Kawau Island is one of the largest islands in New Zealands Hauraki Gulf, 8km off the coast of Snells Beach north of Auckland. With a permanent population of around 80 and only accessible by boat, Kawau Island is a solitary paradise where you can explore some breathtaking coastlines and interesting history of New Zealand.

Kawau can only be explored on foot using the network of tracks throughout the island, there are no car ferrys that visit the island and only a few locals have vehicles that are used primarily to transport goods from the pier to their homes.

Sitting at around an hours drive from Auckland CBD, Kawau Island is a great day trip if you are planning an Auckland getaway.

Getting to Kawau Island

Kawau Island is only accessible by boat, if you don’t have your own private vessel then you can purchase a ride on the Kawau ferry which departs from Sandspit every day.

Around 4-5 return trips are made every day on the Kawau ferry, and the timetable differs between the summer and winter months. So make sure you check ahead with the Kawau ferry timetable so you don’t miss your ride. The Kawau ferry departs from each pier on the island at different times so I would suggest taking the 10am ferry at the latest, as the last one leaves the island at around 4pm.

Sandspit is a small town between Snells Beach and Matakana, and popular for its campground which hundreds flock to every year. There is a large carpark with all day parking, but during summer I would make sure to get in early.

Things to do on Kawau Island

Unless you grew up where you could see Kawau on the horizon or you visited the island as a child, it’s very likely you know absolutely nothing about this remote paradise.

Kawau Island has history which dates back to the mid 1800’s when the British came to New Zealand and set up camp. The island may be small but packs a punch in daytime activities.

From hiking around the island and through native bush, to visiting historic mining sites and lounging on a beach with roaming peacocks. Kawau Island is a great day trip for families or couples wanting a break away for the weekend.

Mansion House

The historic Mansion House is one of the main public stops on Kawau Island and is what draws in tourists every year. Sitting on a small beach over looking the Hauraki Gulf, the Mansion House is the perfect location for a summer day picnic or breakaway from city life.

Built in 1845 to house the manager of the Kawau copper mine, it was then purchased in 1862 by Sir George Grey, one of New Zealand’s first governors. He quickly got to work on renovating the building and adding more rooms, fitting it with furniture made from native trees and an exotic garden to match. The building has since gone through several private owners before finally being purchased by the New Zealand government in 1967. Since then it has been officially listed as a heritage building and restored to a state of how it would have appeared in the 1890’s.

Opened in 1979 to the public, the Mansion House has served as a time capsule; Fitted with furniture donated from family archives from around the country, the mansion house still graces a few original pieces which sat between these very walls when the house was first built.

Mansion House Cafe

Next door to the Mansion house is a great café which serves everything from hot meals to ice creams and coffee. Their large menu will offer something even for the pickiest of eaters, and enjoy your meal in the courtyard where you may be hounded by a gang of peacocks.

Kawau Island Copper Mine

Kawau island is the site of one of New Zealands oldest mines dating back to 1844, when a copper mine was set up near South Cove on the waters edge. The copper mine was eventually closed in 1852 after the copper became too difficult to extract due to being below sea level and the mines constantly having to be pumped free of water.

Evidence of the copper mine is still clearly visible today with the old pump house chimney still relatively intact on the waters edge.

The Kawau copper mine is best seen on foot, but can be clearly viewed when you are leaving South Cove pier. The track winds up through native forest and across the beautiful coastline, taking you around 40 minutes to complete from either Mansion House or Schoolhouse Bay.. The track has a relatively steep downward slope so a ‘non-couch-potato’ level of fitness is required. A great place to stop for lunch, the Kawau copper mine is a great piece of New Zealand history and an even better place to grab a few photos of your travels.

Wildlife on Kawau Island

Not only did Sir George Grey commission an architect to build a beautiful mansion on a remote island just off the coast of Auckland, but he also built a grand garden and imported wildlife from all around the world to create an exotic paradise for him and his family to call home.
The monkeys, zebras and kangaroos might be long gone, but you can still get up close and personal with the peacocks and peahens which roam the mansion gardens.

Since the New Zealand government took ownership of the island in the late 60’s, native wildlife have started to flourish thanks to an initiative to make many of our islands pest free. If you’re lucky you might just see a Kaka feeding from the nectar from the Pohutukawa tree in the mansion gardens.

Kawau Royal Mail Run Cruise

For an extra $30 per adult, you can enjoy a traditional kiwi BBQ lunch while onboard the Kawau mail run cruise. Taking you around all the private piers dotted around the island, you can enjoy the spectacular views of Kawau from the comfort of a freshly cooked meal.