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Doing business in PNG – legally!

The PNG Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) Act requires Australian Kokoda tour companies to be certified as a ‘Foreign Enterprise’, and registered as an ‘Overseas Company’ to do business legally in Papua New Guinea.

If they are not registered as an ‘Overseas Company’ they are required to contract with a PNG registerd company to provide for their in-country personnel and logistic support.

The PNG Kokoda Track (Special Purpose) Authority (KTA) is responsible to ensure Australian Kokoda tour companies comply with the IPA act, and their own licensing conditions.

Unfortunately, the KTA has proved to be incapable of fulfilling its role over the past decade due to political interference, ‘Wan-Tokism‘, and corruption – the National newspaper recently reported:

“Corruption in PNG is pervasive, affecting every level of society. Public servants, politicians, and officials have  been implicated in the embezzlement of public funds and misuse of power”.

The PNG Kokoda Track Authority is no exception!

As a result, they now issue Kokoda tour operator licenses and trek permits to whoever turns up with a cheque or cash without conducting any form of due diligence on them – their website is not a reliable guide as it has not been updated since 2012!

The business principle of ‘Caveat Emptor‘, i.e., ‘Let the buyer beware’ therefore applies.

Trekker’s Due Diligence – Warning!

The onus is therefore on trekkers to conduct their own due diligence checks to ensure the tour company they choose complies with the IPA Act – those who choose to trek with an illegal tour company (usually because they are cheaper) risk invalidating their Public Liability Insurance policy (if they have one!) and their own travel insurance policy.

Following is a list of legal and illegal Kokoda tour operators as of 1 July 2025 – these can be cross-checked by conducting an ‘Entity Search’ on the PNG Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) website via this link:

PNG Investment Promotion Authority Entity Search

Click on the name of the Kokoda tour operator in the index below to go directly to them – or scroll on down to see them all:

Adventure Bound

Ex-military Operator – leading treks across the Kokoda Trail since 2016

–
20 January 2016:
Registered as an Overseas Company (3-109400)

–
27 February 2022:
Foreign Certification Number (105453)

Failed to lodge Annual Returns as required by the IPA Act for 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

–

According to IPA records has not paid tax in PNG since 2016

Adventure Excellence

  • Not Registered by the PNG Investment Promotion Authority (IPA)
  • Not licensed by the Kokoda Track Authority (KTA)

Operates in breach of the IPA Act

Adventure Kokoda

Company fully compliant with the IPA Act

Ex-military operator leading treks across the Kokoda Trail since 1991

–

19 Jun 1998:
Contracted Sogeri Enterprises (1-30274) to provide personnel and logistic support to Adventure Kokoda from 2002-2019

–

1 Jun 2018:
Adventure Kokoda (PNG) Ltd registered as a PNG company (1-118228)

–

7 Nov 2019:
Certified as a Foreign Enterprise (104189)

–

Annual Returns filed via LLLS Lawyers (PNG) since 2019.

Australian Kokoda Tours

**Non-military eco-trek operator – leading treks across the Kokoda Trail since 2006

–
Not registered with the PNG Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) as required by their Act from 2006 – 2013.

–
22 August 2013:
Registered as a Business Name (failed to register with IPA from 2006-2013)

–
24 February 2022:
Registered as a Foreign Enterprise (operated without Foreign Enterprise certification for 16 years from 2006-2022)

–
31 August 2023:
Business Name Renewal Date EXPIRED!

–
16 November 2023:
Issued with J-57 – Notice of expiration of business name registration

–
27 August 2024:
Renewed Business Name

–
Not registered as an Overseas Company with the PNG Investment Promotion Authority as required

Failed to lodge Annual Returns as required by the IPA Act for 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009. 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

–

According to PNG IPA records has not paid tax in PNG since 2006.

–

Operates in breach of the PNG Investment Promotion Authority Act

Adventure Professionals

Ex-military operator – leading treks across the Kokoda Trail since 2010

–

  • Not registered with the PNG Investment Promotion Authority as required by the Act
  • Not listed as a licensed tour operator by the Kokoda Track Authority (KTA) – however the KTA has not updated their website since 21012.

Uses a legitimate PNG company, Tropic Tours, to organise in-country logistics – should be registered as a ‘Foreign Enterprise though.

Athletica

**Non-military discount Eco-tour operator

–

  • Not Registered by the PNG Investment Promotion Authority (IPA)
  • Not licensed by the Kokoda Track Authority (KTA)

According to IPA records has not paid tax in PNG since 2016

–

Operates in breach of the IPA Act

Aurora Adventures

**Non-military eco-tour operator – leading treks across the Kokoda Trail since 2015

–

Is NOT registered with IPA as either:

  • a registered company
  • an overseas company; or
  • Foreign Enterprise.

