Walk 20 – Urupukapuka Island – The Ultimate Loop Walk

Bay of Islands Walking Weekend
Saturday 14th or Sunday 15th
Walk 20 – Urupukapuka Island – The Ultimate Loop Walk

Urupukapuka Island is the largest island in the Bay of Islands and is a slice of paradise well worth exploring. As well as boasting some of the most spectacular panoramic views and gorgeous beaches with crystal clear water there are dozens of pristinely preserved archaeological sites on the island, some of which may be up to 1000 years old. From prehistoric Māori pā, villages, gardens, and food storage, right up to early 20th Century buildings used by famous author Zane Grey.

Travelling by commercial launch to Urupukapuka Island, venturing into the inner islands where you will disembark at the stunning Otehei Bay.
The full walk is 8 km on very well-maintained trails, with some steep climbs and steps and there is plenty to see.
Hiking through forest which holds treasures of Project Island Song such as the North Island robin and saddleback, which are the jewels amongst the abundant tui and fantail population. From sheltered bays, ancient pā, a wildlife hide and created wetland, climb through regenerating Manuka forest to scintillating views along the impressive seaward coastline. Looping around the island with one view to Zane Grey’s campsite and the other out to the waters he fished, before catching your vessel back to Russell.

Saturday 14th
Assemble HQ: 8.30am
Depart: 9.00 am arrive Island at 9.30am
Arrive back at Russell Wharf: Approx 3.10 pm
Duration: 5 hours walking 30 minutes each way boat travel.
Distance: 8 kms
Grade: Hard
Maximum walkers: 20
Category: Family friendly – Children 10 years plus
Cost: $75.00 (includes guided walk and boat transfers)

Sunday 15th October
Assemble HQ: 7.30am
Depart: 8.00 am arrive Island at 8.30am
Arrive back at Russell Wharf: Approx 2.30 pm
Duration: 5 hours walking 30 minutes each way boat travel.
Distance: 8 kms
Grade: Hard
Maximum walkers: 20
Category: Family friendly – Children 10 years plus
Cost: $75.00 (includes guided walk and boat transfers)

Notes:
1. Please check what is included and the time and length of your walk so you know what you need to bring in terms of food and water. It’s always a good idea to have a card or cash on you as you never know what you might encounter along the way.
2. The Russell Bowling Club is our Walking Weekend HQ, all walks start from there.

Our guides are all passionate and knowledgeable about the Bay of Islands area and bring something special to the walking experience. Each walk has no more than 20 people. Our HQ is the Russell Bowling Club where people can meet, chat about their day and have something to eat and drink.

Russell is a fantastic base for the weekend with lots of great restaurants, places to stay and for the non-walkers out there. We are very excited about this weekend and the great walking experiences there are here in the Bay of Islands. Time to get your walking boots out of the cupboard and join us in the Bay of Islands.

Visit our website to see all the walks you can do.