Mansion House

On this page:

• Description
• Fees
• Booking for groups
• Getting there
• Know before you go
• History of Mansion House
• Conservation work

Description

Mansion House is a two-storey large building built in 1845 and is a registered Category 1 Historic Place. The property has additional significance because the dwelling has been preserved along with its original setting, and the jetty built for Sir George Grey in 1875.

Mansion House sits on Kawau Island. This island has gardens and tracks which are open to the public.

Things to do on Kawau Island.

Facilities and services

Mansion House

• is open to the public
• includes a cafe.

The grounds around Mansion House can also serve as a venue for weddings and other events. You need to get a permit for a wedding and other events.

• Get a permit and list of events that you need a permit for.
• Information about Mansion House cafe.

Opening times

October to May

• Monday and Tuesday: Closed
• Wednesday to Friday: 12 pm to 2 pm
• Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: 12 pm to 3 pm
• Closed Christmas Day

June to September

• Monday to Friday: Closed
• Saturday and Sunday: 12 pm to 2 pm

Mansion House can also be made available for group bookings any time. See bookings for groups.

Fees

You need to pay a fee to enter Mansion House.

• 15+ years old: $4
• 5–15 years old: $2
• Under 5 years old: free

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Fees from 1 July 2021

• 16+ years old: $10
• Children will be free with a paying adult maximum of 4 children per paying adult.

We cannot accept payment by cash. 

Booking for groups

You need to book if your group is going to be 10 people or more. Booking helps us plan to support the trip.

Contact the ranger or book online at least 7 days before you plan to visit.

Book a group visit to Mansion House.

Email: kawauisland@doc.govt.nz
Phone: +64 9 422 8882

Getting there

Private boat

The island is easily accessed by private boats, with a choice of safe anchorages in and close to Mansion House Bay. Mostly sandy beaches to pull up to. A wharf is available to pick up and collect groups, but not to tie up to.

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.

Know before you go

Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park bylaws apply

• Dogs are not allowed.
• Fires and portable barbeques are not allowed except on the permanent barbeque provided onsite.
• No bicycles.
• Take your rubbish with you – there are no rubbish bins.
• Some activities such as wedding need a permit.
• No camping unless at a desiganted campsite.

Read the full by-laws.

Drones

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.

History of Mansion House

Mansion House history.

Conservation work

Conservation plans for Mansion House and the jetty identify remedial work needed to arrest causes of deterioration. The work has been prioritised and is progressively being implemented. Where possible, the house is being returned to its appearance as it was about 1890, soon after Sir George Grey sold the island.

A similar plan has been prepared for the gardens. Restoration of the gardens represents a significant opportunity to enhance the experience of visitors. A conservation plan has also been prepared for the smelting house, whose stabilisation and repairs have been carried out by DOC.

Contacts