Urupukapuka Island Recreation Reserve, Bay of Islands,
Northland Conservancy, Department of Conservation.

A Must See!

Urupukapuka Island is a place you must see while visiting the Bay of Islands, a beautiful island with fascinating nature and history. The largest island of all the 144 islands in the Bay, Urupukapuka Island has a long Island History, both Maori and European. Visitors to the island will discover wonderful beaches, historic and archaeological walks, snorkelling, kayak hire and more.

Most of the islands in the Bay of Islands are classified as recreation reserves. The beautiful Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island is the main access point for the island and Explore NZ offer several trips per day. Explore the island's stunning beaches by foot or by kayak and be rewarded by quiet, deserted beaches and crystal clear waters or visit ancient Maori Pa sites. Take a gentle 10 minute climb to enjoy 360 degree views of the many islands scattered throughout the Bay. Sit back and enjoy the view and hospitality at Explore NZ's Otehei Bay Restaurant and Bar by the beautiful beach.

Archaeological and Historic Walks

Urupukapuka Island has eight significant pa sites, with all but one on headlands facing the sea. Today these pa sites form the Urupukapuka Island Archaeological Walk. This is the only walk of its kind in New Zealand. The track passes through native reserve that is home to many endangered native species including the Brown Teal and the Dotterel.

The walk starts at Otehei Bay Restaurant and Bar, and the complete loop takes about 5 hours. The walk is divided into two shorter walks, the Southern and the Northern Loops, each taking two and a half hours. The Southern Loop covers more pa sites and overlooks calm sheltered bays. The northern loop visits fewer pa sites following the exposed coast of the island with dramatic views across the Pacific Ocean from high rugged cliffs.

Which islands?
All of the islands in the chain from Motuarohia (Roberton Island) eastwards including Moturua, Motukiekie, Okahu, Waewaetorea, Urupukapuka, Poroporo, and all their associated islets including stepping - stone islets in the Rawhiti channel.

These islands are now pest-free. No longer are they home to rats and stoats that eat everything from seeds, plants, birds' eggs, and chicks, to insects and lizards.

Project Island Song is an opportunity to work towards an archipelago of islands rich in native flora and fauna for all to enjoy. Restoration of the islands is part of a wider project involving reforestation of parts of the islands, track upgrades and improved archaeological interpretation.

What will the future bring?
Two years after a successful eradication, we hope to reintroduce native species to the islands - helping the islands sing again. Saddlebacks/tieke, North Island robins/toutouwai and bellbirds/korimako are some of these songsters.

You can download an information pack here (PDF, 495K)