Urupukapuka Island Ferry – Paihia & Russell to Otehei Bay
Updated 5 th October 2026
Spend a Day Exploring Urupukapuka Island in the Bay of Islands
Catch the ferry from Paihia or Russell to Otehei Bay and discover Urupukapuka Island, the largest island in the Bay of Islands. With beautiful beaches, coastal walking tracks and spectacular viewpoints, it’s an easy island escape for a few hours or a full day.
Once you arrive at Otehei Bay, the day is yours to enjoy. Follow the walking trails across the island, find a quiet beach for a swim, hire a kayak during the summer months, or simply settle in beside the water and enjoy lunch or a drink at the Otehei Bay Café & Bar.
With regular ferry departures and return sailings, visiting Urupukapuka Island is one of the easiest ways to experience the beaches, scenery and island landscapes of the Bay of Islands without needing your own boat.
Ferry Timetable & Departures to Otehei Bay
Urupukapuka Island Ferry – Prices & Travel Info
Price: Adult $80 Child: $45 Return. Family $205 (2 adults + 2 Child)
Departs: Paihia & Russell – various times daily
Returns: Flexible return sailings
Travel Time: Approx. 40 minutes each way
Why book the Urupukapuka Island ferry?
Direct access to Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island
• Scheduled daily departures from Paihia & Russell
• Flexible return times for half-day or full-day visits
• Easy access to café, beaches and walking tracks
Why book the Urupukapuka Island ferry?
- Direct ferry access to Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island
- Daily departures from both Paihia and Russell
- Flexible return sailings for a half-day or full-day island visit
- Easy access to beaches, walking tracks and scenic viewpoints
- Café and bar at Otehei Bay for lunch, refreshments or a relaxing drink
- Summer kayak hire available for exploring around the bay
About Urupukapuka Island & Otehei Bay
Urupukapuka Island is the largest island in the Bay of Islands, with Otehei Bay providing the main arrival point for visitors travelling by ferry from Paihia and Russell. From the bay, walking tracks lead across the island to elevated viewpoints, quiet bays and beaches overlooking the surrounding islands.
You can spend a few hours exploring on foot or make a full day of your visit, combining a walk with swimming, kayaking or time relaxing beside the water. Otehei Bay is also home to a beachfront café and bar, making it easy to stop for lunch or refreshments during your island visit.
For those wanting to explore more of the Bay of Islands, you can also discover kayaking experiences or take a Hole in the Rock cruise from Paihia or Russell.
Frequently Asked Questions – Otehei Bay Ferry & Urupukapuka Island
How do I get to Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island?
Ferries depart from both Paihia and Russell for Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island. The crossing takes approximately 40 minutes each way, with a choice of departure and return sailings allowing you to plan a half-day or full-day island visit.
What activities can I do at Otehei Bay?
You can swim at the beach, explore Urupukapuka Island’s walking tracks, enjoy the coastal viewpoints or simply relax beside the water. Kayaks are also available to hire during the summer months for those wanting to explore around Otehei Bay.
Are food and drinks available on Urupukapuka Island?
Yes. Otehei Bay Café & Bar offers food and drinks in a beachfront setting. It is a convenient place to stop for lunch, refreshments or a drink during your visit to the island.
Can I bring my own food and drinks to Urupukapuka Island?
Yes, you can bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks for a picnic during your island visit. Please take your rubbish with you and help protect the island’s beaches and natural environment.
Can I bring my own kayak or paddleboard on the ferry?
If you are planning to take a kayak, paddleboard or other large equipment on the ferry, check when booking as space and carriage conditions may apply. Kayaks are also available to hire at Otehei Bay during the summer months.
What facilities are available at Otehei Bay?
Otehei Bay has visitor facilities including a beachfront café and bar, toilets and access to the island’s beaches and walking tracks. An education centre and art gallery can also be visited at Otehei Bay.
What is the best time to visit Urupukapuka Island?
Urupukapuka Island can be visited throughout the ferry operating season, with summer particularly popular for swimming, kayaking and spending time at the beach. For walking, a cooler or less busy day can make exploring the island’s tracks especially enjoyable.
How long should I spend on Urupukapuka Island?
Allow at least a few hours if you want to explore Otehei Bay and enjoy a short walk or swim. A full-day visit gives you more time to follow the island’s walking tracks, discover different beaches, enjoy the viewpoints and stop for lunch at Otehei Bay.