And be prepared to just relax. Even with COVID-19 Alert Level 2 restrictions, we had a great day out travelling on the Kawau Island Ferry doing the Royal Mail Run Return Cruise. Sitting on the top deck, chatting to strangers, listening to the short, but informative skipper explaining the highlights of the tour was just right for us. Based upon my previous trips (more than 25 years ago), I knew to pack plenty of snacks, drinks and sunscreen. We boarded the Ferry at 1030h and stayed on board until almost 1300h at Mansion House. As we had other obligations that afternoon, we could only stay until the 1400h return sailing so opted for the Mansion House Tour. Had we taken the later 1630h ferry back, we would have also done one of the recommended hikes around the island.

It was a wonderful day. Very friendly staff and the weather was fantastic. Great Would highly recommend.

Loved the experience. It was an enjoyable journey and the ferry was not too crowded too. Food and beverage available upon request. The island was overwhelmed in solitude and serenity. The cooing of various birds freckled the daylight air. The beaches were good. But ladies bay was impeccably awesome. Treading there thru a narrow cleft in the rocks was challenging but the destination was great . Can't stay there much becuse the tide picks up and gettin back on to the cleft to exit would eventually be a swim. So dip in early and dry out quick. Cafe was good and staff was friendly. Mansion was open to viewing between 12 and 3 pm. The old copper mine is an hours walk from the ferry terminal but definately worth it. Looks majestic. Must visit place guys and on the royal main run. Good word team

This cruise was perfect. After dropping off goods at various bays along one side of the island we disembarked at Mansion House Bay at lunchtime. There was a cafe open for those who didn't order the BBQ lunch option onboard. For $10 Mansion House was open to wander around and imagine what life was like a couple of centuries ago. Some tracks were open to go walking along the cliffs for amazing views or through the native bush and pines - birdlife could be seen or heard including peacocks and wekas. The track to discover old relics of the copper mine was a relaxing walk, following the coastline along the cliff, down and around a bay when the tide was out, then back through the pines and bush. Afternoon tea back at the cafe, a dip in the bay to cool down, then back on the 4.30pm boat to Sandspit.

Lovely day out calling in to lots of the mainly privately owned jetties dropping people & frieght, so no trip will be the same. Dropped at Mansion House by 13.00. As the 16.30 ferry was running that meant i had plenty of time for lunch at the cafe & a walk to the copper mine. You could have got off at Mansion House on the first stop just before 12 if no 16.30 ferry running and you more time on land.

Really cool to see the different houses and get a glimpse of island life. It's a decent cruise, arriving at mansion house at around 1pm. We had the option to return at 2pm or 4:30pm, the latter gave us time to explore a bit and have a swim. Appreciate the captain's knowledge but would have been great to also hear precolonial and geological history of the island, native flora and fauna. Why it was fought over by Māori, why these minerals were found here exclusively, etc. Kawau was named after a bird that we saw many of around the coast but there was no mention of that at all Overall great experience on a perfect day, remember a hat and sunscreen!

Blessed with an amazing day on the water and time on Kawau Island So glad we went on the trip, better than our expectations. The beauty of the bays, the history of the House and the Copper mines. The wekas walking everywhere and even hearing Kiwi birds calling when we eating lunch. Informative crew A great day out

There are great experience after two hour boat ride we saw a group of dolphins swim near our boat.. do some acrobatic action...

Roxy is good teacher. My son very like this lesson. Next time will come back

This is a really lovely day out. We loved exploring the area and seeing places we wouldn’t normally have seen. Philippa has thought of everything you need- it’s very very well run. Our picnic at the end was absolutely delicious. I’d absolutely recommend doing this.

Friendly and helpful staff, keep an eye on you, encouraging & cute too. :)

A wonderful and amazing full day trip to snorkel, kayak and swim with variety of sea fishes in a greenish blue ocean water ! Over 8 stingrays in black and one light grey stingray I saw while do snorkelling in a high & narrow sea cave, really unforgettable ! Dolphins ? & seabirds not rare to see! Hope to see whale ? next trip. You definitely won’t miss a chance to have such cool experience in hot hot summer. Solar halo as a credit scenic while heading to Sandspit wharf. So cool ! Joanne & Kelvin Hui from Hong Kong

The weather was really bad and all my other tours were cancelled already but Ness contacted me and gave me options . It was my last day in Auckland And so we went ahead with the tour . Thank God for that coz Ness was such an excellent guide and an awesome person I had a very wonderful experience . She lives and grew up in Matakana so she knows the place so well . Our first stop was a really nice cheese place which has the best cream cheese and blue cheese ! And oh tried the best New Zealand coffee done her way at that shop too. What a lovely way to start the day ! She brought me to lovely boutique wineries and one big one Villa Maria on the way to the airport and she’s very knowledgeable on wines and just very nice I was chatting with her endlessly about anything . Sampled some chocolates at the quaint Matakana town shopping area too . From being windy and rainy , it turned out to be a really awesome day . Thank you Ness for being spectacular driver guide and host. Now I have a friend in Matakana too?

We had a great time here. The sheep show is great, they ll show you how they shear the sheeps, how the dogs are trained to work there, very interesting information. Then you can buy a bag of food for $1.50, walking around to feed the animals.

Very relaxing and enjoyable. Can be a bit demanding if you have issues with knees as my wife has. The map would benefit from having the locations of a just few sculpture numbers marked around the track so you can identify where you are on the trail.

Beautiful place!

Unexpected surprises around every corner with well-chosen sculptures placed to perfection in their various settings. The entire property was carefully maintained with interesting wilderness areas providing a sense of exploration. We were lucky to experience the visit after a few rain showers. The well-maintained tracks provided safe walking everywhere. Staff were friendly and helpful and we felt it was a memorable experience.

It's a nice walk with interesting sculptures, they also have a cafe

Excellent

A great experience, will definitely go back.

Love this outdoor display of art, we had a great time!!

Great place. Doing all the tracks takes about 2 hours. Well worth it on a sunny day. Especially enjoyed the art installations in the Kauri Forrest.

Enjoyed the sculpture trail very much. Great way to spend time with family and run off your little ones energy

We were so excited that we could bring our whole family on a day out, including pup. Beautiful surroundings, such lovely staff and a great selection of wine. We were sad as we didn't book a table ahead of time ( it was a busy weekend ) but the food smelt incredible.

We enjoyed the walk through native bush and found the sculptures and artworks interesting and thought provoking.

Such a great cruise and got to do some cool sightseeing. Enjoyed the Island and exploring! Food/snacks were a bit pricey so make sure you bring your own food/snacks & drinks for the day. Cool they let you bring your own supplies of food and drinks for the day 🤗.

Thankyou for the friendly services that include informative educational talks by the Skipper and supurb lunch of your choice (optional) makes a great day out. Well worth the time and money. Thanks, team.

Great day out for the whole family. You can make it as adventurous or relaxing as you like.

Awesome trip with my Husband and kids! Beautiful day, and friendly and knowledgeable staff on the boat. We felt valued as customers and can't wait to go back. Brilliant weather, and just an overall fantastic experience.