Kawau Island Cruises & Water Taxis - Escape to Kawau Island - a great value and fun day out - just 45 minutes North of Auckland

Kawau Island will captivate you!

The perfect day trip only 45mins north of Auckland, discover one of New Zealand’s most spectacular coastal areas onboard KAT IV, our large 144 seater ferry which departs Sandspit Wharf 10:30 daily.

Kawau Cruises operates a water taxi service and regular cruises to Kawau Island. Our fleet of safe, high speed and comfortable Water Taxis & 144 seat ferry are driven by professional skippers who have years of local experience.Our purpose built water taxis can deliver you to more than just a destination – we service the greater Hauraki Gulf so can drop you on one of the many uninhabited beaches, perfect fishing spots or to join a friends boat.

Enjoy a BBQ lunch onboard the Royal Mail run while cruising the bays of Kawau Island or picnic at Mansion House Bay. Take a step back in time and explore Sir George Greys Mansion or visit the picturesque copper mine remains. Peace and tranquility awaits bush walks, exotic birdsong, snorkel or swim the beautiful beaches, fish off the rocky points, search for the unique ‘Kawau Kangaroo’s’

Mansion House Cruise

The perfect day trip with so many choices you’ll want to do it over and over again! Our Mansion House cruise will take you on an adventure throughout history, nature, and relaxation!

History has it, that back in 1862, Sir George Grey, the third Governor of New Zealand, purchased Kawau Island and began establishing a ‘Garden of Eden’ - including transforming the old Copper Mine Manager’s house into an imposing mansion. Later, it was dubbed Mansion House, and still stands in its grand state today!

With this cruise, you can wander through the beauty of the house for yourself; admire the many artifacts gleaned from his travels throughout the Pacific, and marvel at the everyday objects of the Victorian era.

Then, quietly amble through the elegant subtropical gardens while Weka, Wallabies and Peacocks join you as company.

Later, enjoy freshly roasted coffee and tempting treats at the Café, or take a short stroll to swim in the clear waters of sandy Lady’s Bay. It’s also an easy walk to the lookout for spectacular views of the Coppermine.

For the more active, relive history by following the miners track through bush and along the foreshore to the Coppermine itself – great fun for kids!, Experience native New Zealand bush with Tuis, Wood Pigeons and even Kiwis.

Learn more about this region’s history while having a fun, relaxing day with the Mansion House Cruise – one you’ll remember forever!

Royal Mail Run Cruise

Ever wanted to explore an island that has no road access? Want to learn more about the people living there? This is your opportunity, with the Royal Mail Run Cruise!

This is the largest mail run by water in the Southern Hemisphere, and is a delightfully relaxing way for people of all ages to learn about the history and admire the natural beauty of Kawau Island.

Cruise the beautiful bays, gaining a rare glimpse into life on an island that has no roads. From the comfort of our large and luxurious ferry you will have uninterrupted 180 degree views of this scenic wonderland and historic landmarks, while your experienced and informative skipper guides you around over 75 different wharves delivering freight and mail to the island residents.

While on the mail run, you can watch Gannet birds diving for food and hear the melodic call of the Tui bird - don’t forget to keep a watch out for penguins & dolphins!

A traditional kiwi BBQ lunch enjoyed aboard the boat is an optional extra, or you can take your picnic ashore and enjoy it in the historic Mansion House grounds and subtropical gardens, where Wekas, Wallabies & Peacocks abound.

This is a once in a lifetime cruise, and is definitely one not to be missed!

The Mansion House & Royal Mail Run Cruise departs Sandspit Wharf 10:30 daily and includes an island stopover.

Departs Mansion House at 2pm daily (also departs Mansion House 4:30pm on Sat, Sun & Public Holidays from Boxing Day – 28 February).

Prices quoted in NZ$, subject to change

Kawau Island Cruises, Auckland Enquiry Form

Address:

Sandspit Wharf
Sandspit
Warkworth

Phone: +64 9 425 8006

Freephone: 0800 111 616

Fax: +64 9 425 7650

Web: Visit website

Kawau Island Cruises, Auckland Enquiry Form