According to IPA records has not paid tax in PNG since 2015

–

Operates in breach of the IPA Act

Back Track Adventures

**Non-military eco-tour operator – has been leading treks across the Kokoda Trail since 2002

–

  • 9 April 2015:
    Registered as an Overseas Company (3-105715)
    –
  • 5 December 2023:
    Served with Notice of Removal for failure to re-register by IPA
    –
  • Has never registered as a Foreign Enterprise
  • Current IPA Status as an overseas company: REMOVED

Failed to lodge Annual Returns as required by the IPA Act for 2002. 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009. 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

–

According to IPA records has not paid tax in PNG since 2002

–

Operates in breach of the IPA Act

Big Heart Adventures

**Non-military eco-tour operator

–

  • Not Registered by the PNG Investment Promotion Authority (IPA)
  • Not licensed by the Kokoda Track Authority (KTA)

According to IPA records has never paid tax in PNG


Operates in breach of the IPA Act

Buna Treks and Tours

**Non-military discount PNG Eco-tour operator

–

According to Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) records:

  • 17 May 2021:
    IPA Registration No: 1-130256

According to IPA records has not paid tax in PNG since 2014

–

Failed to lodge Annual Returns as required by the IPA Act in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023

Camino Women

**Non-military eco-tour operator
–

  • Not Registered by the PNG Investment Promotion Authority (IPA)
  • Not licensed by the Kokoda Track Authority (KTA)
  • Not registered as an Overseas Company
  • Not registered as a Foreign Enterprise

According to IPA records has never paid tax in PNG

–

Operates in breach of the IPA Act

Escape Trekking Adventures

**Non-military eco-tour operator – leading treks across the Kokoda Trail since 2012
–

  • 17 October 2013:
    Registered as a Business Name (6-143215)
    –
  • 31 October 2016:
    Business Name registration LAPSED
    –
  • 16 November 2023:
    Served with J-57 – Notice of expiration of business name registration
    –
  • Not registered as an Overseas Company
  • Not registered as a Foreign Enterprise

According to IPA records has not paid tax in PNG since 2012!

–

Failed to lodge Annual Returns as required by the IPA Act in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024

–

Operates in breach of the IPA Act

Free Spirit Adventures

**Non-military eco-tour operator
–

According to IPA records:

  • Not registered as an Overseas Company
  • Not certified as a Foreign Enterprise
  • Not licensed by the Kokoda Track Authority

Has never paid tax in PNG

–

Operates in breach of the IPA Act

Getaway Trekking and Adventures

**Non-military eco-tour operator – leading treks across the Kokoda Tral since 2010.
–

According to PNG Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) records:
–

  • 19 February 2010:
    Registered as a PNG Limited company (1-72074)
    –
  • 17 March 2025
    Getaway Trekking (PNG) Ltd certified as a Foreign Enterprise (111444)
    –
  • Not registered as an Overseas Company
  • Not certified as a Foreign Enterprise

According to IPA records has not paid tax in PNG since 2011

–

Annual Returns for 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 filed withing two (2) hours of each other on 10 January 2019 Annual Returns for 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 filed withing two (2) hours of each other on 10 January 2019

–

Operates in Breach of the IPA Act

Imofat Trekking and Tourism

**Non-military discount Eco-tour operator
–

According to IPA Records:

  • 27 October 2008:
    Registered as a Business Name (6-74916)
    –
  • 2013:
    Business Name LAPSED
    –
  • 16 November 2023:
    Served with J-57 – Notice of expiration of business name registration

According to IPA records has not paid tax in PNG since 2008

–

Operates in Breach of the IPA Act

Inspired Adventures

**Australian Charity which uses discount eco-tour operators to conduct fundraising treks for Australian charities – not known to have shared any donations with subsistence village communities across the Kokoda Trail.
–

  • Not Registered by the PNG Investment Promotion Authority (IPA)
  • Not licensed by the Kokoda Track Authority (KTA)
    –

WARNING:

According to the Australian Securities Investment Commission (ASIC) Inspired Adventures Pty Limited ACN: 125 426 468 has been placed in Voluntary Administration.
https://publishednotices.asic.gov.au/browsesearch-notices/notice-details/Inspired-Adventures-Pty-Limited-125426468/88365466-6062-4398-a76f-d4e3cf8221bd

According to IPA records has never paid tax in PNG

–

Operates in breach of the IPA Act

Invictus Australia

**Non-military discount eco-tour operator

–

  • Not Registered by the PNG Investment Promotion Authority (IPA)
  • Not licensed by the Kokoda Track Authority (KTA)

