Urupukapuka Island

Travel Guide

Russell featuring a beach and a bay or harbour
Urupukapuka Island
Russell featuring tranquil scenes, rocky coastline and a bay or harbour
Russell showing a sandy beach, a bay or harbour and forests
Russell featuring sailing and a bay or harbour

With golden sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and abundant reef life, this beautiful island is perfect for camping, hiking, snorkelling and kayaking.

The largest island in New Zealand’s Bay of Islands, Urupukapuka Island is bliss for active travellers, with sea kayaking, camping and outdoor activities aplenty. Hike around this secluded island for outstanding views of the coastline and Pacific Ocean and book a dolphin-watching charter to get out onto the sea.

The island is a place of exceeding natural beauty and tranquillity. Explore a stunning pohutukawa forest and vast kikuyu grasslands. Look for a large wetland habitat, fascinating archaeological sites and the island’s major bays: Entico, Otehei and Urupukapuka.

Launch a sea kayak or paddleboard from Otehei Bay and explore this beautiful island by water. Rent snorkel equipment and dive below the surface to witness the bay’s extensive reef life. Otehei Bay is home to an open-air restaurant where visitors can dine in a peaceful outdoor setting.

Follow the Urupukapuka Island Walk around the outer edge of the island and take in great views of the bays and jagged coastline. The walk is just over 7 kilometres (4 miles) long and takes about 5 hours to complete. Be on alert for different species of birds, such as oystercatchers and dotterels. Dolphin and whale sightings are also common on the island. Bring along your swimsuit for a refreshing post-hike dip in one of the island’s swimming bays.

The striking Urupukapuka Island is about 240 kilometres (150 miles) from Auckland and can only be reached by boat. Water taxis run from Paihia and Russell. During summer, boats depart several times daily, making it possible to enjoy a daytrip to the pretty island. If you want to camp overnight, bear in mind that campsite bookings are essential. Some, though not all campsites feature shower facilities.

Spend a day relaxing on Urupukapuka Island’s quiet, uncrowded beaches or stay and camp for a few nights to fully experience the island’s many natural wonders.

Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands
Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands
4 out of 5
1 Tau Henare Drive, Waitangi
The price is €97 per night from 17 Jul to 18 Jul
€97
17 Jul - 18 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Waitangi. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Wonderful staff! Beautiful environment, fantastic views and absolutely amazing breakfast."

Reviewed on 9 Jul 2025

Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands
The Duke of Marlborough Hotel
The Duke of Marlborough Hotel
4.5 out of 5
35 The Strand, Bay of Islands, Russell
The price is €84 per night from 15 Jul to 16 Jul
€84
15 Jul - 16 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Russell. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (823 reviews)
"Historic charm, wonderful location, right on the waterfront, an icon."

Reviewed on 8 Jul 2025

The Duke of Marlborough Hotel
Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge Paihia
Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge Paihia
3.5 out of 5
104 Marsden Road, Paihia
The price is €88 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
€88
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified hotel in Paihia. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (998 reviews)
"It was really good place to stay for holiday"

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025

Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge Paihia
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sea Spray Suites
Sea Spray Suites
4 out of 5
138 Marsden Road, Bay of Islands, Paihia
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Paihia. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Te Ti Bay and Paihia Wharf are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (692 reviews)
"Loved the stay, will definitely book again ❤️"

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

Sea Spray Suites
Edgewater Palms Apartments
Edgewater Palms Apartments
4 out of 5
8 - 10 Marsden Road, Paihia
Stay at this 4-star luxury aparthotel in Paihia. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Paihia Beach and St Paul’s Church are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (255 reviews)
"car park and drive way very nerrow"

Reviewed on 7 Jun 2025

Edgewater Palms Apartments
Blue Pacific Quality Apartments
Blue Pacific Quality Apartments
4 out of 5
166 Marsden Road, Paihia, Bay Of Islands, Paihia
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Paihia. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Te Ti Bay and Action World are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (201 reviews)
"Amazing place to stay. Everything you could want is supplied at this accommodation. Perfect views of the area"

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

Blue Pacific Quality Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.