A wonderful summer and winter retreat. There are no roads, cars or shops on Kawau so this is truly a place to get away from it all to relax and unwind. Only 1 hour 30 mins from Auckland to Sandspit and then 30 minutes by ferry or water-taxi to the island which drops you off on a wharf right in front of the house. Alternatively you can launch your own boat from Sandspit.
The house is perched behind a large pohutukawa in a quiet and peaceful location directly above the water. It is very comfortable, with 3 bedrooms sleeping 6 and has full white-ware and entertainment amenities.
Relax on the large deck at treetop level and watch the boats go by, listen to the birds, fish or swim from the wharf, kayaks are available, clay tennis court and walks to enjoy. Plenty of grounds for children to play and explore. Relax by the fire during winter.
Full use of the wharf and mooring.
If you don't have your own boat you can arrange to catch the ferry or water taxi to other locations on the island.
Mansion House Bay can be visited any time of year although the house itself is typically closed for entry during winter months.
A full information manual is supplied regarding getting to Kawau Island and use of the house.
HOUSE RULES
NUMBER OF GUESTS: The total number of persons occupying the house and staying on the property shall not exceed six (6) and/or the number stated at the time of booking.
FACILITIES AND BEDDING: The house is fully self-contained including laundry facilities. Basic pantry and cleaning provisions are provided. You are required to bring your own food, consumables, sheets, pillowcases, towels and tea-towels.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE: Times of arrival and departure vary depending on whether other guests are leaving or arriving on the same day as you. The owner will notify you and the property must be vacated by the time given on the day of departure.
APPROPRIATE USE OF THE HOUSE & PROPERTY: The house or property is not to be used for any commercial purposes without written agreement from the owner.
CHILDREN: Young children are to be supervised at all times on the property. The deck is very high and hazards exist around the foreshore and wharf.
NEIGHBOURS: It is very possible that neighbours may be in residence, please respect their peace and privacy. This is not a party house.
SMOKING: No smoking is permitted inside the house. Kawau has an extreme fire risk; dispose of cigarette butts responsibly.
DAMAGES: The guests will meet the cost of any wilful and preventable damage to the property or equipment during their stay.
PETS: Cats are not permitted on the property. Dogs are allowed only by previous arrangement. Dogs must be on a lead when on walks and beyond the premises of the house. There are always weka on the property, blue penguins frequently nest and kiwi numbers are on the rise on Kawau. Dogs are not allowed up on the furniture.
MOORING: The mooring is rated for a boat up to 8m in length a draft of not more than 1m. It is a requirement for us to notify the harbourmaster of another vessel using our mooring. Please advise below if you intend to bring a boat.
WHARF USE & RESPONSIBILTY: The wharf is shared. It is to be used for drop-off and pick-up only. Guests with boats must not stay tied up to the wharf for any longer than necessary. Boat owners are liable for any damage and necessary repair costs to the wharf caused by their boat or friends visiting boat whether by negligence or poor decisions or poor skills & handling of the vessel causing damage to the wharf.
CLEANING: Cleaners are currently not available to us at Kawau therefore the guests must maintain and leave the house in a clean and tidy condition. The owner reserves the right to charge guests for the cost of cleaning the property left in an untidy or unclean state. All waste is to be taken off the property. Breakages and loss is to be notified to the owner and replaced if requested by the owner.
CANCELLATIONS: Our cancellation policy is FIRM as the house is on an island and therefore extended planning ahead of time is required. A full refund is issued for cancellations due to covid travel restrictions or if the ferry service is unable to operate due to unfavourable weather conditions.