Where in the world are we?

 

Kawau Island is in the Hauraki Gulf, close to the north-eastern coast of the North Island of New Zealand and 60 km (25 miles) north of Auckland.

At its closest point it lies 1.4 km (0.87 miles) off the coast of the Tawharanui Peninsular, and about 12 km (7 miles) by sea journey from Sandspit Wharf, and shelters Kawau Bay to the north-east of Warkworth. Sandspit is a small seaside settlement, situated along an estuary (fed by the Matakana River), and is the entry into Kawau Bay, Kawau Island and to the wider Hauraki Gulf.

Getting TO THE ISLAND

By Car

Visitors usually arrive at Sandspit by car, where there is a public and resident carpark.

The turn-off for Sandspit from State Highway One is at Warkworth. The road also leads to the popular Matakana coast, but for Sandspit turnoff to the right towards Snells Beach, about 500m from the intersection. Some 5km along there is a well-signposted road to the left, winding down to Sandspit.

Get full directions from Warkworth to Sandspit Wharf here

By Bus

InterCity has regular bus services to and from Warkworth.

From there you can book a local taxi to take you from Warkworth to Sandspit directly. Warkworth taxi’s also offer shuttle services to and from Auckland Airport.

 

Ferry and Water Taxis

Kawau Cruises

Kawau Cruises run regular timetabled shuttle services, departing Sandspit & Kawau Island up to five times a day.

Royal Mail Run Cruise

Departs Sandspit Daily at 10:30am
This is the largest mail run by water in the Southern Hemisphere, and is a fun and relaxing way for people of all ages to travel around the island, hop on and off landmarks and coves and learn about the history and natural beauty of Kawau Island.

Freight services

Have a lot of stuff, or need to get large items to the island?

 

Bookings essential

Please ensure bookings are made at least two hours before departure.

09 425 8006 or 0800 111 616
info@kawauwatertaxis.co.nz
kawaucruises.co.nz

Hauraki Express

Offers a water taxi service around the Hauraki Gulf. Private services available to suit your timetable from Auckland and Sandspit but will also travel from anywhere, to anywhere, in the Gulf.

Low cost trip options if you can fit in with our times that we relocate vessels or return vessels to base.

 
 

Seaplane

Auckland Sea Planes

Kawau Island does not have an airport but Auckland Sea Planes can fly you out to the island from the Viaduct in Auckland City. The nearest airport is in Auckland International and Domestic (approximately 1 1/2 hours).