Easy Loop Walk with Beaches, History & Stunning Views on Urupukapuka Island
The Otehei Bay and Cable Bay Loop walk on Urupukapuka Island is a relaxed walk along the island’s scenic coastline. This easy loop track is perfect for walkers of all ages and fitness levels.
Starting at Otehei Bay, the track winds its way through native bush and open pastures, with awesome views of the Bay of Islands. Highlights include Cable Bay’s beautiful campsite, perfect for a picnic break, and historical sites like an old Maori burial ground.
Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife sightings – dolphins and stingrays are occasionally spotted from the track’s high points!
Map location and track
Quick facts about this walk
| Location: | Otehei Bay, Urupukapuka, Bay of Islands, North Island |
| Distance: | 4 km |
| Time: | 1 hour |
| Difficulty: | Easy with some steep climbs |
| Elevation: | 152m |
| Track Quality: | Excellent grassy track with steps |
| Mountain bikes?: | no |
| Wheelchair access?: | no |
| Wet Feet: | no |
| Toilets: | There are toilets at Otehei Bay at the cafe |
| Dogs: | No dogs allowed on the island |
| Mobile coverage: | Yes but patchy |
| Public transport: | You will need to get the ferry there or arrive in your own boat. The ferry comes into Otehei Bay where you get off at the wharf right at the start of this walk. |
SAVE 40% on last minute half day ferry tickets to Otehei Bay.
How to get to Urupukapuka Island
Reaching this paradise is straightforward by ferry. From Paihia, the main town in the Bay of Islands, ferries depart regularly to Urupukapuka Island, delivering you directly to Otehei Bay. Its a short uphill walk to the top of the hill to join the main track that takes you around the island.
My 3d video of the walk
See my photos of the Otehei Bay and Cable Bay Loop
Other Walks Nearby
More Urupukapuka Island Walks:
- Urupukapuka Bay Loop Walk – 2.5km loop exploring the island’s main bay, shorter and easier option
- Cliff Pa Loop Walk – 2.6km loop with historic pa sites and more challenging terrain
- Akeake Peninsula Return Walk – 2.1km return walk from Urupukapuka Bay
- Viewing Hide – Urupukapuka Island – Quick 610m detour for native bird watching
Other Bay of Islands Islands:
- Moturua Island Loop Track – 5km loop through pest-free sanctuary with beaches, forest, and WW2 bunkers
- Roberton Island Lookout – Short 800m walk for stunning 360° Bay of Islands views
Mainland Walk:
- Marsden Cross Walk – 1.5km easy walk to NZ’s first Christian mission site with spectacular Rangihoua Bay views















