: Tufi Resort premium bungalows with sea views — from K1,200–1,800/night.

Tufi is known for tapa (bark-cloth) made by Yareba women, painted with traditional designs. Available at the resort gift shop and directly in villages.

• Popondetta (charter flight 30 min, or multi-day boat) — Oro provincial capital, Kokoda Track southern terminus.
• Kokoda (by air to Popondetta then road, or trek) — the northern end of the Kokoda Track.
• Cape Nelson coastal villages — remote settlements along the Cape Nelson coast, accessible by local boat.
• Afore (by boat and foot) — remote Oro district on the coast east of Tufi.