Urupukapuka Island's Wildlife Hide: Birdwatching Paradise
This easy side track branches off the Pateke Loop and leads to a specially constructed viewing hide.
Nestled amongst the wetlands, the hide provides a perfect opportunity to spot native New Zealand birds in their natural habitat. Keep an eye out for the namesake of the track, the endangered brown teal (pateke), as well as other wetland species.
Quick facts about this walk
Location: | Urupukapuka, Bay of Islands, North Island |
Distance: | 610 m |
Time: | 10 mins |
Difficulty: | Very Easy |
Elevation: | Flat walking |
Track Quality: | Excellent |
Mountain bikes?: | no |
Wheelchair access?: | no |
Wet Feet: | no |
Toilets: | There are no toilets here |
Dogs: | No dogs allowed on the island |
Mobile coverage: | Yes but patchy |
Public transport: | You will need to get the ferry to the island or arrive in your own boat. The ferry isn’t too far from 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. It’s a short uphill walk to the top of the hill to join the main track that takes you around the island.