Located in the Auckland region
Dogs are not allowed on island reserves in the Bay of Islands and Hauraki Gulf.
Surrounding the house and extending up the valley are exotic gardens established by Sir George Grey – a perfect place to relax with a picnic. If you feel like venturing farther, explore the track network and picnic at the lookout above Ladies Bay, or on Ladies Bay beach at low tide. The Coppermine lookout and Coppermine itself are great spots for taking a break, as is Dispute Cove.
The iconic Mansion House is the former home of Sir George Grey and has an impressive collective of antique furnishings. It’s also a venue for holding weddings or other events.
Water taxis and ferries travel to Kawau Island daily from Sandspit Wharf near Warkworth, about one and a half hour's drive north of Auckland.
Find authorised transport operators to this island.
If you're a commercial boat operator you need a permit to pull up to Mansion House wharf.
Kawau Island has long been a favourite destination for boaties thanks to its numerous bays which provide shelter from almost any weather. The 45k m journey from Westhaven Marina in downtown Auckland takes approximately an hour, making it close enough to visit for a day trip, and an ideal weekend getaway. From Sandspit or Mahurangi, located less than 12 km away, the journey is even shorter.
There are plenty of options for anchorage, from the white sandy beaches on the northern end to the sheltered Bon Accord Harbour, which almost bisects the island from the west. The Kawau Boating Club is located here.
If visiting the Kawau Island Historic Reserve, Mansion House Bay has a sandy and stony beach ideal for drop offs by dinghy and tender. Small runabout boats can anchor close and take a mooring line to the beach. It is drop off and pick up only at the Mansion House historic jetty which is frequented by commercial ferries.
Dogs are prohibited in Kawau Island Historic Reserve.
Before you depart, check the marine forecast as the journey between Auckland and Kawau can be choppy on windy days.
Exercise courtesy when going ashore. Kawau Island is privately owned and the landowners enjoy riparian rights (access to the water's edge).
The mature pine trees can fall or drop branches especially in windy conditions.
A concession is required to fly a drone on any public conservation land.
Kawau Island was the site of one of New Zealand's earliest mining ventures.
Kawau Island Historic Reserve | |
Phone: | +64 212 899 500 |
Email: | kawauisland@doc.govt.nz |
Address: | 5 Schoolhouse Bay Road Kawau Island 0920 |