About Kokoda Spirit

ABOUT KOKODA SPIRIT

Kokoda Spirit is an Australian and PNG-based trekking company specialising in professionally led Kokoda expeditions.

Founded by Wayne Wetherall in 2004, Kokoda Spirit has safely escorted thousands of trekkers across the Kokoda Track and built a strong reputation for professionalism, safety, authentic historical storytelling, and meaningful connections with the people and communities of Papua New Guinea. Wayne Wetherall and the Kokoda Spirit teamspecialise in treks for elite teams, schools, charities, corporate groups, defence organisations, sporting teams, and individuals seeking a world-class Kokoda experience.

Leadership, experience, and reputation

Over many years, Wayne Wetherall, Kokoda Spirit, and our PNG team have organised and led a wide range of significant expeditions, training activities and leadership programs across Kokoda. These have included:

activities for the Australian Defence Force, including leading four current serving ADF Brigadiers across Kokoda on a private trek.
Exercise Kanga Return 25 across Kokoda for the 39th Battalion.
a Kokoda trek for the Australian Army Adelaide University Regiment
historical battlefield briefings and training activities for the Australian War College
training sessions for members of the New Zealand Defence Force and ADF personnel from Murray and Goldie Barracks in Port Moresby
a private Kokoda trek for four Australian Defence Force Colonels
tailored treks for schools, youth leadership groups and organisations
the Sydney Roosters NRL team
specialist Kokoda expeditions including Kurt Fearnley’s crawl across the Track and Michael Milton trekking Kokoda on crutches.
the Mark Hughes Foundation Back-to-Back Kokoda
the Coast-to-Coast Kokoda expedition, completed on four occasions, covering the Northern Beaches, Kokoda, the Track itself, and the final ride into Port Moresby

Registered, compliant and committed in both Australia and PNG

Kokoda Spirit is registered in Australia as Kokoda Spirit Pty Ltd and is also registered in Papua New Guinea with the PNG Investment Promotion Authority and the PNG Internal Revenue Commission. The business operates within the legal and regulatory requirements of both countries and pays tax in both Australia and PNG.

Kokoda Spirit has also developed a localisation and training plan to support greater PNG national involvement in the trekking industry. As part of this commitment, Kokoda Spirit engages the services of Kokoda Lauma (Spirit), a 100% local PNG company solely owned by long-time Kokoda Spirit guide Noel Namura, who is PNG IPA and PNG IRC compliant and holds Kokoda Track Authority Licence number 130.

We are proud to be an Australian and PNG registered company that employs local people, supports village communities, and generates real benefits in Papua New Guinea. Kokoda Spirit also supports a wide range of charities and foundations through fundraising and awareness programs.

Our PNG team

Kokoda Spirit employs staff from villages and surrounding areas along the Kokoda Track corridor and Northern Beaches region. Our PNG guides were born or raised in these areas, are qualified, trained, and English-speaking, and bring deep local knowledge of the Track, its people and its history.

We are proud to employ local Papua New Guinean staff and to provide income, training and career opportunities to the people of the Kokoda Trail corridor. Our PNG guides are professionally trained in first aid, food preparation, river crossings, risk management and trekker safety, and our senior PNG staff complete rigorous training at the start of every trekking season, including track first aid. This training is delivered by a qualified paramedic trainer.

Our porters and carriers are also supported with training, equipment and systems designed to create a safer and healthier working environment. We provide porter medical kits, campsite fees, transport support, food support, camping equipment, uniforms, and fair wages above industry recommendations. We also promote from within, giving porters the opportunity to progress through to senior roles.

Safety and trek standards

Safety is the highest priority for Wayne Wetherall and Kokoda Spirit. Every aspect of our trek planning and operations is designed to maximise safety, preparation and support for both trekkers and staff.

Kokoda Spirit holds the required commercial licensing for its operations, including Commercial Kokoda Track Operators Licence No. 3, and carries $20 million Public Liability insurance. We also maintain a comprehensive risk management plan, including a 24-hour back-to-base communication protocol.

Our treks include first aid trained guides, first aid kits, satellite communications, detailed medical screening, contingency planning, and strong operational discipline. We do not walk Kokoda at night, as we consider this an unacceptable risk to trekkers and staff. All Australian-led treks include two senior local PNG guides — our Trek Master and Trek Leader — in addition to an Australian historical guide.

We also provide comprehensive pre-trek information and a dedicated training program designed specifically for Kokoda preparation.

Trek quality and support

Kokoda Spirit is known for delivering well-supported, professionally run expeditions. Our food is fresh, healthy, and varied, and we cater for specific dietary needs. Trekkers who engage a porter enjoy additional support, including tent setup and pack assistance, and we can also provide tried and tested trekking, camping and hydration gear. Our packages are designed to reduce hidden extras and make the logistics of trekking Kokoda as smooth and hassle free as possible.

Managing Director Wayne Wetherall has trekked Kokoda more than 100 times and has led more than 130 expeditions, including Kokoda, Borneo, Nepal and Kilimanjaro. Kokoda Spirit’s Australian guides bring a wide range of experience, including military service, teaching, business leadership and community leadership, all supported by a strong knowledge of Kokoda and a commitment to trekker safety.

Adventure partners and special expeditions

Over the years, Kokoda Spirit has organised and led expeditions for a broad range of individuals, organisations, and public figures. These have included Paralympians Kurt Fearnley, Michael Milton and Don Elgin, as well as sporting identities such as Paul “The Chief” Harragon, Mark Hughes, Billy Peden, David Fairleigh, Kurt Gidley, Matt Gidley, Danny Buderus, Matty Johns, Russell Richardson, Steve Menzies, Brad Godden and Trent Robinson. Kokoda Spirit has also led treks with Manu Feildel, Kate Peck, Laura Dundovic and Erin Holland.

In the media

Kokoda Spirit was selected by the producers of the film Kokoda and has appeared on Channel Seven’s Sunday Night, Channel Seven’s Today Tonight, and Channel 9’s ANZAC Day coverage with Simon Bouda. The company has also hosted an ABC Foreign Correspondent trek and has been featured in publications including The Australian, Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Courier Mail, Japan Times and the Air Niugini in-flight magazine.

Giving back

Kokoda Spirit has proudly supported a wide range of charities, foundations, school groups, defence organisations, leadership programs and youth development initiatives over the years. This has included support for organisations such as the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Soldier On, Guide Dogs Australia, the Mark Hughes Foundation, Autism Victoria, Camp Quality and many others.

Why Kokoda Spirit

At Kokoda Spirit, we believe Kokoda is much more than a trek. It is a journey through history, hardship, mateship, leadership, and perspective.

Under the leadership of Wayne Wetherall, Kokoda Spirit continues to deliver professionally run, deeply meaningful Kokoda experiences that honour the story of the Track, support local PNG communities, and help trekkers achieve something truly significant.

You can also find a range of testimonials on our website HERE.