Kawau Island Mansion House
A governor's 1860s island residence, with the wallabies he introduced still living in the bush around it.
Updated 21 October 2026
Kawau was a copper mining island in the 1840s, and in 1862 George Grey, twice Governor of New Zealand, bought it and turned the mine manager's house into a substantial residence - Mansion House - which he filled with a library and art and surrounded with gardens planted from around the world. He also released a great many exotic animals and plants, in the Victorian acclimatisation spirit: wallabies from Australia, kookaburras, peacocks, monkeys and zebras among others. Most did not last, but several wallaby species did, and they are still there, browsing in the bush, along with the descendants of his plantings. That legacy is now a conservation problem as much as a curiosity. The house is restored and furnished to the 1870s and open to visitors; walking tracks lead to the old copper mine workings and to bays. Access is by ferry, including the historic mail run that calls at jetties round the island.
History
The house was built in 1845 for the manager of the island's copper mine, opened after copper was found in 1844; the mine closed in 1855 after about 3,000 tonnes had been taken out. In 1862 Sir George Grey, starting his second term as governor, bought the island for £3,500 and greatly extended the house, which he owned until 1888 (Wikipedia, Mansion House, Kawau Island).
What you'll find
- Mansion House - restored and furnished to Grey's 1870s occupation.
- The wallabies - descendants of his introductions, still in the bush.
- The exotic gardens - his plantings from around the world.
- The copper mine - workings from the 1840s, on a walking track.
When to go
October to April. Ferries run daily; the mail run is the slower, more interesting crossing. Check the house's opening days before travelling.
What to expect
The house has limited opening hours and is ticketed. There is no shop on the island beyond a cafe near the house. Tracks are rough in places. Ferry timetables dictate the day.
Nearby
Sandspit and Warkworth are on the mainland; Tawharanui is south along the coast.
Key facts
Source: Wikidata, item Q24190011, read on 18 October 2026.
What to pack for Kawau Island Mansion House
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Layers for big temperature swings - Warm sun by day, near-freezing at night, even near the equator. Find on Amazon
- Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
- Extra-strong sun protection - Thin air means fierce UV; hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen. Find on Amazon
- A slim anti-theft daypack - Zips that close properly; keep it in front in crowds and on transit. Find on Amazon
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
