The Bay of Islands is considered to be the birthplace of New Zealand as a bi-cultural nation. About 700 years ago, the Mataatua, one of the large Māori migration canoes, was sailed to the Bay Of Islands by Puhi, a progenitor of the Ngāpuhi Iwi (tribe), which today is the largest in the country. Many of the Māori settlements later played important roles in the development of New Zealand, such as Okiato, the nation’s first capital, and Waitangi, where the Treaty of Waitangi would later be signed. The first European to visit the area was Captain Cook, who named the region in 1769. The Bay of Islands was the first area in New Zealand to be settled by Europeans.
Urupukapuka Island is the largest island in the Bay of Islands and is historically important with a rich archaeological landscape. A total of 66 archaeological sites have already been identified on the 208ha island and there are many more on adjacent islets. Most date from hundreds of years of Maori settlement prior to European arrival. Sites relating to Maori include eight pa, village sites, gardens, and food storage and generally most are in good condition. The 'Urupukapuka Island Archaeological walk' allows visitors to view and interpret some of the island's more dramatic archaeological sites.
For more information about Urupukapuka Island, please visit the Department of Conservations website here.
Motuarohia/Roberton Island has a significant Maori history and offers a range of recreation activities, including a track to a stunning pa site, and an educational underwater trail for snorkelers.
The Island features a number of archaeological sites including pa, terraces, pits, and gardening lines around the central lagoon area.
For more information about Roberton Island, please visit the Department of Conservations website here.
Moturua Island is a scenic reserve with rapidly regenerating native forest. The dominant vegetation is manuka and kanuka which creates an ideal nursery for young shrubs and tree ferns. Young Pohutukawa thrive along the coastal fringe.
The island has had a long association with humans from the earliest Polynesian settlers through to the early European explorers such as Cook and du Fresne. It currently has twenty-seven recorded archaeological sites including headland pa, midden, gardening sites, terraces, and pits. More recent features include a Mine Control Station built during World War II.
This stunning island has four lovely beaches and an easy walking track around the island. You can access the archaeological sites from the track. Enjoy the 360º views from Hikurangi pa.
For more information about Moturua Island, please visit the Department of Conservations website here.
A typical itinerary for a multi-day kayaking trip in the eastern Bay of Islands will begin with a morning departure from Paihia. From Paihia you'll make your way to Tapeka Point (the tip of Russell) then onward to the first major island, Roberton Island. Roberton Island offers excellent snorkeling in the twin lagoons, as well as a short walk to a lookout point. You can then make your way to Moturua Island, the next major island, for exploring and bush walking, or continue on to base camp at Urupukapuka Island. The following days can be used for exploring the surrounding islands and waterways.
Camping out in the Bay of Islands is strictly permitted to one island, Urupukapuka Island. There are a total of three tent sites on the island, and a reservation must be made prior to your departure from Paihia.
Cable Bay is one of three campsites on Urupukapuka Island and has room for about 212 people or about 53 tent sites.
When you make a booking, you can choose your campsite location from 5 distinct camping areas (pods). This helps to make your stay at the campground more enjoyable as campsites are distributed evenly along the beach.
The campground map shows the locations of the pods through differently coloured outlines. There are 3 beachfront pods, called the Pohutukawa, Titoki, and Manuka, and 2 pods located in the back row - the Ti and Kauri.
Beachfront sites:
Back row sites:
$8.10 adult/night, $2.00 child/night (5 - 17 years)
For booking a tent site, and more information, please visit the Department of Conservation - Cable Bay website or call +64 9 407 0300.
*Urupukapuka Island is the only island in the Bay in which camping is permitted.
Urupukapuka Bay is one of three campsites on Urupukapuka Island and has room for about 280 people or about 70 tent sites.
When you make a booking, you can choose your campsite location from 4 distinct camping areas (pods). This helps to make your stay at the campground more enjoyable as campsites are distributed evenly along the beach front.
The campground map shows the locations of the pods through differently coloured outlines. There are 3 larger pods - called the Oystercatcher, NZ dotterel, and Kukupa - and a smaller pod, the Cattle yard.
$8.10 adult/night, $2.00 child/night (5 - 17 years)
For booking a tent site, and more information, please visit the Department of Conservation - Urupukapuka Bay website or call +64 9 407 0300.
*Urupukapuka Island is the only island in the Bay in which camping is permitted.
Sunset Bay is one of three campsites on Urupukapuka Island and has room for 4 tent sites. The island has well-preserved archaeological remnants of early Maori settlement. Occupied by Ngare Raumati then Ngapuhi early in 19th Century, the island has significant historic and cultural importance. Learn more from information panels around the island.
This is a great place for fishing, swimming and all types of water sports. Nearby Otehei Bay has an open-air restaurant.
$8.10 adult/night, $2.00 child/night (5 - 17 years)
For booking a tent site, and more information, please visit the Department of Conservation - Sunset Bay website or call +64 9 407 0300.
*Urupukapuka Island is the only island in the Bay in which camping is permitted.
For those who would prefer to take a water taxi out to their destination, on their return trip, or both, there is an option available. Dive Ops provides a water taxi service in the Bay of Islands.
For more information on pricing and availability, please contact Dive Ops directly at 0800 387 892 or visit their website, www.diveops.co.nz.
As an alternative to the traditional all kayak trip, we offer a combination package that involves a sailing trip aboard our 42' yacht Vigilant. This will include a full day sail out to your destination of choice(or your campsite) where you can get as involved as you'd like in the sailing process. We also include a fresh lunch on-board.
The price for this option is $95 and that includes your day sail, lunch, and your kayak hire for that day.