According to IPA records has never paid tax in PNG

–

Operates in breach of the IPA Act

Kokoda Angel Tours Limited

**Non-military discount PNG eco-tour operator
–

According to PNG Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) records:
–

  • 7 September 2006
    Registered as a PNG company (1-57589)

Failed to lodge Annual Returns for 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023

–

According to IPA records has not paid tax in PNG since 2006

–

Operates in breach of the IPA Act

Kokoda Campaign Tours

**Non-military eco-tour operator

–
Has led treks across the Kokoda Trail since 2012

–

According to PNG Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) records:
–

3 February 2012:

  • Registered as an Overseas Company (3-81834)
  • Certified as a Foreign Enterprise
    –

6 March 2023:

  • Foreign Certification – Overseas Company SUSPENDED.
    –

10 January 2025:

  • Issued with J-60 – Notice of suspension of foreign investment registration for failure to file annual status report

According to IPA records has never paid tax in PNG since 2012

–

Failed to lodge Annual Returns for 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023

–

Operates in breach of the IPA Act

Kokoda Centurions

**Non-military eco-tour Operator
–

  • Not Registered by the PNG Investment Promotion Authority (IPA)
  • Not licensed by the Kokoda Track Authority (KTA)

According to IPA records has never paid tax in PNG

–

Operates in breach of the IPA Act

Kokoda Courage

**Non-military eco-tour operator
–

Leading treks across the Kokoda since 2006

–

16 November 2023:
Served with J-57–Notice of expiration of business name registration
–

  • Not registered as an Overseas Company
  • Not certified as a foreign Enterprise

According to IPA records has not paid tax in PNG since 2006

–

Has not filed any form of Annual Return for 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 because they have never been registered with the IPA

–

Operates in breach of the IPA Act

Kokoda Crossing

**Non-military eco-tour operator
–

Leading treks across the Kokoda Trail since 2011

–

According to PNG Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) records:

  • 30/09/2021
    Kokoda Crossing 42’ registered as a Business Name (6-309820)
    –
  • 10 January 2025:
    Served with J-57 – Notice of expiration of business name registration
    –
  • Not registered as an Overseas Company
  • Not certified as a Foreign Enterprise

According to IPA records has not paid tax in PNG since 2011

–

Failed to lodge Annual Returns for 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024

–

Operates in breach of the IPA Act

Kokoda Culture

**Non-military eco-tour operator
–

According to PNG Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) records:}

  • 7 July 2009:
    Registered as a Business Name (6-80639)
    –
  • 31 July 2012:
    Business Name (6-80639) CANCELLED
    –
  • 21 November 2012:
    Registered as a Business Name (6-122681)
    –
  • 23 November 2018:
    Business Name (6-122681) CANCELLED
    –
  • 22 October 2021:
    Registered as a Business Name (6-311470)
    –
  • Not a registered PNG company

According to IPA records has not paid tax in PNG since 2016

–

Failed to lodge Annual Returns for 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024

–

Operates in breach of the IPA Act

Kokoda Discovery Treks

**Non-military eco-tour operator
–

  • Not Registered by the PNG Investment Promotion Authority (IPA)
  • Not licensed by the Kokoda Track Authority (KTA)

According to IPA records has not paid tax in PNG

–

Operates in breach of the IPA Act

Kokoda Extreme

**Non-military eco-tour operator
–

  • Not Registered by the PNG Investment Promotion Authority (IPA)
  • Not licensed by the Kokoda Track Authority (KTA)

According to IPA records has not paid tax in PNG

–

Operates in breach of the IPA Act

Kokoda Footsteps Trekking

**Non-military discount eco-tour operator
–

  • Not a registered company with the Investment Promotion Authority (IPA)

According to IPA records has not paid tax in PNG

–

Operates in breach of the IPA Act

Kokoda Historical

**Non-military eco-tour operator

–

Leading treks across the Kokoda Trail since 2005 – operated from 2005-2022 without IPA registration

–

According to PNG Investment Promotion (IPA) records:

  • 12 August 2019:
    Kokoda Historical Business Name registered
  • 30 August 2022
    Registered as a Business Name (105496)
  • 20 September 2022:
    Registered as a Foreign Enterprise (105496)
  • 17 April 2024:
    Issued with J-54 – Registrar’s notice of revocation of cancellation of Business Name
  • 21 August 2024
    AR-20 – Renewal of business name registration
  • 10 January 2025
    Entity Status: SUSPENDED Issued withJ-60 – Notice of suspension of foreign investment registration for failure to file annual status report)
  • 30 January 2025
    Kokoda Track Authority issues Kokoda Historical with a Kokoda Tour Operators License valid to 30 July 2026

