FerryConnect

New Zealand

Paihia → Urupukapuka Island (Ōtehei Bay)

Explore Group’s Ōtehei Bay ferry crosses the Bay of Islands from Paihia to Urupukapuka Island in about 40 minutes, picking up at Russell ten minutes later. From September it leaves Paihia at 8:30am, 10:00am, 11:30am, 2:00pm and 5:00pm, and comes back from Ōtehei Bay at 10:45am, 12:15pm, 1:45pm, 4:15pm and 5:45pm.

⏱ 40m🚢 1 operator📅 Up to 5 departures daily from Paihia (Explore Group)
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Paihia to Urupukapuka Island (Ōtehei Bay) ferry at a glance

The ferry from Paihia to Urupukapuka Island (Ōtehei Bay) takes 40m across the Bay of Islands, operated by Explore Group. It is a foot-passenger service; vehicles are not carried. Typical frequency: up to 5 departures daily from Paihia (Explore Group).

Crossing times and frequencies are typical figures and vary by season. Confirm the current timetable with the operator or booking partner before you travel. Route facts last reviewed 2026-10-29.

Sources: exploregroup.co.nz · How we verify

Return crossing: Urupukapuka Island (Ōtehei Bay) to Paihia

Explore Group also sails Urupukapuka Island (Ōtehei Bay) to Paihia, taking 40m. From Ōtehei Bay, ferries leave at 10:45am, 12:15pm, 1:45pm (limited), 4:15pm and 5:45pm.

Paihia to Urupukapuka Island (Ōtehei Bay) ferry timetable & sailing pattern

Up to 5 sailings a day from Paihia, via Russell (from September)

Published departure times

  • 08:30
  • 10:00 (limited)
  • 11:30
  • 14:00
  • 17:00

Return: From Ōtehei Bay, ferries leave at 10:45am, 12:15pm, 1:45pm (limited), 4:15pm and 5:45pm.

Timetables change by season and date. Check exact departures for your travel date on the official timetable.

Official Explore Group timetable →Check prices & book on Bookaway →

Source: Explore Group Ōtehei Bay ferry page. Verified 2026-10-29.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Paihia and Urupukapuka Island (Ōtehei Bay)

📐 8 Nautical Miles
Paihia⇄Urupukapuka Island (Ōtehei Bay)
⏱ 40m · 📐 8 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
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Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
Explore Group40mPassenger ferry

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Foot passengers only

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

No pet facilities

📐

Distance

8 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • The same ferry calls at Russell ten minutes after leaving Paihia (8:40am, 10:10am, 11:40am, 2:10pm and 5:10pm).

Tips for the Paihia to Urupukapuka Island (Ōtehei Bay) Crossing

  • Explore Group says the timetable depends on demand and availability, and departures marked as limited may not run every day: check when you book.
  • Urupukapuka has walking tracks, sheltered beaches, kayak and paddleboard hire in summer, the licensed Ōtehei Bay Café & Bar and campsites (camping is booked separately).

Related Ferry Crossings

Also sails from PaihiaPaihia → RussellAbout 15m · Northland FerriesAlso sails from PaihiaOpua → Okiato (Russell)About 10m · Northland FerriesNearby alternative crossingAuckland (Wynyard Quarter) → Great Barrier Island (Aotea)4h 30m – 5h · SeaLink (New Zealand)Nearby alternative crossingAuckland → Tiritiri Matangi IslandAbout 1h 20m · Explore GroupNearby alternative crossingAuckland → Rangitoto IslandAbout 25m · Fullers360Nearby alternative crossingAuckland → Waiheke Island40m – 50m · Fullers360
🗺 All ferries in New Zealand🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

What time is the ferry from Paihia to Urupukapuka Island?
From September, Explore Group leaves Paihia at 8:30am, 10:00am, 11:30am, 2:00pm and 5:00pm, and Russell ten minutes later. The 10:00am sailing has limited departures and availability.
How long is the ferry to Urupukapuka Island?
About 40 minutes each way, according to Explore Group.
When is the last ferry back from Ōtehei Bay?
At 5:45pm. Return sailings leave Ōtehei Bay at 10:45am, 12:15pm, 1:45pm, 4:15pm and 5:45pm; the 1:45pm has limited departures.
How much is the Urupukapuka Island ferry?
Explore Group charges NZ$80 for an adult (16+) and NZ$45 for a child aged 5 to 15 for the return ferry; a family pass for 2 adults and 2 children is NZ$205, and under-5s travel free.
How often does the Paihia to Urupukapuka Island (Ōtehei Bay) ferry sail?
Up to 5 sailings a day from Paihia, via Russell (from September). This is the pattern published in the Explore Group Ōtehei Bay ferry page (checked 2026-10-29); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Paihia to Urupukapuka Island (Ōtehei Bay)?
Explore Group operates this route. Compare sailing times and ticket types before booking, as they often differ between operators.
Can I take my car on the Paihia to Urupukapuka Island (Ōtehei Bay) ferry?
No. This is a foot-passenger service and vehicles are not carried. Use parking near the departure pier or public transport to reach it.
Can I take the Paihia to Urupukapuka Island (Ōtehei Bay) ferry as a foot passenger?
Yes. Foot passengers can travel on this route. Allow time to reach the passenger terminal and check the operator’s check-in closing time.
Are dogs and pets allowed on the Paihia to Urupukapuka Island (Ōtehei Bay) ferry?
This route has no dedicated pet facilities. Assistance dogs are normally carried, but confirm with the operator before travelling.
How far is Paihia from Urupukapuka Island (Ōtehei Bay) by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 8 nautical miles (roughly 15 km).