Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
child $6/3)
requires bookings and provides toilets, cold showers and water. There's also a
cottage that sleeps five ($52); bring your own linen and food.
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Kawau Island
POP 300
Kawau Island lies 50km north of Auckland off the Mahurangi Peninsula. There are few
proper roads through the island, the residents relying mainly on boats. The main attrac-
tion is
Mansion House
(adult/child $4/2; noon-2pm)
, an impressive wooden manor ex-
tended from an 1845 structure by Governor George Grey, who purchased the island in
1862. It houses a fine collection of Victoriana, including some of Grey's effects, and is
surrounded by the original exotic gardens. A set of short walks (10 minutes to two hours)
are signposted from Mansion House, leading to beaches, the old copper mine, and a
lookout; download DOC's
Kawau Island Historic Reserve
map (
www.doc.govt.nz
).
Sleeping & Eating
Kawau Lodge
B&B $$$
$$$
( 09-422 8831;
www.kawaulodge.co.nz
;
North Cove; s $160, d $210-245)
This ecocon-
scious boutique hotel has its own jetty, wrap-around decks and views. Meals ($10 to $75)
can be arranged, as can excursions.
Mansion House Cafe Restaurant
CAFE $$$
( 09-422 8903; lunch $12-18, dinner $18-28; hours vary)
If you haven't packed a picnic,
this idyllically situated eatery serves all-day breakfasts, sandwiches and hearty evening
meals.
Getting There & Away
to Kawau (adult/child return $55/31) and a water-taxi service (minimum charge
$142.50). The Super Cruise (adult/child $68/30, barbecue lunch $27/15) departs Sandspit
at 10.30am and circles the island, delivering the post to 75 different wharves.
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