Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Bay of Islands Swordfish Club
BAR
(Swordy;
www.swordfish.co.nz
;
upstairs, 96 Marsden Rd; 4pm-late)
Great views, cold beer
and tall tales abound at this brightly lit club-bar where creatures from the deep protrude
from every available surface. Decent burgers, steaks and seafood ($12 to $28) are also
served.
Information
Bay of Islands i-SITE
(
09-402 7345;
www.northlandnz.com
;
Marsden Rd;
8am-5pm
Mar-mid-Dec, to 7pm mid-Dec-Feb)
Information and bookings.
Getting There & Around
All buses serving Paihia, such as InterCity and Naked Bus, stop at the Maritime Building
by the wharf.
Ferries depart regularly for Russell.
For bikes, visit Bay Beach Hire (
Click here
).
TOP OF CHAPTER
Urupukapuka Island
The largest of the bay's islands, Urupukapuka is a tranquil place criss-crossed with walk-
ing trails and surrounded by aquamarine waters. Native birds are plentiful thanks to a
conservation initiative that has rendered this and all of the neighbouring islands predator
free; check that there aren't any rats, mice or ants stowing away on your boat or in your
gear before leaving the mainland.
Most of the regular boat tours moor at Otehei Bay for a little island time; if you want
to stay over, you can usually arrange to split the trip up and return at a later date. There
pukapuka Bays, which have water supplies, cold showers (except Sunset Bay) and com-
posting toilets; bring food, a stove and fuel.
The
Waterfront Bar & Cafe
(www.oteheibay.co.nz; Otehei Bay; mains $15-25; 11am-8pm)
serves light meals and snacks to boat-tour passengers, and at the height of summer also
offers evening meals. Kayaks can be rented on the island from
Bay of Islands Kayaking
( 021 272 3353; www.bayofislandskayaking.co.nz; hire from $10, island transfer & guided paddle
$160)
.
