Guided Walking Tour - Morning

The Footprints of the Island - Nga Tapuwae o te Motu

Step off the beach and into the heart of Urupukapuka Island on this relaxed and scenic guided walking tour starting from the stunning shores of Otehei Bay.

Led by a knowledgeable and passionate guide, this walk brings the island’s rich natural and cultural history to life. Learn about the area's unique flora and fauna, hear stories of the island's early Māori settlement and the incredible conservation work of Project Island Song—a community-led initiative restoring the Bay of Islands to a predator-free wildlife sanctuary. 

As you walk, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views over turquoise bays, offshore islands, and lush coastal landscapes. Keep an eye out for native birds—curious fantails often dance at your feet, and the songs of Tūī and Saddleback (Tieke) echo through the trees, a testament to the island’s ecological revival.

This tour is suitable for most fitness levels, with plenty of opportunities to stop, take photos, and soak in the peaceful beauty of this special place. Whether you're a nature lover, history buff, or just keen to stretch your legs in paradise, the Otehei Bay Walking Tour offers a deeper connection to the land, the wildlife, and the stories that shape this remarkable island.

With time to wander, learn, and soak up the natural beauty around you...

… this is more than a walk — it’s an immersion into the heart of Aotearoa.

REQUIREMENTS

• Suitable for all ages

• No experience required

• Suitable for Low-Medium Fitness 

• Some terrain may not be suitable for all participants

TOUR INCLUSIONS

• Return ferry from Paihia or Russell

• 55-minute Guided Walk

• Cultural Insights

• Birdlife Encounters

• Conservation Stories

• Breathtaking Views

• Photo Opportunities

TOUR TIMES

• Ferry departs Paihia at 8.30am (Russell 8.40am)

• Ferry departs Otehei Bay at 12.15pm, 1.45pm, 4.15pm or 5.45pm - for more time to explore the island, choose a later ferry departure time

• Walking Tour from 11am - 12.00pm

WHAT TO BRING

• Suitable footwear for walking

• Warm Jacket

• Sunscreen

• Hat & Sunglasses

• Mobile Phone

• Camera – birds look better with the real thing!

• Water