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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?
Roxy is good teacher. My son very like this lesson. Next time will come back
Friendly and helpful staff, keep an eye on you, encouraging & cute too. :)
It was a wonderful day. Very friendly staff and the weather was fantastic. Great Would highly recommend.
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
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.
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
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!
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.
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.
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
Had the most enjoyable day. Commentary was very informative. The lunch was yummy. The island is beautiful. Had a lovely walk whist there. Would strongly recommend this experience.
We enjoyed the walk through native bush and found the sculptures and artworks interesting and thought provoking.
Took the city kids to the sea and an adventure on an island . Great day out
Great day out for the whole family. You can make it as adventurous or relaxing as you like.
What a wonderful day I had on Kawau Island. The cruise was excellent. This was the first time I had visited the island. Everyone should visit this place at least once. What an amazing place.
Very interesting and comfortable ride in the mail ferry. Make sure to book the bbq lunch and do one of the trails.
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.
Had the most enjoyable time! Everything were great. From office check in to crews, everyone were so friendly & professional. Would highly recommend it. Keep up the good work! Thank you so much ?☺
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.
Kawau Island is a amazing adventure. The team on the Mail Run Cruises were friendly and helpful.
Friendly people and the place is spectacular.
Our work team loved Kawau island so much that we booked it a second time. Packed our BBQ supplies and picnic gear. Mansion Bay has a BBQ free of charge. Great team building jumping off the wharf and prepping a meal together
Was a fantastic day on water. Perfect way to unplug and unwind for a day. If you're looking for a micro holiday from Auckland, this would be a great option. The weather was awesome and scenery even better!
We had a great time we also went "out" of season witch in fact added to our experience as we were the only people walking around the island.
Fantastic day out. Loved the whole trip. We had BBQ lunch which was perfectly cooked both the meat and fish.... salad dressing was very tasty. The whole trip is well worth it. This is something you can do once a year..
A great chance to get a closer look at Kawau Island. We chose to get off at Mansion House on the first stop to spend more time and have lunch there. We went on 28th Dec so clearly peak time for the island, if going at this time of year, arrive early to find a car park as the marina is very busy. Walked to Lady’s Bay but as the tide was so high there was no real acces to the beach. Was nice to hang out by Mansion House under the trees with so many others enjoying the day.
We had a bit of and overcast/wet day but it was still a good boat trip. The staff were all lovely and helped us with the pram and toddler while I held the baby. My 3 year old loved going up the top of the boat. I definitely advise talking the later ferry back to give you plenty of time to explore the island and have a swim.
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