Kawau Island

Kawau Island with its historical Mansion House must be the jewel in the crown of the Hauraki Gulf. A pleasant 30 minutes ferry ride from Sandspit Wharf near Warkworth will take you to this most magical island. Kawau Island does not have a large permanent population but is however a very popular day trip, family picnic, or vacation destination for Auckland's boaties and tourists. The island abounds with bush walks, attractive bays and inlets; the most notable is Mansion House Bay. Here in 1862 an early New Zealand governor, George Grey built the famous and majestic Mansion House, now open to the public daily.  Set in beautiful park like grounds with many rare and exotic trees, the area is now a national treasure and proudly owned by the people of Auckland. Kawau Island is also the site of one of New Zealand's earliest mining ventures. Remnants of the copper mining industry remain, and can be explored using the network of tracks throughout the island.