Urupukapuka Island

Travel Guide

Russell featuring a bay or harbor and a beach
Urupukapuka Island
Russell showing tranquil scenes, rocky coastline and a bay or harbor
Russell which includes a beach, forest scenes and a bay or harbor
Russell which includes sailing and a bay or harbor

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.

Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge Paihia
Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge Paihia
3.5 out of 5
104 Marsden Road, Paihia
The price is P5,106 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
P5,106
P5,872 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
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! (999 reviews)
"It was really good place to stay for holiday"

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge Paihia
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 P4,927 per night from Jul 3 to Jul 4
P4,927
P5,666 total
Jul 3 - Jul 4
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! (820 reviews)
"This is a classic hotel in a stand-out location. The dinner we had was very good and at a reasonable price. The room was comfortable and quiet and the bed very cozy. My only concern is the lack of seating available from the bar at peak times and there was a substantial queue at the bar. The staff ..."

Reviewed on Jun 22, 2025

The Duke of Marlborough Hotel
Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands
Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands
4 out of 5
58 Seaview Road, Paihia
The price is P4,781 per night from Aug 1 to Aug 2
P4,781
P5,498 total
Aug 1 - Aug 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Paihia. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Paihia Beach and St Paul’s Church are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (966 reviews)
"Lots of space in the Rooms and were really warm. We did include the breakfast in hotel stay. Lots of variety in buffet breakfast and it was really yum and staff was really good too. Highly recommended"

Reviewed on Jun 22, 2025

Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands
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.
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 Jun 7, 2025

Edgewater Palms Apartments
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 Jun 29, 2025

Sea Spray Suites
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (199 reviews)
Great location
"You really are paying for the amazing location here. Fantastic views and just across the road from the beach. The apartment itself was fine, a bit dated. My biggest disappointment was the size of the outdoor spa pool - it was a 2 person, which was a bit of a let down given it’s a 3 bedroom apartment. ..."

Reviewed on Jun 3, 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.