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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -35.21733, 174.23173. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 5 hr
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Urupukapuka Island Recreation Reserve
- Dog access
- No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
This walk around Urupukupuka Island features great views - it's suitable for older children.
This DOC directory entry covers Urupukapuka Island Walk in Northland, within Urupukapuka Island Recreation Reserve. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time: 5 hr
- DOC grade: Easy
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
The complete Urupukapuka Island Walk (5 hr) is designed in a clockwise direction, and may be joined at most of the larger bays.
This track generally follows the outer edge of the island passing various archaeological features. It goes through native and regenerating bush, along beaches and beside steep cliffs.
The Whangapau Point Pā Track is closed due to a slip.
Getting there
The track can be best joined from Otehei, Urupukapuka, Cable, Indico and Oneura/Paradise Bays.
Know before you go
The reserve is part of the Bay of Islands Maritime and Historic Park.
Walks in this area can include sections near steep cliffs. Supervise children when near cliffs and keep on the track at all times.
Bay of Islands Maritime and Historic Park bylaws apply.
Rubbish is not collected – take your rubbish with you. There may be rubbish facilities during summer.
Camping in the Bay of Islands is only available on Urupukapuka Island.
This reserve is within Te Pēwhairangi (Bay of Islands) Marine Mammal Sanctuary.
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
