Hello Kawau Island!
A day trip to Kawau Island is just magical. Make sure you stop and visit Governor Grey's mansion house, enjoy some leisurely forest walks to the old copper mines and finish it off with a refreshing swim at the beach.
If you’re looking to head away on a little getaway, get in touch with Rite Price Rentals, you’ll be able to book the perfect vehicle for your trip. We have plenty of car hire/ car rental options to suit you and your family or friends.
There are a couple of options to get over to Kawau Island, you’ll find ferries and water taxis that travel to Kawau Island on the daily, from Sandspit Wharf near Warkworth, which is about 90 minutes drive from Auckland.
Kawau Island was originally settled by early Maori people. There was some history there between tribes and from time to time tribes opposed the right to live on the island. The island was eventually abandoned in the 1820s after a particularly awful and bloody battle at the time of the musket wars.
In the 1840’s a manganese mine was created on the island. Following this copper was also discovered accidentally. Today you will still find incredible ruins of the underground seashore copper mine, which was a pumping engine house and a small smelter remain there.
In 1862 Sir George Grey, one of New Zealand’s first governors came along and he purchased the island as a private residence. You can find the mansion still standing today which Sir George hired architects to complete significant changes and extensions to the property. It is now fully restored and a beautiful sheltered and sunny bay.
In the valley behind the house, the governor built an impressive garden containing gorgeous plants and animals from all over the world. The incredible house and park-like gardens are open to visitors, and you’ll still find stunning peacocks strutting across the lawns.
There are multiple scenic hiking trails on the island, which range in time from half an hour to several hours. You’ll be happy to hear they are mostly easy walks. Many of the routes follow previous made tracks originating from Mansion House valley.
Kawau combines the privacy of an Island but has the accessibility of most mainland services, which are all within 90 minutes of Auckland City. It’s gorgeous scenery and clean waters are a fisher and sailors dream. The lack of traffic and light pollution allow you to see the stars for miles and enjoy the sounds of the native animals living in their natural habitats. Now that is something special!
Explore New Zealand with Rite Price Rentals! Rent a car from Rotorua, Hamilton or Tauranga and explore everything that New Zealand has to offer. We have car or van hire options depending on the size of your family or group. Rite Price Rentals is New Zealand’s trusted car rental company.
