Mansion House, Historic residence in Kawau Island, New Zealand

Mansion House is a two-story brick building on Kawau Island featuring multiple rooms, verandahs, and classical Georgian design elements. The structure was later enlarged to include additional bedrooms and dining spaces.

The building was constructed in 1845 for a copper mine operator and was purchased by Sir George Grey in 1862. His acquisition led to significant renovations that transformed it into a major estate.

The residence contains furnishings and objects that show how wealthy colonial families lived during the 1800s. Walking through the rooms gives a sense of the daily habits and values of the elite social circles of that era.

The estate can be reached by water taxi or ferry from Sandspit Wharf and is located on an island with limited facilities. It makes sense to check transport schedules beforehand, as departures are not frequent throughout the day.

The property includes the oldest surviving jetty in New Zealand, built in 1875 with distinctive stone piers made from mining waste. This structure connects the site directly to its industrial heritage in an unexpected way.

• Location: Auckland Region
• Inception: 1845
• Address: Mansion House Bay, Kawau Island
• GPS coordinates: -36.43047,174.81869
• Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:43