Zane Grey's
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The very first settlers of Urupukapuka Island, distant ancestors of the modern Maori, may have arrived here around 1,000 years ago.
Two centuries before the crew of Captain James Cooks Endeavour became the first Europeans to enter the Bay of Islands, a thriving Maori community lived on the 550 acres of Urupukapuka Island. They were a sub-tribe of Ngare Raumati tribe who occupied the south-east Bay of Islands at that time.
At the height of pre-European settlement there were Kainga, (villages) of extended families, living in all the large sheltered bays.
The early Maori community of Urupukapuka Island shared a very close relationship with the sea. Kaimoana (sea food) was their most important food. Each day at low tide the women (wahine) gathered pipi and cockles in flax kits. The men set nets or went fishing with hooks and lures carved from bone and shell, bound to woven flax lines.
Kumara gardening was an important activity of seaside Kainga. Crops were planted on the sheltered slopes and flat areas behind bays.
Urupukapuka Island has eight significant Pa sites, all but one on headlands. These positions gave good natural defence, and enabled the defenders to observe enemies approaching by sea.
Today the Pa sites form the Urupukapuka Island Archaeological Walk around the entire Island.
In the 1920s Otehei Bay became the base of the legendary author Zane Grey who established big game fishing in the Bay of Islands.
The fishing resort remains today as Zane Grey's Otehei Bay.
A range of accommodation is available here, from value backpacker style accommodation to cabins accommodating 78 persons, bunk rooms, and double rooms with or without ensuite.
Camping sites for up to 100 persons.
Bookings are essential for cabins.
Showers, toilets, laundry, camp kitchen, shop, cafe & bar available.
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Back in Auckland for Saturday February 10th After
over a year ago : 9th February 2007
Snorkelled the next day off of Urupukapuka Island - Zane Grey's old Marlin fishing base camp. No porpises for me. Did some hikes to see old Maori sites there. Earthenworks defenses remain. Stopped off at Russell on the way back - an old...