Even in this modern age of travel, getting to and from the village of Kokoda still remains quite a challenge.
Assuming you will be starting your trek at Kokoda, there are two main methods of getting there.
1) Flying directly into Kokoda from Port Moresby
This is definitely the easiest and simplest method !
Despite a tragic plane crash in 2009 that killed 13 passengers onboard, it would also be a safer method of travel when compared to the alternative trip via Popondetta described below.
The key issue with this approach we found is that the charter flights are all booked out by the many (up to 100) tour companies that run organised treks. I was keen to time the ANZAC day Bomana War Cemetery service for the end of our trek. Allowing about ten days for the trek, this meant I had a two day window to try to book a charter. Even more than a year in advance, this was not possible.
Another potential issue with this approach is delays due to bad weather. We watched from the mountains near Isurava as multiple aircraft were prevented from landing at Kokoda due to heavy cloud. These planes ended up flying back to Port Moresby.
2) Fly from Port Moresby to Popondetta and catch the PMV to Kokoda.
Whilst for more logistically difficult a method of transport, it is more dependable in that it is not weather dependent. It is also quite a bit cheaper, with the PMV costing about $A20 for the 4-5 hour ride and about $A120 for the flight from Port Moresby to Popondetta (April - peak travel time). Andrew and I also found it a great way to meet the locals !! However, the PMV trip can also be a bit hair raising. The driver fills the truck tray to the brim with people. Once full, the locals climb on the tuck roof and ride 'shot gun' ! You can see from the video in the link above the noise and truck fumes ;-)
The PMV's also have quite a bad reputation in regards to safety. For example, in January 2010, more the forty people died in a two bus PMV accident to the North.
As long as you can cope with chickens in your lap, breathing truck fumes and sometimes scary truck rally driving, this remains the option of choice for me in regards to DIY travel to Kokoda.
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