about Kawau island
the ideal "away from it all" island retreat
Kawau Island at the top of the beautiful Hauraki Gulf is two hours from Auckland and the perfect way to spend a summer's day. Kawau's “frozen in time” feeling is just perfect; it encourages you to slow down and take time to catch up with yourself.
The Island is bursting with both Maori and early European history and the stately Mansion House is a hugely popular visitor attraction. Once the home of Governor Sir George Grey, it is furnished with a valuable collection of antiques. Spend some time in the exotic gardens, visit historic mining sites, explore the coastal, garden and forest walks, bath and cool off in one of the many bays, or relax for lunch at the Mansion House Cafe, open daily in the peak of summer.
The island is only accessible by sea, and from 26th December to 17th January 360 Discovery sails daily from Auckland and Gulf Harbour.
Island attractions
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Kawau sits well adorned with sub-tropical vegetation; bush cover, Kanuka, Manuka and Pohutukawa trees, but also towering stands of Puriri, Kauri and much more.
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There is an abundant array of native birdlife on the island, many of which are a commonly seen by the island's visitors. Tuis, fantails, wood pigeons, kingfishers, silver-eyes, and grey warblers flitter in the trees, and the cheeky flightless weka as well as many different sea birds also wander the island. The brightly coloured Rosalla and Kookaburra, native to Australia but which have settled on the island, are occasionally seen and heard too. And as the dusk falls, Moreporks and kiwi are a special treat for the eye if you are lucky enough to see them.
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The islands café/restaurant, serving brunch, lunch and dinner, is open during weekends and daily during the peak summer season. The venue is also available for weddings and private functions.
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The island has a minimal roads philosophy, meaning cars are a rarity across the majority of the island, which is highly attractive to those wanting to escape the fast paced hustle and bustle of the mainland.
Activities
Kawau Islands walking tracks are entangled through lush bush. The island boasts crystal clear waters perfect for swimming, fishing and sailing, and the sheltered Kawau Bay is a haven for admiring anchored yachts and boats.
Accommodation
The island is home to a small population of permanent residents and many holiday dwellings, some of which are available for hire. With a selection of self contained holiday flats to bed & breakfast accommodation (where all meals are provided) to choose from, a comfortable place to rest the head is available to suit a mixture of budgets. Most of the holiday dwellings are situated on the water’s edge and have access to private jetties.
Click to view catered accommodation options or here for self-contained accommodation options.
Bookings
Bookings are essential.
Please ring 0800 FANTAIL (0800 326 8245) to check for cancellations.
