I have such a soft spot for Urupukapuka Island.

I grew up camping with my family here. So, revisiting constantly feels so nostalgic to me. Every Boxing Day, my family and I would travel north to Rawhiti, pay $10 for parking, launch the boat and head over to Urupukapuka Island. We’d spend two glorious weeks camping, fishing, jumping off the boat and hiking across the island. Some of my fondest memories are sitting around old tables at Otehei Bay, eating hot chips and watching the sun go down as our holiday came to an end.

As the largest island in the Bay of Islands, it's known for its stunning beaches and clear waters, perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and diving. There are also many (many!) wonderful hiking trails to explore. The Cable Bay and Otehei Bay Loops are my favourites.

How to get to Urupukapuka Island

Either take your own boat and park at Rawhaiti. Or, catch the ferry from Paihia or Russell. Alternatively, if you've booked a tour to explore the Bay of Islands, it usually includes a stop at Urupukapuka and enough time to look around.