Kawau Island

KAWAU ISLAND ACTIVITIES AND TRAVEL | Kawau Island Information

Kawau Island is in the Hauraki Gulf, near the north-eastern coast of the North Island, New Zealand, 40 kilometres north of Auckland.

Kawau Island is one of the bigger islands that make up the Hauraki Gulf; the climate is sub-tropical as the majority of the island is covered in bush and native trees. Entry to Kawau Island is by boat, ferry and water taxis.

The island has a small population of residents but it is a popular destination for tourists because of the crystal clear waters of the island that are great for fishing, cruising and sailing.

There is a great little cafe and restaurant open on weekends and most days during the summer season for morning/afternoon tea, lunches and dinner. The Kawau Island Yacht Club on the island provides fuel and has some stores.

Kawau Island is only minutes from the mainland and offers the ideal peaceful experience. It is a great place to really enjoy a holiday because there are no roads or cars on most of the island.

There are also many native birds on the island and as you walk around you will hear and see tuis, fantails, wood pigeons, kingfishers, silver-eyes, grey warblers, flightless weka and maybe even spot a kiwi.

Kawau Island History

Kawau Island was at first settled by early migrations of Maori people. From time to time tribes competed to live on the island, which was eventually deserted in the 1820s after a battle during the musket wars. A manganese mine was then established on the island in the 1840s; and copper was found by accident.

In 1862 the island was bought by one of New Zealand's first governors, Sir George Grey, as a private residence. He employed architects to extend the mine manager's house to create the grand mansion that still stands today.

Main Towns in the Auckland Region

Other Towns in the Auckland Region