Water taxis and ferries

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.

Find authorised transport operators to this island.

Private boat

Kawau Island has long been a favourite destination for boaties thanks to its numerous bays which provide shelter from almost any weather. The 45k m journey from Westhaven Marina in downtown Auckland takes approximately an hour, making it close enough to visit for a day trip, and an ideal weekend getaway. From Sandspit or Mahurangi, located less than 12 km away, the journey is even shorter.

There are plenty of options for anchorage, from the white sandy beaches on the northern end to the sheltered Bon Accord Harbour, which almost bisects the island from the west. The Kawau Boating Club is located here. 

If visiting the Kawau Island Historic Reserve, Mansion House Bay has a sandy and stony beach ideal for drop offs by dinghy and tender. Small runabout boats can anchor close and take a mooring line to the beach. It is drop off and pick up only at the Mansion House historic jetty which is frequented by commercial ferries. ​

Dogs are prohibited in Kawau Island Historic Reserve.

Moorings on Kawau Island

• Bon Accord Harbour: almost bisects the island from the west and has good holding power with the exception of strong westerlies resulting in significant wave action.
• Two House Bay and Mansion Bay: ideal in a south-westerly.
• Stockyard Bay: has good anchorage in northerlies and an attractive sandy beach. 
• North Cove: has good anchorage but tends to fill up quickly.
• Vivian Bay: exposed and prone to a roll.  
• East coast anchorages: only suitable in settled weather or as a daytime anchorage.
• Bosanquet (Bostaquet) Bay: only suitable anchorage on the south coast but prone to a lift when a significant swell Is running.
• North Cove: Private moorings available.
• Smelting House Bay: private mooring for the Royal New Zealand Yacht Club and Kawau Boat Club.

Before you depart, check the marine forecast as the journey between Auckland and Kawau can be choppy on windy days.

Exercise courtesy when going ashore. Kawau Island is privately owned and the landowners enjoy riparian rights (access to the water's edge).

Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park bylaws apply

• Dogs are not allowed in Kawau Island Historic Reserve to protect kiwi and weka.
• Fires and portable barbeques are not allowed except on the permanent barbeque provided onsite.
• Take your rubbish with you – there are no rubbish bins.
• Some activities such as weddings need a permit.
• No camping unless at a designated campsite.

Read the full by-laws.

Take care on the tracks

The mature pine trees can fall or drop branches especially in windy conditions.

All drone use must be authorised by DOC

A concession is required to fly a drone on any public conservation land.

• Recreational drone use information.
• Commercial drone use information.

Conservation work

Conservation work for Mansion House, the gardens, and smelting house is taking place. Where possible, the house is being returned to its appearance as it was about 1890, soon after Sir George Grey sold the island.