Kawau Island & Mansion House Auckland
Discover colonial history at Governor Grey's Mansion House and explore the scenic bays and copper mine ruins of Kawau Island.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Kawau Island & Mansion House Auckland
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover colonial history at Governor Grey's Mansion House and explore the scenic bays and copper mine ruins of Kawau Island.
"A vivid and interesting slice of history, though some parts could use more care."
🚢 Book Ferry in Advance
Ferry services can be expensive and limited. Book ahead to secure your spot and potentially better rates.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain. Adventure shoes are a must!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mansion House
Mansion House Bay
Explore the historic Governor Grey's mansion, its gardens, and learn about colonial New Zealand.
Copper Mine Ruins
North of Mansion House Bay
Discover the remnants of Auckland's significant 19th-century copper mine.
Scenic Walks
Various tracks across the island
Hike through native bush to discover secluded bays and stunning coastal views.
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Kawau Island
Exploring Mansion House
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 Book Ferry in Advance
Ferry services can be expensive and limited. Book ahead to secure your spot and potentially better rates.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain. Adventure shoes are a must!
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
Amenities are scarce. Bring your own supplies to stay hydrated and fueled during your exploration.
🗺️ Follow Trail Signs
Some tracks may lack clear signage. Pay attention to signs and be cautious, especially near the smelter.
places to explore
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Book Ferry in Advance
Ferry services can be expensive and limited. Book ahead to secure your spot and potentially better rates.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain. Adventure shoes are a must!
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
Amenities are scarce. Bring your own supplies to stay hydrated and fueled during your exploration.
🗺️ Follow Trail Signs
Some tracks may lack clear signage. Pay attention to signs and be cautious, especially near the smelter.
📸 Capture the History
Mansion House and the mine ruins offer fantastic photo opportunities for history buffs.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Kawau Island for its historical significance, particularly Mansion House, and its beautiful natural scenery with walking tracks and bays. The island offers a unique glimpse into colonial New Zealand. However, some find the ferry costs high and note that the historic buildings could benefit from more attention and upkeep.
"A very exciting trip, I wish those looking after this building get a bit more interested and caring as I saw some things very antique but less consideration. Very robust building including fantastic and detailed designs, and very smart architectural designs, stunning heating systems (wall low high air circulation and individual fireplaces), the very memories around but unfortunately, could not see the sewage system how was working for that age but seems another genius. Nice and tidy historical garden with gorgeous plants species in the back yard, a cafe is in your right hand with winter open schedule Oct 2023. Toilets are placed behind. Walking tracks are awesome but need to take extra cautious because of weather changes and need to follow signs. Big trouble somewhere is no proper sign or maybe was but disappeared so once getting a way to smelter Copper mine plz take extra care. Generally speaking fantastic experience, uuuuumm don't forget to wear adventure shoes, and take bottled water, and dry food just in case."
Kambiz Radman
"Catch a ferry or watertaxi from Sandspit.
Lots of history here. The beach is beautiful and there are several walks to take from here. Definitely a summer spot"
simon paton
"Beautiful place, similar to waiheke yet smaller and not much to do really , I wouldn’t recommend the experience, the ferry is more expensive, $74 , yet it does 5 to 10 stops, as it’s also a mail run for the island, picking/ dropping passengers, groceries, etc. The island itself is very quiet, a garden, a cafe and several peacocks. Went up to check the recommended beach (Lady’s bay) a short hike from the historical mansion, but the access was blocked by debris and fallen trees, besides high tide at 1 pm, also if you decide to explore keep in mind the sewage and water treatment are just in the way there, very unpleasant and you’ll surely end up back at the wharf. That’s all to do there. Again I wouldn’t recommend this for family or big group."
Caro DeSantis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The primary way to reach Kawau Island is by ferry or water taxi from Sandspit, located north of Auckland. Some visitors opt for the Royal Mail cruise which stops at Mansion House Bay. +1
Public transport options to Sandspit are limited. It's often easier to drive or arrange a shuttle service. Check local bus routes for connections to Warkworth, from where you might find further transport.
The ferry journey from Sandspit to Kawau Island typically takes around 30-40 minutes, depending on the service and stops.
Yes, water taxis are available and can offer more flexibility than scheduled ferries, though they can be more expensive.
