The Ultimate Guide to Urupukapuka Island (2026)

If you’re planning a trip to Northland and want to discover one of the most beautiful islands in New Zealand, Urupukapuka Island should be high on your list.

It’s the largest island in the Bay of Islands, and even though it’s super easy to get to, it still feels like a little slice of paradise. Picture turquoise bays, native bush, rolling hills, and not a single car in sight.

I last visited Urupukapuka during a cyclone (not ideal), and even with gusty wind and sideways rain, it was still stunning. If it’s that good in a storm, imagine how amazing it is on a sunny day.

Whether you’re there for a day trip, a weekend of camping on Urupukapuka Island, or just a peaceful nature escape, here’s your ultimate guide with everything you need to know, how to get there, what to do, where to walk, where to stay, and all the practical details in between.

How to Get to Urupukapuka Island

Getting to Urupukapuka Island is super easy. You’ve got a few options depending on your plans and budget.

Ferry to Urupukapuka Island

The Explore Group Ferry is the most popular and affordable way to get there. Ferries leave regularly from Paihia, taking around 40–50 minutes. The ride itself is beautiful. You’ll pass other islands, calm blue water, and sometimes even spot dolphins along the way.

The ferry drops you at Otehei Bay, which is the main base of the island. There’s a café, bar, and an info centre here, as well as signs pointing you to all the different Urupukapuka Island walks.

Tip: Check the ferry timetable before you go. During summer, services are frequent, but in winter there are fewer trips each day. Book ahead in peak season, especially if you’re camping.

Water Taxi

If you want to set your own schedule, book a Bay of Islands water taxi from Paihia, Russell, or Rawhiti. This is great if you’re going camping and need flexible pick-up and drop-off times. Some companies will even help you carry your gear onto the beach.

Private Boat

If you’ve got your own boat, getting to Urupukapuka Island is super easy. There are several sheltered bays where you can anchor up, including Otehei Bay, Urupukapuka Bay, and Cable Bay.

Just make sure you’re mindful of marine reserves and always anchor in sandy areas to protect the seabed. You can even pull your dinghy ashore and spend the day exploring or stay overnight at one of the DOC campsites.

Tours to Urupukapuka Island

If you’re short on time or want to combine a few activities in one day, there are day trip tours that include Urupukapuka Island. These tours are perfect for seeing the island without worrying about transport or planning.

Two popular options are the Island Cruise or a ride on the Fast Boat, both of which let you explore the island’s highlights and enjoy the surrounding Bay of Islands scenery.

Things to Do on Urupukapuka Island

Even though Urupukapuka is small, there’s heaps to do, whether you’re an outdoorsy type or just want to chill out by the water.

Walking on Urupukapuka Island

Urupukapuka Island has a network of well-marked walking tracks that start and finish at Otehei Bay, making it easy to explore the island at your own pace. Tracks range from easy 20-minute strolls to more challenging hikes up to 5 hours return.

Every walk offers stunning views across the islands, plenty of wildlife, and great photo opportunities. Best of all, you can combine as many or as few of the walks as you like, depending on how much time or energy you have.

Here are the main tracks:

Otehei Loop Tracks

• Grade: Easy
• Time: 20 mins – 1 hour
  Two connected loops that offer fantastic panoramic views of the Bay of Islands from multiple high points. Along the way, you’ll pass archaeological Maori sites and can return via the working farm’s sheep yards (don’t forget to close the gates!). These loops can also connect to the Cable Bay Loop and the Urupukapuka Loop for a longer walk.

Cable Bay Loop

• Grade: Easy
• Time: 20 – 40 minutes
  This loop runs through open pasture and can be accessed from the Otehei Loop or directly from Cable Bay or Sunset Bay. Highlights include the Urupa (burial ground) and a side track to a headland pa.

Urupukapuka Loop Track

• Grade: Medium
• Time: 40 mins – 1 hour
  This track takes you up to the island’s high point for fantastic views of Urupukapuka, Cape Brett, and the wider Bay of Islands. Access is via Urupukapuka Bay behind the campground. The loop connects with the steeper Pateke Loop and Paradise Loop.

Paradise Loop Track

• Grade: Steep
• Time: 1 – 1.5 hours
  This steep track starts from the Urupukapuka Loop near the high point or from Paradise Bay, which is also great for swimming. It descends through native vegetation to the coast and continues north to Whangaapu Pa, which features a unique double ditch. The track connects with the Pateke Loop near Entico Bay.

Pateke Loop Track

• Grade: Medium
• Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
  Accessible from the Paradise or Urupukapuka Loops or directly from Entico Bay, this loop has a side track to a wildlife viewing hide where you may spot Pateke (brown teal) and other wetland birds. There are good swimming spots along the track.

