Testimonials
Nina Boydell - Western Australia
 | The Lark Force Trek was a wonderful experience. Kori has worked with local land owners and villagers to involve them in the trek and this certainly helped to make the experience very positive and satisfying. There is no sense of any local people being exploited by the changes possibly occurring because of the trekkers coming through their villages. There were many highlights of the trek but the Bainings Fire Dance performance at Mondrabet - which started at 2.30am and continued until 6am, was spectacular, memorable and totally different from anything we have ever seen or experienced. We were worried that the trek would be extremely difficult and physically very strenuous but it was pitched at a perfect level for those trekkers who have some level of fitness, but are not fanatics. It suited us perfectly and every day was enjoyable and rewarding. All the South Sea Horizons staff - ie porters, cooks, guides etc - were great - friendly, strong, helpful, enthusiastic, warm and gracious - and willing to carry the Aussie women across the many rivers we crossed - no shame! We would do it all again - and look forward to being able to return to PNG for more walking. It is a fantastic country! |
Marg Curtis - Lark Force Association (Victoria)
 | Hi Kori Marg |
Jeremy Fewtrell - Dubbo (Kokoda Track)
 | Kori and Alan, Although all of the BHMT did a wonderful job, a quick couple of I would also like to mention my porter Jack as he did a superb job on Also thanks to James for his role as tour leader. He kept us well Regards, |
Anne Pinto - Barrick Gold
 | Hi Kori Received your phone message and wanted to relay our many thanks and best wishes to all (we returned to Perth 4 days ago). The trip was terrific and even now, Steve wishes we could return or grumbles that we should've stayed longer - 7 days went too quickly. I'm certain we will either return to Rubio again or/and check out the other locations, like Vanimo. Kori, we ate like kings and Shane and Annette were the perfect hosts. Not only was the surf fun but the side trips to the plateau and Tabar were my personal highlights. Shane's knowledge and enthusiasm for the local breaks was truly infectious. Steve donated his spare board and we have encouraged our (surfing) friends to do the same package. Thanks for taking care of us and hope to catch up again in the future. Anne |
Rohan Harry - Lark Force Descendant (Victoria)
 | Dear Kori and Alan Thank you again for the tremendous work that you and your team put into making our Lark Force Wilderness Track experience so memorable. It truly was one of the most enjoyable holidays that I have ever been fortunate enough to go on.
I could not recommend the Lark Force Wilderness Track more highly to any potential trekkers who are looking for an adventure holiday with a difference. |
Frazer Harry - Lark Force Association (Victoria)
 | Hi Kori, Al. Being there for the official opening trek made the whole thing even more of an event in every way. It was just a very special thing for me, not just because of the history with my father during the war, but also simply because over time I’ve just personally grown to love the place and its people. You guys have given me something I’ll never forget, and I’m just so grateful to you and everyone else involved in helping put it together. |
Dr. Sean Rothwell - Adventure Medicine
 | "For me, the Lark Force Wilderness Track promised to tell the story of the unknown 2/22nd battalion and provide a spectacular jungle trek. It delivered this and so much more. The standout highlight was the culture of the people of East New Britain. The trek provided a window into the fascinating ancient traditions of these friendly tribes. Beautiful coral reefs, imposing active volcanoes, crocodile-infested rivers and adrenaline-charged deep-sea fishing were unexpected bonuses along the way." |
Dr. David Rosengren - Adventure Medicine
 | Hi Kori Without a doubt one of the most incredible weeks of my life. East New Britain offers the most amazing contrasts from the crystal clear reef waters; to the barren volcanic landscape; to the dense tropical jungles and ruggedness of the Baining Mountain Range; to the crocodile infested splendour of the Mevelo River and finally to the fishing delights of the open waters of the south coast. I feel privileged to have been witness to the extraordinary cultural display and the uninhibited generosity of the local villagers. Being exposed to this diversity of nature and culture added to the solemnity of the remembrance of the sacrifice made by the Lark Force in 1942. I went to New Britain expecting the unexpected and I got everything I could have imagined and then some. It is impossible to select out any specific highlight of the trip. I very much hope that our medical contribution to both the porters and local villagers was of value and I would love to be able to contribute in a positive way in the future Great effort on your behalf Cheers David |
 | Mikey Cleary - Hostville (Sydney)Walking the Kokoda trail was an amazing experience and something I’ll remember forever. The 7 day trek was challenging and at the same time extremely rewarding. The history and emotions I absorbed whilst walking is something a book can’t properly describe. Walking through the dense rainforest and then coming across the oasis like villages lining the trail would have to be my highlight. The week spent in Rabual after was a great to way to relax and also a great experience to tour the town and see the devastation of the volcanic eruption. All in all it was a great 2 weeks in PNG and something I hope to do again one day. Josh Mullens - Hostville (Sydney)The trip was truly amazing – a wonderful mix of war history, a completely different culture, beautiful remote villages and a bloody hard slog. My favourite part of the entire trip was walking through the Choco vines on day 6, see attached. I’ll be doing it again, maybe with my kids. Sarah Lindsay -URS Australia (Sydney)When I think of the track I remember never ending climbs, constant tree roots and bucket loads of sweat. It was indeed a great physical challenge and an amazing experience, thanks to the porters we had helping us and caring for us every step of the way. Just like the diggers before us, they looked out for us, caught us when we slipped and most importantly we were able to bond with them, learning about their way of life. I really think it is an opportunity every Australian should experience. |
