Kawau Island

So today I had  the opportunity to chaperone another field trip to Kawau Island!  The island is one of the larger islands that make up the Hauraki Gulf and can be found 8kms off the coast about 45 km north of Auckland. The island has remained largely in private ownership except for around 10% which is owned by the Department of Conservation (DOC) and this includes the famous Mansion House in Mansion House Bay. Access to the island is by boat and ferry and water taxis travel daily from Sandspit, near Warkworth, about one and a half hour’s drive from Auckland.

Kawau Island was originally settled by early migrations of Maori people. From time to time tribes contested for the right to live on the island, which was eventually abandoned in the 1820s. A manganese mine was established on the island in the 1840s; shortly after, copper was discovered by accident. Fascinating ruins of the underground seashore copper mine, a pumping engine house and a small smelter remain today.

some girls heading up! 

opening to the coper mine! 

what is left of the copper mine... really cool! 

In 1862 the island was purchased by one of New Zealand's first governors, Sir George Grey, as a private residence. He employed architects to significantly extend the mine manager's house to create the mansion that is there today, in its sheltered sunny bay.

In the valley behind the house, the governor created an extensive garden containing plants and animals from all over the world. The Kawau Island Historic Reserve was created to protect Sir George’s historic stately home in Mansion House Bay.

We first got there and walked about an hour to the copper mine (or what is left of it) – such a beautiful walk but of course some of the girls whined – like all teenage girls.

such a beautiful walk! 

Then we had some lunch – some peacocks came and visited and then we took a tour of the mansion which was BEAUTIFUL!

the grounds

It was such a great trip and talking with the other staff that came along was so wonderful! One of the teachers offered to take me around to the interesting sites outside of Auckland after the two week holiday – yay personal tour guide!

view from the balcony! 

This weekend I plan on spending some time downtown, visiting museums, parks and some shopping. I also plan on booking my two week vacation (which starts on the 20th) waaaahooo!!!! I want to write a post about my everyday life – basically when I am not on field trips or traveling – just my everyday normal life here. I am working on putting that together.

HI from Kawau! 

I am beginning to miss people/things/food more and more…. I will post my address in my next post – maybe send me a postcard and I will send you one too J

Thanks Attie for the postcard! miss you roomie! 

Night from Auckland!