Current Status:

  • Not registered as an Overseas Company
  • Not registered as a Foreign Enterprise

According to IPA records has not paid tax in PNG since 2005

Failed to file an Annual Return for 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 or 2024

Operates in breach of the IPA Act

Kokoda Mateship Limited

**Non-military discount eco tour operator
–

  • 13 August 2009
    Registered as a Business Name (6-82784)
    –
  • 15 November 2023
    Served with J-57 – Notice of expiration of business name registration

According to IPA records has not paid tax in PNG since 2009

–

Operates in breach of the IPA Act

Kokoda Solidarity Treks

**Non-military eco-tour operator
–

  • Not Registered by the PNG Investment Promotion Authority (IPA)
  • Not licensed by the Kokoda Track Authority (KTA)

According to IPA records has not paid tax in PNG

Operates in breach of the IPA Act

Kokoda Spirit

**Non-military eco-tour operator

–

Leading treks since 2004

–

According to Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) records:
–
2 September 2002:
Registered as Kokoda Spirit PNG Ltd (1-47149)
–
27 May 2022:

–
  • Failed to file any Annual Returns from 2008,2009, 2010,2011,2012,2013, 2014 and 2015
    –
  • Filed four Annual Returns for 2011-2014 within four (4) minutes of each other; and
    –
  • Filed Annual Returns for 2016 and 2017 within five (5) minutes of each other

–

According to IPA records has not paid tax in PNG since 2002 on an estimated gross profit of K7.5 million

–

Operates in breach of the moral code of the ‘Spirit of Kokoda‘

Link:

Kokoda Spirit Review – Let the Buyer Beware!

Kokoda Trail Expeditions

**Non-military eco-tour operator

–

Leading treks across the Kokoda Trail since 2006

–
According to PNG Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) Records:

–

  • 20 August 2019:
    Registered as a Business Name (6-255892)
    –
  • 12 October 2023:
    Served with J-57 – Notice of expiration of  business name registration
    –
  • Never registered as a PNG company
  • Never registered as an Overseas Company
  • Never certified as a Foreign Enterprise

According to IPA records has not paid tax in PNG since 2006

–

Failed to file an Annual Return for 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 or 2022.

–

Operates in breach of the IPA Act

Kokoda Treks & Tours

Kokoda Treks & Tours ceased operating across the Kokoda Trail in 2014.

–

The company should have been removed from the KTA website after they failed to renew their Kokoda Tour Operators Licence in 2015.

Kokoda Strive Trekking

**Non-military discount eco-trekking company
–

According to PNG Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) records:

14 October 2008:
Registered as a PNG company (1-65344)
–
6 February 2022:
Removed from the IPA website

According to IPA records has not paid tax in PNG since 2008

–

Failed to file an Annual Return for 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 or 2022

Operates in breach of the IPA Act

Kokoda Tears Trekking and Tours

**Non-military discount eco-tour company

–

  • Not registered with the PNG Investment Promotion Authority
  • Licensed as a Kokoda tour operator by the Kokoda Track Authority

According to IPA records has never paid tax in PNG

–

Operates in breach of the IPA Act

Kokoda Tours

**Non-military discount eco-tour operator
–

  • Not Registered with the PNG Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) as a Business Name or as a company
    –
  • Not licensed by the Kokoda Track Authority

According to IPA records never paid tax in PNG

–

Operates in breach of the IPA Act

Kokoda Ulimate Tours

**Non-military discount eco-tour operator
–

According to PNG Investment Promotions Authority (IPA) Records:|

  • 14 April 2021
    Business Name Registered
    –
  • 30 January 2025
    Served with J-57 – Notice of expiration of business name registration

According to IPA records has not paid tax in PNG since 2021

–

Operates in breach of the IPA Act

Kokoda Track Experience Ltd

**Non-military eco-tour operator
–

Leading treks across the Kokoda Trail since 2007

–

According to PNG Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) records:

  • 5 May 2010:
    Registered as a PNG company (1-73469)
    –
  • 5 December 2023
    Served J-23 – Notice of removal for failure to re-register
    –
  • Not registered as a Foreign Enterprise

According to IPA records has not paid tax in PNG since 2007

–

Failed to lodge Annual Returns in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023

–

Operates in breach of the IPA Act

Kokoda Trail Expeditions (PNG)

**Non-military discount eco-tour operator
–

Leading treks across the Kokoda Trail since 2007

–

According to PNG Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) records:
–

  • 8 May 2007:
    Removed from IPA Company Register

According to IPA records has not paid tax in PNG since 2007

–

Failed to lodge Annual Returns in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023