Alan Tillyer (Yacht Delivery Skipper) - "Strewth"
 | Hi Kori, The crew onboard "Strewth" - Alan, Chas and David would like to thank you and your father for making our stopover in Rabaul so easy and pleasant. We had a good passage down to Mackay with Geoff, although there were a couple of slow days down round Rossel Island. After that we had a great sail into Mackay. Thanks again, Alan |
Terry Boxhall & Felicity Paton - On Board Marina Svetaeva
 | Hello Kori We have just returned from travelling with Aurora Expeditions in PNG and would like to thank you and Ben for all your assistance at both Port Moresby airport (on the way to Alotau) and then later at Rabaul airport (on the way home!). At times you were both operating above and beyond the call of duty and we were most appreciative of this. We had a great time being introduced to PNG and are hoping that it will not be too long before we make a return trip. We came home on the new flight Sydney to Port Moresby direct in 3 1/2 hours so we certainly now know how close PNG is! Thank you once again for making this a most memorable experience. Best wishes to you and good luck with South Sea Horizons. Felicity Paton & Terry Boxall |
Beau "Binsy" Robinson – HSBC Waratahs (Player)
 | "Thanks heaps for the time up in Rabaul! Had the best time ever up there, couldnt have asked for a better holiday experience, with the scuba diving, game fishing, sight seeing, and just cruising around in general and getting a feel for the culture of the place, was absolutely awesome! The hospitality you and Al showed myself and the others boys was second to none and we were constantly being impressed as there was never a boring moment. I can't speak highly enough of my time up there and the great time i had and all of the experiences i encountered. Have been telling everyone!" |
Brent McKean – Great Walks Magazine (Editor)
 | "South Sea Horizon's Lark Force Wilderness Track is one hell of an adventure. You really appreciate what our soldiers went through as they evaded capture from the Japanese. It felt like we were the first people to walk through this pristine wilderness since WWII. Also it was great to hang out with the New Britain locals and see another way of life. I have a new appreciation for PNG." |
Thomas Cameron – Office of R. Mclelland, MP (Australia)
"PNG really is a holiday frontier for the 21st century. Rarely can the traveller find a getaway tropical sanctuary that still has the Indiana Jones touch. But South Sea Horizons know exactly where to find it, how to get you there and what to do during your stay. In a little over a week we trekked the Owen Stanley ranges, absorbed one of history's most remarkable battlefields, laughed our way through an impromptu soccer match with Kokoda locals, bathed next to an active volcano and caught enough fish to feed a small village. If you want a holiday that matches relaxation with action and culture with challenge - SSH will take care of it."
Benjamin Azar – Savills Property Group (Sydney)
 | The Lark Force Wilderness Walk was a very rewarding experience for me as I was able to retrace the footsteps taken by the the 2nd 22nd Battalion when they fled Rabaul during the Japanese invasion in World War II. The trek along with the many War Relics, Tol Memorial Plaque and Biti Paka War memorial allowed me to truly experience first hand the sacrifice many Australian soldiers made for the safety of our great nation. The fishing and diving in New Britain were some of the best I have ever done. The people were great and their hospitality was second to none. The New Britain Islands are a untouched part of the world located on Australia's door step, I recommend experiencing what this fantastic country has to offer. |
Tom Freeman – Macquarie Bank (Sydney)
 | "The Macquarie Bank Sports Program seeks to reach out to the youth in remote communities throughout Australia and the South Pacific. With the support of South Sea Horizons, and Kori’s unique knowledge and intimate relationship with PNG, we were able to access the beauty and purity of the untouched New Guinean landscape. The Melanesian people ooze a friendliness and genuine love for humanity that can only be found in these secluded places, which remain largely unblemished by the modern day world." |
Patrick Witter – Disc Brakes Australia (Sydney)
 | “My recent trip to New Britain was rich with tropical colour and adventure and complimented by the many friendly smiling faces that greeted me along the way. The Lark Force Wilderness Trek was a great challenge for me both mentally and physically which turned out to be the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Sydney. The estuary and blue water fishing at Baia Wilderness Lodge gave me the opportunity to sport fish for the infamous Black Bass which this time luckily evaded my lure but fishing in these waters is unlike any fishing I have ever done in Australia. South Sea Horizons provided me with a tour with a real a sense of adventure and an appreciation of local indigenous art and culture.” |
David Speers – Political Editor, Sky News Australia
"PNG is a hidden gem. Where else can you find adventure, traditional culture and a relaxing paradise all in the one place? And who better than South Sea Horizons to show you where to find it? These guys know what they’re doing. Whether we were in downtown Port Moresby, trecking the Kokoda Track or relaxing on a beach in Rabaul, we always knew we were in safe hands with SSH. They showed us where to find the best fishing, the most pristine beaches, the friendliest locals, some amazing war history and traditional culture. The annual mask festival in Rabaul was an unexpected highlight. No matter what you’re into, SSH will tailor a holiday that will blow you away."
