Day trip to Urupukapuka Island
Stunning views, great bird watching (even from a purpose built hide) and gorgeous beaches on Urupukapuka Island.
There is a great variety of trails on the island – some of them are quite steep.
Otehi Bay was quite crowded on the day we went ( peak summer period and it’s where the ferries come in) but there are lots of other gorgeous beaches.
Two ferry companies run services to the island.
Paihia to Opua coastal walk
The Paihia to Opua coastal track cuts through the Pahia Top 10 campground where we were staying and that’s where we started the trail to Opua.
If you don’t want to walk the whole track from Paihia you can park at Te Haumi ( the bay before Paihia as you head North ) or at Smith Camp Rd.
The trail is quite narrow and steep in places on the Te Haumi to the campground section which we did later in the day.
All in all a lovely walk with stunning views, lovely little bays to enjoy at high tide and cafes at Opua.
On a subsequent trip we walked the track from the campground to Opua and my son and his friend kayaked.
Ferry to Russell
A fun day out from Paihia catching the ferry across to Russell and then a short walk over to Oneroa Bay ( Long Beach ) – a stunning beach with gorgeous views out to the islands of the Bay.
There isn’t much shade at the beach so its pays to take your own umbrella. No shops either so pack your snacks or pick them up in Russell township as you pass through.
