Our extension to the Huon Peninsula takes in some of the remotest birding available, in an already distant part of the world. Due to its geographical location, there is little in the way of amenities or comfort on this tour. However, this is more than made up for by resplendent, cool montane forests that host some rarely seen, endemic Bird-of-paradise that include Huon Astrapia, Wahne's Parotia and the regal Emperor Bird-of-paradise. Throw in the attractive and localised Spangled Honeyeater, Macgregors Bowerbird (soon to be split as Huon Bowerbird), Cinnamon-browed Melidectes, Mottled Berryhunter or Whistler (now in its own monotypic family, endemic to New Guinea), Pesquet's (Vulturine) Parrot, Tit and Fan-tailed Berrypecker (two different families endemic to New Guinea!), gaudy Papuan Lorikeet, Papuan Sitella, Blue-capped Ifrit (endemic to New Guinea) and Superb Bird-of-paradise, and this short extension is sure to satisfy listers of both rare and remote species and families alike.
Emperor Bird-of-paradise, Huon Astrapia, Wahne's Parotia, Spangled Honeyeater, Macgregors Bowerbird (soon to be elevated to Huon Bowerbird), Pesquet's Parrot, Papuan & Orange-billed Lorikeet, Dusky Lory, Red-breasted & Buff-faced Pygmy Parrot, Double-eyed Fig Parrot, Tit, Streaked, Mid-mountain and Fan-tailed Berrypecker, Sclater’s, Brown-backed and Regent Whistler, Canary & Lemon-bellied Flyrobin, Mountain & Hook-billed Kingfisher, Blue-capped Ifrit, Great Cuckoo-Dove, Ornate Fruit Dove, Rufescent Imperial Pigeon, Papuan Sitella, Red-collared & Mountain Red-headed Myzomela, Red-capped Flowerpecker, Black Monarch, Black-breasted Boatbill, Chestnut-breasted Cuckoo, Rufous-backed Honeyeater, Buff-faced Scrubwren, Brown-breasted Gerygone, Mottled Berryhunter (or Whistler, now in its own monotypic family), Great Woodswallow, Brown Falcon, Black-mantled Goshawk, Papuan Eagle, Blue-grey Robin, Spotted Jewel-babbler, White-shouldered and Orange-crowned Fairywren, Cinnamon-browed Melidectes, Growling Riflebird, Superb Bird-of paradise.
primarily high montane forest
hot and humid in the lowlands, with expectant rain showers. Cool to cold in the mornings and evenings at higher altitude
7 with 1 Rockjumper Leader & 1 local leader
Our Mega tours are very fast-paced birding adventures designed for the dedicated lister and serious birder. The focus of the tour is to see as many of the endemics and area specials as possible in our given time. In order to cover the necessary route to maximise the species list we tend to spend a single night at most sites and travel large distances. There is very little down time aside from that spent driving from one site to the next. These tours are not suitable for dedicated or avid photographers; inexperienced or new birders; as well as anyone with serious mobility or health challenges.
very basic at Wasu, good in Lae
moderate, can be challenging at times
+-75
good
Adam Walleyn knew the birds and the calls and worked hard to make sure we saw not only the specialties of the area but all the birds. His nightbirding skills were phenomenal. It is like he knew exactly where the bird was going to show.
Stephan is a top notch guide. Great eyes, ears & local knowledge found us all the specials. A healthy dose of patience also ensured we all got onto the birds (those that hung around!)
Adam Walleyn acted as a very experienced and skilful leader. He had an intimate knowledge of the birds and great skills in finding and showing them. His communication was extremely clear, to the point and flavoured with a good sense of humour. In the few difficult situations that arose due to flights, civil unrest, etc, he showed extremely good skills in handling these with a perfect balance between group decisions and executive decisions. A role model for a tour leader.
This has been an incredible tour with Stephan Lorenz and Dušan Brinkhuizen as amazing guides. Experts in their knowledge of the New Guinea birds and wonderful companions who looked after the needs of all the participants. We all worked as a team under their guidance and saw many challenging as well as beautiful birds.
I thought Lev Frid did a great job in managing the tour.
04 Aug 2025 - 09 Aug 2025 (6 days)
USD4,000 - Spaces Available
Tour Leader: Lev Frid
Pricing notes : *Prices are estimated and dates may change*
Tour price (Per person): USD4,000 * GBP3,168 * EUR3,708 * AUD6,139
Can be linked with: Papua New Guinea - Birding in Paradise II 2025
Papua New Guinea - Birding in Paradise (Small Group) II 2023 - August 2023
Papua New Guinea - Highlights II 2023 - August 2023
Papua New Guinea - New Britain III 2023 - August 2023
Papua New Guinea - Birding in Paradise IV 2023 - August 2023
Papua New Guinea - Adelbert Range & Huon Peninsula 2023 - July 2023
Papua New Guinea - Birding in Paradise III 2022 - July 2022
Papua New Guinea - New Britain II 2022 - July 2022
Papua New Guinea - Birding in Paradise II 2022 - June 2022
Papua New Guinea - Huon Peninsula Extension I 2022 - June 2022
Papua New Guinea - Highlights I 2019 - September 2019
Papua New Guinea - New Britain III 2019 - August 2019
Papua New Guinea - Birding in Paradise V 2019 - August 2019
Papua New Guinea - Huon Peninsula Extension II 2019 - August 2019
Papua New Guinea - Birding in Paradise IV 2019 - July 2019
Papua New Guinea - Birding in Paradise III 2019 - June 2019
Papua New Guinea - Huon Peninsula Extension I 2019 - June 2019
Papua New Guinea - Highlights 2018 - September 2018
Papua New Guinea - New Britain III 2018 - August 2018