Top picks:

• Walk the round-trip from the wharf to the copper mine
• Wander through Governer Grey’s Mansion House and imagine the lives of time gone by
• Keep an eye out for wallabies and peacocks – two of the species introduced by Governor Grey

Fact file:

• Copper was discovered on Kawau in 1844
• Approximately 70 people live on Kawau as permanent residents
• Ferries depart from Sandspit near Warkworth to Kawau Island

Why visit:

Kawau Island, one of the largest islands in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, is located to the east of Warkworth.  Kawau’s checkered history presents a mixture of attractions and activities for visitors to see and experience.  Kawau has a small permanent population and is very popular for holiday visitors thanks to crystal clear water, excellent fishing and sheltered anchorages. 

In 1862 Kawau was bought by the controversial and very influential politician Sir George Grey. Check-out Mansion House, Sir George Grey’s former home, and the gardens and landscape he created.

Kawau was one of the earliest mining ventures in New Zealand, with copper being mined from 1844 until 1852 - sites and relics from the historic copper industry are still visible. Grey was an avid collector of animals and plants and is responsible for the eclectic collection of species on the island, including wallabies and peacocks, both of which are still there today.

Enjoy a leisurely day of walks intertwined with history.  You can see remnants of the copper mining days such as the sandstone engine house at Mine Point, and the ruins of the old smelting house in the reserve in Bon Accord Harbour.  The round-trip from the wharf to the copper mine takes approximately two and a half hours. 

Location

View Kawau Island in a larger map