Walking back in history on Kawau Island

TheKawauIsland Historic Reserve on Kawau Island, former home to Sir George Grey, who developed the stately Mansion House and its exotic gardens is a great place for interesting short walks, all classed as a walking track.

The house, gardens and tracks on the reserve are open to the public.

The track times mentioned below are indicative only.

You should ensure you have plenty of time to complete your walk and catch the ferry back to the mainland.

Ladys Bay

Mansion House to Ladys Bay 10 minutes one way.

A short stroll to a sandy beach, accessible mid to low tide only, once a swimming spot for ‘ladies only’. Follow the central path up Mansion House Valley and take the signposted track to Ladys Bay.

Two House Bay

Mansion House to Two House Bay 15 minutes one way.

This bay once had two cottages, built during the 1960s for Sir George Grey’s estate manager and shepherd. One of the cottages remains today in modified form and is now the ranger’s residence. Please note this track is steep.

Ladys Bay/Momona Point

Ladys Bay to Momona Point 20 min one way

A short walk one way, originally used by guests of Sir George Grey, beginning at Ladys Bay. The track leads to the end of a promontory with a good view of the mainland.

Coppermine Lookout

Mansion House to lookout 25 minutes one way.

An easy stroll to the lookout, a cleared grassy area which provides good views of the coppermine engine house remains, and a panorama which takes in Beehive. Moturekareka, Motuketekete, Motuora and other Gulf islands.

Take the track from Mansion House to Ladys Bay and continue along the gradually climbing path to reach the Lookout. The track passes through mature pine trees established during Sir George Grey’s ownership of the island. The Redwood Track provides an alternative return to Mansion House.

Getting there

Kawau Island is easily accessible by private boats, with a choice of safe anchorages in and close to Mansion House Bay.

Water taxis and ferries travel to Kawau Island daily from Sandspit Wharf near Warkworth, about one and a half hour’s drive north of Auckland. For more information contact Kawau Cruises - www.kawau-cruises.co.nz or

There is a cafe on the island which is open daily during holiday periods and weekends between Labour weekend and Queen’s Birthday weekend. Cafe opening times vary.

Above left; Mansion House from the air.

Above right: A family start out on one of the three walks on the island. Below left: The track to the Coppermine Lookout.