Simply relax and unwind
Swim and snorkel in Vivian Bay
Dive for Scallops
Take a ferry tour to Mansion House
Dine under the stars
Kawau Island is one of the largest and most beautiful islands in the Hauraki Gulf. Named after the Kawau Paka (the white throated or little shag cormorant which breeds on the island). Enjoying a sub-tropical climate much of the island is covered in bush. There are nor roads and no cards on the island and the only sounds are the birds and the water lapping at the shore.
Access is by ferry or water taxi from the seaside town of Sandspit, near Warkworth, just a one-hour drive from Auckland. Or take an exciting 20-minute flight with Auckland Seaplanes from downtown Auckland, and land on the water in Vivian Bay.
Historic Mansion House was originally the residence for the mine superintendent of the island In 1862 the island and home were purchased by Sir George Grey, one of New Zealand’s most influential and controversial political figures.Governor Grey developed Kawau Island and it became home to many exotic and native species such as peacocks, wekas and wallabies. Filled with antique furniture, this historic mansion with its beautiful gardens, is open to the public during the summer months.
Walking tracks to the original copper mines offer stunning water views. Take a walk over the hills to the Kawau Boating Club and enjoy a pub lunch or a glass of wine and meet the locals.
If you can bear to tear yourself away from your beautiful resort, then take the ferry back to Sandspit and enjoy a day visiting local wineries and the stunning Tauwharaui Regional Park.
Stay at The Beach House, right on the edge of pristine Vivian Bay. Hear the calls of New Zealand’s native birds and dine under the beautiful night skies.