–

Operates in breach of the IPA Act

Kokoda Trail Bushwalking Expeditions

**Non-military discount eco-tour operator
–

Licensed as a Kokoda Tour Operator by the Kokoda Track Authority
–

According to IPA records:

  • 7 July 2020:
    Registered as a Business Name (6-73856)

According to IPA records has not paid tax in PNG since 2020

–

Failed to lodge Annual Returns as required by the IPA Act for 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024

–

Operates in breach of the IPA Act

Kokoda Trekking Australia

**Non-military eco-tour operator

–
Leading treks across the Kokoda Trail since 2005

–

According to PNG Investment Promotion authority (IPA) records:

  • 30 March 2004:
    Kokoda Trekking Ltd (1-51091) registered as a PNG company with IPA
    –
  • Has not re-registered as a company with IPA since 31 Mar 2008.
  • Not registered as an Overseas Company
  • Not registered as a Foreign Enterprise
    –
  • 5 December 2024:
    Removed from Company Register for failure to re-register on 5/12/2023

According to IPA records has not paid tax in PNG since 2005

–

Has not filed an Annual Return with the IPA for Never filed an Annual Return for 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 or 2023

–

Operates in breach of the IPA Act

Kokoda Tribute

**Non-military Kokoda tour operator

–

Leading treks across the Kokoda Trail since 2010

–

According to IPA records:

  • 4 October 2022:
    Registered as a Business Name (1-51091)
    –
  • Not registered as a PNG Company.
  • Not registered as an Overseas Company
  • Not registered as a Foreign Enterprise with PNG IPA
    –
  • 19 January 2025:
    Notice of expiration of Business Name: 10/01/2025

According to IPA records has not paid tax in PNG since 2010

–

Failed to lodge Annual Returns with the Investment Promotion Authority for 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

–

Operates in breach of the IPA Act

Kokoda War Memorial Mission

**Non-military discount eco-tour operator
–

According to PNG Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) records:

  • 3 February 2010:
    Registered as a Business Name (6-85898)
    –
  • 16 November 2023:
    Served with J-57 – Notice of expiration of business name registration

According to IPA records has not paid tax in PNG since 2011

–

Has never filed an Annual Return for 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 or 2023

–

Operates in breach of the IPA Act

Kokoda Wild

**Non-military discount eco-tour operator
–

According to PNG Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) records:

  • 16 December 2019:
    Registered as a Business Name (6-262191)
    –
  • 29 February 2020:
    Business Name Lapsed
    –
  • 16 November 2023:
    Served with J-57 – Notice of expiration of business name registration

According to IPA records has not paid tax in PNG since 2011

–

Failed to lodge Annual Returns with the Investment Promotion Authority for 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

–

Operates in breach of the IPA Act

Kotrek Limited

**Non-military eco-tour operator
–

Leading treks across the Kokoda Trail since 2010

–

According to Investment Promotions Authority (IPA) Records:

  • 18 June 2009:
    Registration No: 1-68247
    –
  • 5 December 2023:
    Registration removed for failure to re-register
    –
  • Not registered as an Overseas Company
  • Not registered has a Foreign Enterprise

According to IPA records has not paid tax in PNG since 2011

–

Has failed to lodge Annual Returns with the Investment Promotion Authority for 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

–

Operates in breach of the IPA Act

Lifestyle Adventure Training

**Non-military eco-tour operator
–

  • Not registered with the IPA
  • Not licensed by the Kokoda Track Authority

Has never paid any tax in PNG

–

Operates in breach of the IPA Act

No Roads Expeditions

**Non-military eco-tour operator

–
Leading treks across the Kokoda Trail since 2009

–

According to PNG Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) records:
7 September 2009:
No Roads Expeditions Pty Ltd (3-69516) registered as an overseas company
–
4 May 2010:
No Roads Expeditions (PNG) Ltd registered with IPA (1-73445)
–
7 September 2011:
Registered as a Foreign Enterprise with PNG IPA (3-69516)

–
5 December 2023:
No Roads Expeditions Pty Ltd served with J-23 – Notice of removal for failure to re-register as an Overseas Company
–
10 January 2025:
Served with J-60 – Notice of suspension of foreign investment registration for failure to file annual status report
–
Current Status:

  • Current Status for Overseas Company: REMOVED
  • Current Status for Foreign certification SUSPENDED

According to IPA records has never paid tax in PNG since 2009!

–

Failed to lodge Annual Returns with the Investment Promotion Authority for 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

–

Operates in breach of the IPA Act

On Track Expeditions

Ex-military Kokoda tour operator

–

Leading treks across the Kokoda Trail since 2010

–

According to PNG Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) records:

  • 3 March 2023:
    On Track Expeditions Pty Ltd registered as an Overseas Company
    –
  • 10 January 2025:
    Issued with J-19 – Registrar’s notice of removal as an Overseas Company for failure to file Annual Reports
    –
  • 17 March 2025:
    Registered as a Foreign Enterprise
    –
  • 11 June 2025:
    Registration as an Overseas Company restored.

