Otaio Bay is one of the incredible bays nestled on Urupukapuka Island in New Zealand’s Bay of Islands.
This secluded bay offers one of the best spots to park up for a picnic and as I’d love for you to have this experience, all the details you need to know are below.
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Otaio Bay is an incredible bay that is situated on the eastern side of Urupukapuka Island. Urupukapuka Island is the largest island in the Bay of Islands in Northland, New Zealand and boasts pristine beaches, incredible views, and scenic walking trails.
HOW TO GET TO OTAIO BAY
There are a couple of ways to reach Otaio Bay. The most convenient is if you have a private or self-operated boat, allowing you to travel at your own pace. The bay provides many anchorage spots, so picking and choosing where you’d like to explore is easy.
The second is the ferry to Otehei Bay. It operates regularly and has a great summer schedule. From Otehei Bay, you can embark on a scenic hike across Urupukapuka Island to reach Otaio Bay. With the trails being well-marked and offering stunning views of the surrounding islands, you really can’t go wrong. It’s also popular for a bunch of other activities. This includes hiking, swimming and kayaking so you’ll definitely find others making the most of the island too.
If you want to take it a step further, join a guided tour that visits the island and other Bay of Islands spots, offering local insights and history. This GetYourGuide tour takes you to popular spots like Hole in the Rock and Urupukapuka Island for a couple hours. Plus, it’s on a fast boat, which will be an adventure in itself. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, this scenic cruise offers a slower pace.
BEST TIME TO VISIT OTAIO BAY
The best time to visit Otaio Bay is during the summer months, from December to February. This is when the weather is more stable, warmer, and perfect for swimming. And as this is a beach-oriented spot, you are definitely going to want to take a dip.
In terms of time of day, any time here is great. We arrived just after midday and got to sunbathe, picnic and swim. I’d call that a pretty perfect day.
HOW CROWDED IS IT AT OTAIO BAY
When we visited Otaio Bay, we had it all to ourselves, but others arrived about half an hour later. Despite its growing popularity, Otaio Bay sees fewer crowds than other Urupukapuka Island beaches due to its distance from the ferry dock being a little further away.
I think this also all depends on what time you visit and the time of year. Summer is always going to be a busier time but this also feels unavoidable as it’s definitely the most ideal time to experience this incredible spot.
CAN YOU CAMP AT URUKUAPUKA ISLAND
Yes! You can camp on Urupukapuka Island. There are three DOC campsites, keeping you close to the action.
These campsites are basic but provide a great base for exploring the Bay of Islands. Sunset Bay and Cable Bay Campsite sit on the southwestern side, near the ferry terminal, while Urupukapuka Bay Campsite lies closer to the eastern shores.
Camping here lets you wake up to stunning sunrises, enjoy early morning swims, and stargaze under clear night skies. I’d highly suggest this as it’s an unforgettable way to experience the Bay of Islands.
Please note that booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons.
EXPLORING WAEWAETOREA ISLAND
While visiting Otaio Bay, also consider visiting Waewaetorea. This island is another hidden gem in the Bay of Islands, known for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. It does require a private boat to access but the beach and lookout with its stunning views is well worth adding to your itinerary.
If you’d like to learn more, check out my post on Waewaetorea Island.
OTHER ACTIVITIES AROUND OTAIO BAY
Beyond picnicking, Otaio Bay and its surroundings offer a plethora of activities like snorkelling and swimming, hiking (there are so many trails on the island!), kayaking and the island is home to various bird species, making it a great spot for bird watching, too.
No matter what your interests are, you’ll find something for everyone.
SUMMARY
In this post, we explored why Otaio Bay is the perfect picnic spot on Urupukapuka Island in New Zealand’s Bay of Islands. From its stunning location to convenient access by private boat or ferry, Otaio Bay offers incredible scenery and a perfect place to sit and relax.
Looking for more hidden gems? Explore our comprehensive travel guides for even more ultimate New Zealand destinations.