Kawau Island 

The elegant historic Mansion House of Kawau, the home of Sir George Grey (one of New Zealand's first governors and later a prime minister), has been turned into a marvellous museum. During his time on the island, governor Grey imported many exotic plants and animals that remain today. The island has walking tracks leading to beaches, Maori pa sites and old copper mines. Kawau Island is only a short ferry ride from Sandspit - about one hour's drive north of Auckland.

To get to Kawau Island you need to catch a ferry or take a water taxi from Sandspit (there are also occasional services from downtown - check with a Visitor Information Centre for details). On the island you can tour Sir George Grey's stately mansion, now open to the public as a museum. From Mansion House Bay peaceful walking tracks lead through native forest to beaches, Maori Pa sites and old copper mines. Another walk takes you to a large redwood tree planted by Grey in 1864.