Kawau Island: History, Gardens and Trails

Kawau Island brings together the history of Mansion House, traces of the copper industry, and trails leading to viewpoints and historic sites. At the Kawau Island Historic Reserve, the former home of Sir George Grey, its gardens, and sites and relics of copper mining take centre stage. If you like to combine culture with outdoor exploration when choosing a destination, you’ll find a range of reasons to get to know the island here.

Mansion House and the Island’s History

Mansion House was the former home of Sir George Grey and is classified as a Category 1 Historic Place. Its architectural history can also be seen in a specific detail: the historic jetty was built for Sir George Grey in 1875, replacing the existing jetty from 1844. You can explore the historic gardens around the house. In addition to Mansion House and the gardens, the Kawau Island Historic Reserve protects sites and relics of the historic copper industry. The history of the house and the island’s industrial past thus meet in one place.

The traces of copper mining can be explored as more than just historic sites: the Kawau Island Historic Reserve trail network lets you discover the remains of the copper industry. This gives a visit a clear thematic focus if you’re interested in the island’s earlier use. The small historic cemetery, reached via a short turn-off from Schoolhouse Bay Road, offers another glimpse into local history. Early residents of Kawau Island are buried there, including copper miners and their families.

Trails to Viewpoints and Historic Sites

The trails each offer something different. The Two House Bay Track has a publicly accessible viewpoint with a picnic table and views over Mansion House Bay. The Coppermine Track follows an old carriage road built for Sir George Grey. If you’re interested in the history of the copper industry, you can explore the track and the mining relics accessible via the trail network as different options.

Another option is the Momona Point and Pā Track. It leads to a former pā site and a headland with good views of the mainland. Kawau Island therefore offers both historic traces and scenic views. Which trail suits your stay depends on whether you’d rather discover a former carriage road, a viewpoint over Mansion House Bay, or a former pā site. No walking times or trail lengths are provided here, so don’t plan your exploration based on an assumed duration.

Getting There and Bays

Water taxis and ferries run daily from Sandspit Wharf near Warkworth to Kawau Island. The type of shoreline is also important when arriving at Mansion House Bay: the beach is sandy and stony, and is suitable for dropping off visitors by dinghy and tender. The historic Mansion House jetty may only be used for drop-offs and pick-ups; commercial ferries operate there. Keep this restriction in mind when considering your arrival.

The island has numerous bays that provide shelter in almost any weather. Together with the historic gardens, trails, and viewpoints, they make for a trip where you can choose between cultural history and exploring the landscape. These priorities can help you decide whether Kawau Island is the right destination for you, without grouping different excursion sites into a single route.

More destinations to help plan your trip: Hunua, Piha, Manukau, Tuakau, Waimauku, Papakura, Newmarket and Silverdale.

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