Natural features of Urupukapuka Island
Topography
The island's topography is the most varied of the islands in Ipipiri and ranges from flat areas behind the major bays (Indico, Otehei, Urupukapuka) and rises to moderately steep slopes and coastal cliffs on the island's eastern side.
Vegetation
The main vegetation type is manuka/kanuka shrubland and extensive kikuyu grasslands are features of northern and southern areas of Urupukapuka. A spectacular pohutukawa forest occupies the coastal fringe and pohutukawa are a highlight of the island's vegetation. There is a significant wetland habitat created in the 1980s as a wildlife habitat with baumea sp. and raupo reed land.
Conservation
Urupukapuka has significant restoration potential with its range of habitats and current natural regeneration and it is a breeding are for pateke - brown teal and NZ dotterel.
Grazing occurs on approximately a third of the island in order to maintain open space and vegetation on archaeological sites.
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