According to IPA records has not paid tax in PNG since 2010

–

Operated without any form of IPA registration from 2010-2022

–

Failed to lodge Annual Returns with the Investment Promotion Authority for 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

Operation Kokoda Expeditions

**Non-military eco-tour operator
–

  • Licensed by the Kokoda Track Authority
  • Not registered with the IPA

Operates in breach of the IPA Act

Our Spirit

**Non-military eco-tour operator
–

Leading treks across the Kokoda Trail since 2004

–

According to PNG Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) records:

  • 17 August 2022:
    Our Spirit ‘Business Name’ registered
    –
  • 23 January 2023
    Our Spirit Adventures Pty Ltd Registered as an Overseas Company
    –
  • 10 January 2025:
    J-57 – Notice of expiration of business name registration
    –
  • 10 January 2025:
    J-19 – Registrar’s notice of removal as an Overseas Company for failure to file AR

According to IPA records has not paid tax in PNG since 2004

–

Failed to lodge Annual Returns with the Investment Promotion Authority for 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

–

Operates in breach of the IPA Act

Peak Learning Adventures

Ex-military Kokoda tour operator
–

Leading treks across the Kokoda Trail since 2012

–

According to Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) Records:

  • Not registered as an Overseas Company
  • Not registered as a Foreign Enterprise
  • Not listed as a licensed Kokoda tour company with the Kokoda Track Authority

According to IPA records has not paid tax in PNG since 2004

–

Failed to lodge Annual Returns with the Investment Promotion Authority for 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

–

Operates in breach of the IPA Act

PNG Trekking Adventures

PNG CompanyListed as a Licensed Kokoda Tour Company with the Kokoda Track Authority but has niot operated as a business in PNG since 2024.

Sogeri Enterprises & Sogeri Lodge

PNG CompanyListed as a Licensed Kokoda Tour Company with the Kokoda Track Authority but no longer operates as a business in PNG

South Sea Horizons

**Non-military eco-tour operator

–
Leading treks across the Kokoda Trail since 2008

–

According to PNG Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) records:

  • 24 June 2016:
    Registered as a PNG company (1-111276).
    –
  • 1 August 2023:
    Re-registered as a PNG company

–

  • Not registered as a Foreign Enterprise

According to IPA records has not paid tax in PNG since 2008

–

Failed to lodge Annual Returns with the Investment Promotion Authority for 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

–

Operates in breach of the IPA Act

Toogee Treks

**Non-military eco-tour operator

–

Leading treks across the Kokoda Trail since 2005

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According to PNG Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) records:

  • 1 March 2005:
    Registered as a Business Name (6-51345)
    –
  • 31 March 2008:
    Business Name Cancelled

According to IPA records has not paid tax in PNG since 2008

–

Failed to lodge Annual Returns with the Investment Promotion Authority for 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

–

Operates in breach of the IPA Act

Trek 96 Kokoda Limited

**Non-military eco-tour operator
–

According to IPA records:

  • 12 August 2022
    Registered as a PNG company (1-137038)

According to IPA records has not paid tax in PNG since 2022

–

Failed to lodge Annual Returns with the Investment Promotion Authority for 2022, 2023, 2024

–

Operates in breach of the IPA Act

Tropic Tours Limited

Provides personnel and logistic support for Kokoda tour operators
–

According to Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) records:
–

  • 5 September 2001
    Registered as a company (1-43776)
    –
  • Provides Transport, Storage and Communications to overseas tour companies

According to IPA records has not paid tax in PNG since 2008

–

Failed to lodge Annual Returns with the Investment Promotion Authority for 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

Tru Warrior Adventures

**Non-military discount eco-tour operator

–

  • Not registered with the Investment Promotion Authority
  • Not listed as a licensed Kokoda Tour Operator by the Kokoda Track Authority

Operates in breach of the IPA Act

Unforgettable Adventures

**Non-military eco-tour operator

–

Not registered with the PNG Investment Promotion Authority (IPA)

Operates in breach of the IPA Act

Vaili Treks and Tours

**Non-military eco-tour operator
–

Leading treks across the Kokoda Trail since 2013

–

According to Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) records:

  • 28 June 2013
    Registered as a Business Name (6-136379)
    –
  • 30 June 2016
    Business Name Lapsed
    –
  • 16 November 2023
    J-57 – Notice of expiration of business name registration

