Access

The information centres in Russell and Paihia can advise on the tour operators running services to Urupukapuka Island. Most will stop at Otehei Bay, from where the start of the walk is signposted at the southern side of the bay.

Track

The track forms two loops, both are marked with green poles with a yellow band at the top. Climb the hill behind Otehei Bay to the signpost. Right is the shorter loop and takes 1½ hours via Cable Bay. Left explores the main portion of the island and takes approximately 3 hours.

Both tracks follow the perimeter of the island, with occasional short detours to information panels explaining the archaeological interpretation of pa sites and other features of interest.

The walks undulate over worn grassed tracks and the shorter loop is grazed with sheep. The main section of the walk weaves between open grassed areas and regenerating tea-tree, occasionally dropping to the beaches. Near the northern part of the island it follows the cliff top.

After passing through Otiao Bay (Indico Bay) there is a 30 minute return detour to Oneura Bay (Paradise Bay). The track rejoins the main route over the hill to Otehei Bay, where there is a café with toilets.

Polynesian History

In a relatively confined area are a series of Maori archaeological sites with noticeable associations. The archaeological walk circumnavigates the islands with interpretive panels at many location bringing to life the visible remnants of the past.

Two centuries before the crew of the Endeavour became the first Europeans to enter the Bay of Islands, a thriving Maori community lived on Urupukapuka. They were a hapu (sub-tribe) of the Ngare Raumati tribe who occupied the southeast Bay of Islands. The very first settlers of Urupukapuka, distant ancestors of the modern Maori, may have arrived here around 1000 years ago.

Very little is known or recorded about pre-European life on Urupukapuka. Our best record of the past is provided by numerous archaeological sites visible on the present-day landscape. By interpreting these sites it is possible to see into the daily lives of ancient communities.

At the height of pre-European settlement, there were kainga, or villages of extended families, living in all the large sheltered bays. Most of the time life was probably peaceful. However, when an attack from another tribe or hapu threatened, the people could withdraw quickly to the security of an adjacent headland pa (fort). Several of the highest hills along the inland ridges were probably also pa or lookout stations, protected by circles of strong palisades.

European History

In 1772, Marion du Fresne and his ill-fated French expedition noted many villages with palisades. These were probably inhabited by Ngare Raumati people. In the early 1800s after skirmishes with Ngapuhi and Ngatirehia, kainga, or unfortified villages, still abounded on the island.

During the late 1800s the land was cleared for grazing, an activity that still continues today to minimise the fire risk.

There are 66 archaeological sites on the island, including 8 pa. The terraces, ditches, storage pits and remnant fortifications are clearly distinguishable and 14 sites are spread around the 208 hectares. 8 sites have interpretive panels.

In 1926, American fisherman extraordinaire and writer Zane Grey established a fishing camp at Otehei Bay. He set up tents and ventured into the bay with locals to catch the elusive marlin, a fish hereto little caught. A more permanent fishing camp was later established, which attracted a list of wealthy clients.

Indico Bay was named after Doro Indico, an Italian immigrant married to a New Zealander. They lived in a shanty beside the creek in the 1920s and 1930s, fishing and growing vegetables and tomatoes.