Kawau Island is an island in the Hauraki Gulf, about 8 kilometres off the coast and about 45 kilometres north of Auckland. Its place is Kawau Bay, and the website is the island's community site. The island is known for its history, including Mansion House and gardens built by Governor Sir George Grey. It has no roads and few cars.
Ferries run five times a day from Sandspit Wharf near Warkworth, about an hour's drive north of Auckland. Water taxis and seaplanes also reach the island. The Royal Mail Run is a popular cruise, and there are walking tracks in Mansion House Park, kayaking around the island, and cruise and charter options. The island has holiday baches, self-contained flats and bed and breakfast with meals available. We hear the fire season has moved to restricted, so some outdoor fires are allowed with a permit. Our pick on Kawau Island for a day out on the water and a walk around Mansion House.