According to IPA records has not paid tax in PNG since 2013

–

Failed to lodge Annual Returns with the Investment Promotion Authority for 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

–

Operates in breach of the IPA Act

Wild Trek Tours

According to Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) records:
–

  • 9 June 2022
    Registered Business Name (6-330090)
    –
  • Not registered as a licensed Kokoda Tour Operator by the Kokoda Track Authority

According to IPA records has not paid tax in PNG since 2020

–

Failed to lodge Annual Returns with the Investment Promotion 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

–

Operates in breach of the IPA Act

World Expeditions

Non-military eco-tour operator

Not registered with the PNG Investment Promotion Authority

Not registered as licensed Kokoda Tour Operator with the Kokoda Track Authority

Operates in breach of the IPA Act		Operates in breach of the IPA Act

CASE STUDIES

The rugged and remote nature of the Kokoda Trail, the physical challenge it presents, the emotive stories of the campaign, and the cultural connections to the Koiari and Orokaiva people in the ‘land of the unexpected‘ were among the prime motivators for the 65,000 Australians who have trekked across it over the past two decades.

However the pilgrimage has also attracted its share of low-rent tour operators cashing in on the opportunities it presents due to the the dysfunctional management sytem that has evolved over the years.

This is not a problem until they are confronted with an emergency they are not equipped to handle due to a lack of satellite communications; a lack of staff qualified in remote-area first-aid; a lack of travel insurance details for each trekker; and effective rear links with helicopter companies and the Port Moresby International Hospital.

Helicopters will not start their engines until they have been guaranteed payment by the trekker or their travel insurance company; weather conditions can delay their operation; and trekkers may have to be carried by stretcher to a suitable helipad for their evacuation.

Legitimate Kokoda tour companies have contingency plans for these emergencies unlike low rent operators who will scramble for assistance from others.

The following two case studies are based on our real-time experiences:

Case Study 1: Death of Trekker

On 17 April 2009 I had remained behind at Ofi Creek to arrange for the helicopter evacuation of one of our trekker.

Around 9.00 am our trekker was evacuated and I commenced my 3½ arduous climb towards the crest of the Maguli Range in pursuit of my trek group I had earlier sent ahead towards our next campsite at Agulogo. Late in the afternoon a guide from a local PNG trek group caught up with me and handed me a note which advised that a woman in their trek group back at Ofi Creek needed urgent assistance. He asked if I could use our satphone to call the owner of the trek group in Port Moresby to get help.

I learned it was a local PNG operator who was one of our former guides with Adventure Kokoda. He had ‘borrowed’ a few of our tents and backpacks and started leading treks after registering a ‘business name’. He had no satphones, no medical gear, no Public Liability insurance cover, and no assets apart from his hut back in his village.

Of more concern was the fact that he was not licensed as a Kokoda tour operator by the Kokoda Track Authority but they continued to issue him with trek permits in breach of their own regulations.

As a result he was therefore able to offer heavily discounted rates.

On the day in question he would have known that I was a day ahead and so he sent one of his guides ahead with a note for me – unfortunately the note did not give any indication of her medical condition or her exact location.

I called the number he gave me around 6.00 pm but there was no answer.

I then called our logistics provider at Sogeri to alert him of the potential emergency but it was a futile call due to the lack of information I could provide.

I discussed the situation with my trekkers when I arrived in camp but there was nothing we could do – if I returned to Ofi Creek it would then take me three days to catch my group again. I therefore made the decision to continue to lead them.

The Coroner’s report advised that:

‘Notification was made to authorities that there was a medical emergency, however poor weather and light prevented the emergency evacuation helicopter from reaching the group or airlifting Samantha out that evening.’

This cannot be true as they had no means of calling for an emergency evacuation and no idea of their geographic position – the coroner was obviously misled.

The coroner advised that she died at 9.10 pm that night.

He also advised that her death was likely related to a hydration issue – after having a look at their itinerary I believe it would also be related to the fact that they pushed them too hard on the first day and didn’t allow sufficiently for her acclimatization.

None of the Coroner’s recommendations have ever been adopted by the Kokoda Track Authority and they continue to issue licenses to whoever turns up.

It is therefore essential that people considering a trek across the Trail conduct serious due diligence on the Kokoda tour operator they choose and apply the principle of ‘Caveat Emptor’ .

Samantha’s family later placed a small plaque at the site where she died – it acted as a reminder to me of the risks involved in trekking Kokoda every time I passed it over the next 13 years.

Case Study 2:

From: Ryan Hansen
Date: 27/9/22 6:53 am (GMT+01:00)
To: Tracie Watson <tracie@tracie
Subject: Thank you!!!

