Kawau Island walks
Located in Kawau Island Historic Reserve in the Auckland region
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Introduction
Take a walk to the remains of the coppermine engine house built in 1854. It was built to pump water from what is believed to be the first underground mining operation in New Zealand.Dog access
Mansion House Gardens and beach
Explore the heritage gardens around Mansion House. Many plants were planted or are descended from plantings of earlier times. Explore the beach and rockpools at low tide.
View Point, Two House Bay Track
Time: 15 mins
This bay once had two cottages, built during the 1860s for Sir George Grey's estate manager and shepherd. One of the cottages remains today in modified form and is now the ranger's residence.
There is public access to the View Point which has a picnic table and a lovely view overlooking Mansion House Bay. Access over to Two House Bay is Staff only.
Ladys Bay
Time: 15 mins
The track leads to the end of a promontory with a good view of the mainland.
At one time this beach was a ‘Ladies only’ swimming area. The sea is eroding the approach and agility is required. 15 mins
Momona Point and Pā
This track leads to a former Pā site and to the end of a promontory with a good view of the mainland.
Coppermine Lookout
Time: Mansion House to Lookout 25 min one way
Take the track from Mansion House along the Coach road which gradually climbs to reach the Lookout.
Along the way you will see Ladys Bay on the right. The track passes through mature pine trees established during Sir George Grey's ownership of the island.
The lookout has a cleared grassy area suitable for picnics. It provides good views of the coppermine enginehouse remains, and a panorama which takes in Beehive, Moturekareka, Motuketekete, Motuora and other Gulf islands.
Coppermine Track and return
Mansion House to Lookout to Coppermine
Time: around 1 hour one way
Follow an old coach road built for Sir George Grey. A side track to the right takes you to a picnic area and lookout point where you can take in views of other Hauraki Gulf Islands. Return to the Coach Road and continue on the Coach Road to the Copper mine. Note the final section is steep and can be slippery when wet.
Coppermine round trip via Dispute Cove Coastal loop – low tide only
Mansion House – Coach Road – Dispute Cove Road – Dispute Cove – coast – Coppermine.
Time: around 1 hour one way
Take the track from Mansion House enjoy the views over Ladys Bay and continue on the Coach road. Take the Dispute Cove Road to Dispute Cove. There were once miners' cottages as well as a village and school here. At low tide follow the coastline to the Coppermine enginehouse. Once at the Coppermine you can return up the Coppermine Track. Alternatively return up Dispute Cove Road and continue on the Coppermine track route to the Coppermine.
Redwood Track – Closed
The Redwood Track is unmaintained and permanently closed due to the risk of tree and branches falling. It has a notable large redwood tree planted by Grey in 1864.
Brick house foundations near the top of the former track mark the dairy site and remains of two cottages associated with copper mining on the island in the 1840s and 1850s.
Schoolhouse Bay Road
Schoolhouse Bay – Lookout
Time: 35 min one way
Halfway up the Coach Road, passed the turn off to the lookout, is the junction to Schoolhouse Bay.
Along the way there is a short side track to a knoll with a small historic cemetery, the resting place of some early Kawau residents including copper miners and their families. Follow the road down the hill past private residences to reach Schoolhouse Bay wharf.
The bay is named after the school Sir George Grey had built for the children of his workers. The old schoolhouse, now much modified, can be seen from the wharf. It is privately owned and not open to the public.
- In windy conditions, the mature pine trees on all the tracks can fall or drop branches.
- Ensure you have plenty of time to complete your walk and catch the ferry.
Check you are pest-free
Check, clean, and seal your gear to ensure you don't bring pests, soil, and seeds.
Contacts
| Kawau Island Historic Reserve | |
| Phone: | +64 9 445 9142 |
| Email: | kawauisland@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: | 5 Schoolhouse Bay Road Kawau Island 0920 |