Akeake Peninsula Return Walk

2.1 km return • 40 mins • Easy • Starting from the beach in Urupukapuka Bay, Akeake Peninsula is a short day walk

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Explore the Akeake Peninsula on Urupukapuka Island. Easy walking track with panoramic views and historical sites

The Akeake Peninsula Return Walk on Urupukapuka Island quickly became one of my favourite walks during my visit to the island This easy return track is perfect for a relaxed pace, allowing me to soak in the island’s beauty.

Quick facts about this walk

Location:	Urupukapuka Bay, Bay of Islands, North Island
Distance:	2.1 km
Time:	40 mins
Difficulty:	Easy
Elevation:	84m
Track Quality:	Excellent grassy track
Mountain bikes?:	no
Wheelchair access?:	no
Wet Feet:	no
Toilets:	There are long drop toilets at the campground at Urupukapuka Beach
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.

SAVE 40% on last minute half day ferry tickets to Otehei Bay .

The well-maintained track hugs the grassy peninsula, it’s mostly flat and easy to navigate. As I wandered along the track, the views of the little beaches and bays were really cool.

I stopped frequently to take photos. The path itself offered interesting geological features and native flora. The peninsula also holds cultural significance, with a urupa (burial ground) serving as a silent reminder of Maori history on the island.

Best Time to Do the Walk:

For the most enjoyable experience, I recommend planning your Akeake Peninsula Walk during the end of spring (November) or the beginning of autumn (March). These shoulder seasons offer pleasant temperatures and avoid the summer crowds. Although I did this walk in February and the weather was totally stunning.

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 track.

Things to remember:

Wear sturdy shoes with good grip.
Bring water, especially if completing the walk on a warm day.
Sun protection is recommended for the exposed sections.
Leave enough time for lunch at the cafe and relax on a bean bag on the beach at Otehei Bay before your ferry arrives.

Alternative route:

Consider extending your walk by incorporating the Otehei Bay Loop walk which includes Cable Bay.

Map location and track

My 3d video of the walk

See my photos of the Akeake Peninsula Return Walk

See more of my walks on Urupukapuka Island

Sandra from Freewalks

Over the last 20+ years, Sandra has been walking and hiking around New Zealand, discovering hidden gems and local free walking tracks. She is an avid hiker, walker, and outdoor enthusiast, as well as an amateur photographer based in New Zealand. She always makes it a point to document each walking adventure with photographs, 3D videos, GPS maps, and detailed descriptions.