Good afternoon, Adventure Kokoda,
I am writing to you today to express my gratitude, as well as that of my family’s, for the assistance rendered by trek leader Peter Davis on the 15th of September 2022, at Imita Ridge on the Kokoda Track, after noticing my brother Reece Hansen experiencing medical complications. After 2 days of hiking from Ower’s Corner, it became apparent to all, with the exception of our Kokoda Spirit guide, that Reece was unable to carry on and required evacuation from the track.

Reece was said to be experiencing symptoms with included dizziness, light-headedness, nausea, central chest pain, faint, unable to follow simple instructions and unable to recall parts of the trek. After discussing Reece’s health concerns with our guide, myself a Paramedic with 7 years’ experience, he begrudgingly arranged for Reece to hike the two days back to Ower’s corner with the assistance of a porter.

Unfortunately, our guide was not willing to entertain the idea of a helicopter evacuation, despite us explicitly stating that was our preferred option, irrespective of the cost involved.   

As Reece attempted to climb Imita ridge on his return journey, he was spotted by a passing Peter Davis and team who following a quick visual medical assessment determined that Reece required an immediate helicopter evacuation, a decision that our own guide failed to acknowledge and accept over the preceding two days of hiking.

Mr Davis took it upon himself to get in contact with Wayne Weatherall, the owner of Kokoda Spirit, raise his valid concerns and facilitate the evacuation.  

We cannot thank Peter enough for taking these steps to ensure the safety of my brother after we were failed by our Kokoda Spirit team.

The implications of ignoring potential health issues are all too present on the track as you pass memorials dedicated to deceased trekkers along the track, and we are eternally thankful that we weren’t adding to that.

Reece was taken that same day to the Pacific International Hospital and discharged that night before returning safe and well to Australia the following morning.   

Although we did not hike with Adventure Kokoda, rest assured your actions have not gone unnoticed and we will be recommending your company to family or friends should they wish to hike the Kokoda Track in the future.   Please take this opportunity to pass on a big thank you Peter Davis on behalf of the whole Hansen family.  Kind Regards,Ryan Hansen

Following is an extract from the Trek Leader’s Report from Peter Davis regarding the incident:

‘On day 6 we passed the only other trekking group that we saw on the entire trip.

This was a small Kokoda Spirit group of 4 blokes, all in black t-shirts (handy in the jungle??) and a woman.

The next day, as we approached Imita Base for morning tea, we came across a lone trekker, male, late twenties, obese, pale and looking unwell, with one Kokoda Spirit carrier.

Upon questioning he revealed that his group had left him behind after his (I found out later – paid whitey, paramedic ex ADF WO) leader Greg had diagnosed him with heart problems as he had collapsed twice the day before.

This chap, Reece Hansen from Maryland in Newcastle, was now planning on walking back up the 600m climb over Imita Ridge on instructions from his departed leader.

I asked why he wasn’t evacuated on a helicopter. He said, ‘it will save money if I walk out’.

I confirmed that he had travel insurance (Covermore) and turned him around with clear instructions to his carrier companion to get him to the Ule Ck helipad which was a short downhill walk away.

Joe and I organised a helicopter to rescue him. Later that day we came across three PNG nationals with no Kokoda Spirit shirts who had been hired to help walk this bloke back over Imita.

I rang a very grateful Reece on my return to Australia. He was evacuated safely, got an early flight home and was undergoing cardiac tests.

‘My trekkers and myself were appalled to see such a stunning lack of care for a fellow human being and paying customer of the Kokoda Spirit trekking company. The poor fellow had no first aid kit, no radio, no sat phone and no idea of the risks involved with trying to walk out.

Registered Companies Vs ‘Business Names’

A thorough due diligence check of the 53 illegal Kokoda tour operators will reveal that most are just registered as ‘Business Names’ and therefore do not have valid Public Liabilitry Insurance policies.

The best form of insurance is to therefore trek with an experienced tour company whose leaders are trained in remote area First Aid; equipped with satphones, VHF radios, medical kits with defibrillators; who have a valid Public Liability insurance policy; and who fully comply with the relevant legal requirements for doing business in PNG.

Public Liability Insurance is an essential component of any legitimate company – the purpose is to provide lifetime cover to anybody unfortunate enough to suffer a permanent disability.

It’s also expensive which is why most of the tour operators registed as only a ‘Business Name’ in PNG to not have it!

Unfortunately, the KTA has been corrupted and has lost control of their own Kokoda tour operator licensing system – ‘Caveat Emptor‘ therefore applies.

Related Links:

Adventure Kokoda has been leading treks across the Trail for 34 years and we are well aware of the need to minimise risk and ensure our trekkers are safe 24/7 from the moment they arrive in Port Moresby until they depart.