Walk Details

NZ Walking Routes > Auckland > Kawau Island

Kawau Island

Location
Ferries and water taxis travel to Kawau Island daily from Sandspit Wharf near Warkworth, about one and a half hour's drive north of Auckland. Contact the ferry companies for timetables and more information. Private boats have a choice of safe anchorages in and close to Mansion House Bay.
Description

Kawau Island in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf was the site of one of New Zealand’s earliest mining ventures. Later it became the island home of Sir George Grey, one of New Zealand’s most influential and controversial political figures.

The Kawau Island Historic Reserve was created to protect Mansion House, Sir George Grey’s former home, and the gardens and landscape he created, together with sites and relics from the historic copper industry. The reserve is a popular destination for visitors arriving by ferry or pleasure craft. Today about 10 percent of the island is protected as publicly owned reserves managed by the Department of Conservation. The remainder of the island is privately owned with a small resident population.

The Mansion House Cafe is open daily during holiday periods and weekends between Labour weekend (late October) and Queen's Birthday weekend (June). Cafe opening times vary. Check by ringing the cafe: Ph +64 9 422 8903 or Mansion House: Ph +64 9 422 8882.

Walks range in length from half an hour to several hours duration, and are mostly easy walking. Many of the routes follow old nineteenth century paths originating from Mansion House Valley.

From the wharf at Mansion House Bay follow the front fence of Mansion House to the right and climb the headland to Momona Point. The track loops back and follows cliffs along the western coastline to Lady’s Bay (30 mins). After 15 mins, at the grass clearing and lookout, follow the Miners Track for 15 mins to the old copper mine. At low tide, walk across the rocks to the ruins of the copper mine engine house. Past the chimney the track climbs to a grass clearing from where the Redwood Track leads through a shady gully to Two House Bay (45mins). The 15 min climb back over the steep headland to Mansion House Bay is metalled.

Level
Easy
Amenities
  • Birds
  • Food & Drink
  • Historical
  • Picnics
  • Plant Life
  • Swimming
  • Toilets
Source
www.doc.govt.nz
Discussion
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