Bay of Islands: Otaio Bay - Urupukapuka Island

Otaio Bay was the second bay in the Bay of Islands we anchored in during our 2007 cruise.

The chart indicated that it got pretty shallow at low water but that would not be a problem for us. In fact it turned out to be a distinct advantage on several occasions. At low water we tended to pretty much have the inner bay to ourselves. Depending on how close in we anchored we had anything between 1-2m under the boat at low water.

Sheltered from most winds it proved to be a haven during a particularly good blow from the south east. However, it is a reasonbly big bay and we found it necessary to move to different sides of the bay during stronger winds.

On shore there was good access to The Urupukapuka track which allows you to walk around most of the Island. A couple of hairy parts on the track but well worth the effort. If it is a sunny day (as it was the day we went) take plenty of water and cover up as you are in the open sun for most of the walk. You can also walk down to the Fullers cafe in Otehei bay if you don't mind mixing in with all the tourists.

Paradise Bay is just to the South.

Location: 35.12.723s 174.13.499e

Date Last Visited: Feb 07