Cliff Pa Loop

• Grade: Steep
• Time: 45 mins – 1 hour
  This loop includes many steps to protect fragile archaeological sites. The Pa sits above high sea cliffs with dramatic views of Waewaetorea and Okahu Islands. The track connects with the Pateke Loop along the Akeake Peninsula.

Akeake Peninsula Track

• Grade: Medium
• Time: 30 minutes one way
  This track follows the ridge from North Entico Bay along the peninsula and ends at a sandy beach with calm swimming. It’s a shorter option that can easily be combined with other loops for a half-day adventure.

Swimming and Snorkelling

The beaches here are ridiculously pretty, white sand, clear blue water, and gentle waves. Otehei Bay is perfect for families or those who want an easy swim right by the ferry stop.

If you’re after something quieter, head to Urupukapuka Bay or Cable Bay, both are stunning, sheltered, and perfect for swimming or a lazy beach day.

Snorkelling is great around the rocks near Urupukapuka Bay and Entico Bay, where you’ll spot snapper, blue maomao, and sometimes eagle rays cruising by. Bring your own gear (there’s nowhere to hire it on the island).

Kayaking or Paddleboarding

You can rent kayaks and SUPs from Otehei Bay during summer. Paddling along the coastline gives you access to tiny coves and hidden beaches that most visitors never see. Just keep an eye on the wind, it can pick up quickly in the afternoons.

Spot Native Birds

Urupukapuka is part of Project Island Song, which is helping restore native birdlife to the Bay of Islands. Thanks to their predator-free efforts, the island is full of life. You’ll hear tui, korimako (bellbirds), and fantails as you walk, and if you’re lucky, you might spot a kaka or even a saddleback.

Camping on Urupukapuka Island

Camping here is a must if you’ve got the time. The Urupukapuka Bay DOC campsite is one of the most scenic spots you’ll ever pitch a tent, you’re literally right on the beach.

The sand is soft, the water’s calm, and at night you’ll fall asleep to the sound of waves lapping at the shore.

What to Expect

• Location: Urupukapuka Bay (about a 15–20 min walk from Otehei Bay)
• Facilities: Toilets, cold showers, picnic tables, drinking water (boil before use).
• Vibe: Laid-back, peaceful, and social. You’ll often meet other travellers or locals escaping for the weekend.

There’s plenty of space, but it does get busy in summer, so book early through the DOC website.

If you’re camping, bring:

• Cooking gear and food (there’s no shop on the island)
• Insect repellent (sandflies love a good sunset)
• A torch, there’s no lighting at night
• Warm layers, even summer nights can get chilly

You can also camp at Sunset Bay and Cable Bay, but these ones are a bit smaller and not as accessible.

Facilities on Urupukapuka Island

While the island is mostly natural and undeveloped, there are a few handy facilities that make it easy to spend the day (or a few days) here.

• Otehei Bay Café & Bar: The island’s social hub. Grab lunch, a cocktail, or an ice cream between adventures. It’s open seasonally, usually from October to April.
• Toilets: Found at Otehei Bay, Urupukapuka Bay campsite, and a few points along the walking tracks.
• Drinking Water: Available at Otehei Bay and the campsite, boil before drinking.
• Rubbish Disposal: Limited bins available, pack out what you can.
• Reception/Wi-Fi: Patchy at best, a good excuse to unplug and actually enjoy it.

Best Time to Visit Urupukapuka Island

The best time to visit is November to April, when it’s warm, the water is perfect for swimming, and all facilities (like the café and kayak hire) are open.

If you prefer quieter vibes, spring (October–November) and autumn (March–April) are awesome. You’ll still get warm days, but fewer people on the trails and beaches.

Winter visits are possible too, ferries still run, and the walks are beautiful year-round, just pack a jacket and maybe skip the swim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you stay overnight on Urupukapuka Island?

Yes! You can either camp at the Urupukapuka Bay DOC campsite.

How long does the ferry take?

Around 40–50 minutes each way from Paihia or Russell.

Are dogs allowed on Urupukapuka Island?

No, it’s a predator-free wildlife sanctuary, so dogs aren’t permitted.

Is there food on the island?

Yes, but only at Otehei Bay Café, and it’s open seasonally. Bring your own supplies if you’re camping.

Do you need to book the ferry in advance?

Yes, especially in summer. It’s a popular spot, and ferries can fill up fast.

Is it suitable for kids?

Definitely. Calm beaches, easy walks, and plenty of open space make it a great family day out.

Visiting Urupukapuka Island

Urupukapuka Island is honestly one of the best places to visit in the Bay of Islands. It’s got that rare mix of adventure and chill, you can hike, swim, snorkel, and still find a quiet beach to yourself.

Even when I visited during a cyclone, I loved it. The views were incredible, and it felt like a proper island adventure without being hard to reach.

If you’re planning your next Northland trip, make sure to add Urupukapuka Island to your list. Whether you’re there for the day or camping under the stars, it’s one of those spots that truly captures what makes New Zealand’s outdoors so special.