Yes, many visitors with their own boats anchor in the bays around Kawau Island. This offers the most freedom but requires boating experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Mansion House and its grounds typically requires a fee, often included with ferry bookings or available for purchase on arrival. Check with your chosen ferry operator for details.
Mansion House has seasonal opening hours, usually open from October to April. It's best to check the official Department of Conservation (DOC) website or inquire with ferry operators for the most current times.
Kawau Island is largely a public reserve managed by DOC, so there isn't a general entrance fee for the island. However, specific attractions like Mansion House may have admission charges.
It's advisable to book ferry tickets in advance, especially during busy periods. Tickets for Mansion House may be available on the day, but pre-booking is recommended for peace of mind.
Occasionally, deals for ferry services to Kawau Island might be found on sites like GrabOne.co.nz, so it's worth checking for potential discounts.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Activities include exploring Mansion House, visiting the copper mine ruins, hiking scenic walking tracks to bays like School Bay or Lady's Bay, and enjoying the natural beauty and wildlife.
Yes, Kawau Island offers several walking tracks ranging in difficulty, leading to various bays and historical sites. Wear sturdy shoes as some paths can be uneven.
Basic facilities include toilets and a cafe at Mansion House Bay. It's recommended to bring your own water and snacks as options are limited.
While families can enjoy the history and nature, some reviews suggest it might not be ideal for large groups or very young children due to limited activities and potential access issues on some tracks.
Visitors often report seeing peacocks roaming freely around Mansion House, as well as various native birds in the bush.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe located at Mansion House Bay that serves refreshments. It typically has winter opening hours, so check in advance.
Absolutely! Bringing your own food and drinks is highly recommended, as dining options are limited to the cafe at Mansion House Bay.
No, there are no traditional restaurants on Kawau Island. The cafe at Mansion House Bay is the primary food service available.
The cafe generally offers light meals, snacks, and beverages suitable for a day trip.
Yes, there are several beautiful spots around the island, particularly near the bays, that are perfect for picnics.
📸 📸 Photography
Mansion House itself, the surrounding gardens, the historic copper mine ruins, and the scenic bays offer excellent photographic opportunities.
The island's coastal scenery, native bush, and secluded bays provide beautiful landscapes for photographers.
Yes, the peacocks around Mansion House are a popular subject, and the native birdlife in the bush offers further photographic potential.
Early morning or late afternoon light often provides the most flattering conditions for landscape and architectural photography.
Generally, photography is permitted for personal use. Be respectful of private areas and any historical preservation guidelines within Mansion House.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key recommendations for families include packing plenty of snacks and drinks, as food options are limited. Ensure everyone wears comfortable, sturdy shoes for walking. While some families have had wonderful experiences, be aware that some reviews suggest the island might be less ideal for very young children or large groups due to the nature of the activities and potential access challenges on certain trails.
💰 Budget Travelers
Tips for saving money include packing all your own food and drinks for the day, as the cafe at Mansion House Bay can add up. Focus on enjoying the free activities like exploring the grounds, walking the public tracks, and taking in the scenery, rather than relying on paid services once on the island.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Mansion House and Kawau Island
Visitors can explore the Mansion House, which, despite showing its age and needing renovation, offers a vivid and interesting slice of colonial history. The architecture, detailed designs, and even the historical heating systems are noteworthy. The surrounding gardens are also a highlight, featuring gorgeous plant species. Exploring the remnants of the Copper Mine ruins provides a tangible connection to the island's industrial past.
While the historical significance is undeniable, some visitors note that the upkeep of the building and grounds could be improved. Nevertheless, the Mansion House remains a compelling destination for those interested in New Zealand's colonial heritage and the ambitious projects of its early governors.
Navigating Kawau Island: Transport and Trails
Walking tracks are a key part of the Kawau Island experience, offering opportunities to immerse yourself in the native bush and discover secluded beaches. However, it's crucial to wear appropriate footwear, as the terrain can be uneven and sometimes challenging. Some visitors have noted that signage can be inconsistent, so it's wise to be prepared and follow signs carefully, especially when heading towards less-visited areas like the smelter.
For those who prefer not to walk extensively, the Royal Mail cruise offers a way to see parts of the island and its bays without disembarking for long hikes. This option also provides a unique perspective on the island's mail delivery system.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit