Kawau is the perfect weekend passage from Westhaven: far enough to feel like a real trip, close enough to sail there in a morning, with one of the Gulf's best-sheltered harbours waiting at the end.
Updated October 2026 · By the YachtShare team, Westhaven Marina
Kawau Island sits just off the mainland coast north of Auckland, in Kawau Bay. It is around 25 to 29 nautical miles from Westhaven, depending on where you anchor: about 3 to 3.5 hours at an average of 8 knots, so a comfortable morning sail. It has been a favourite with Auckland sailors for generations.
From Westhaven, head out of the Waitematā Harbour and up the Rangitoto Channel, then north along the Whangaparāoa Peninsula. Most yachts pass between the end of the peninsula and Tiritiri Matangi Island before crossing to Kawau. Have the chart handy here, as you leave the shelter of the inner harbour.
Tiritiri Matangi is a pest-free wildlife sanctuary, and the waters around it are now a High Protection Area, so no fishing there. Fishing restrictions also apply in the Kawau Bay High Protection Area, introduced in October 2025, so check the Department of Conservation (DOC) map before you put a line over.
Kawau's sheltered anchorages are on its western side. Bon Accord Harbour almost cuts the island in two from the west and is deep, sheltered and accessible from Auckland. Holding is generally good, though strong westerlies can push waves into the harbour, so plan around the overnight wind.
Right inside the harbour entrance, these two bays are the gateway to the historic reserve. They are a good choice in a south-westerly but are exposed to west and north-west winds, so many skippers visit by day and move further in for the night. The beach at Mansion House Bay is ideal for landing a dinghy. The historic wharf is for ferry drop-offs, so leave it clear.
Further into Bon Accord, Schoolhouse Bay is often described as the best anchorage in the harbour, sheltered in most winds with good holding in mud. The catch is that much of it is taken up by local moorings, so you may need to anchor towards the edges.
North Cove is completely landlocked and is regarded as Kawau's safest all-weather anchorage. It is popular and much of the sheltered space is occupied by moorings, so it fills quickly in summer. It is also a lovely spot to explore the upper reaches by dinghy or kayak.
Stockyard Bay, near the northern entrance to Bon Accord, is well sheltered from north to east and has a sandy beach. Christian Bay is a good option in north-westerly conditions. Vivian Bay has a fine sandy beach and is sheltered from the north-east but very exposed to the west, so save it for settled weather.
Most moorings around Kawau are privately owned. Do not pick one up without permission.
The Mansion House is the former home of Sir George Grey, who turned Kawau into a gentleman's estate in the 19th century. It is now part of the Kawau Island Historic Reserve, managed by DOC, and holds an impressive collection of antique furnishings. Opening times vary through the year and it is closed in the middle of winter except for group bookings, so check the DOC website before you go.
Easy tracks lead from the Mansion House through Māori and colonial copper-mining heritage sites. The walk up the Coach Road to the Coppermine Lookout takes about 25 minutes one way, and you can carry on down to the old copper mine in about an hour. There are no rubbish bins in the reserve, so take your rubbish back to the boat, and remember dogs are not allowed on island reserves in the Hauraki Gulf.
On the water, the old shipwreck at Moturekareka Island, just off Kawau, is a popular spot to explore by dinghy.
YachtShare bookings run from one to 14 days, so a long weekend at Kawau fits easily within a single booking.
Every yacht in the YachtShare fleet can make the trip, and Kawau is well within the fleet's survey limits. For a couple, the Beneteau Oceanis 34 'Mirabelle' or the J/112e 'Oro Rosa' are quick and rewarding on the passage north. For families or two couples sharing an overnight, the Beneteau Oceanis 41 'Schonica', Dufour 412 'Incognito' or Dufour 520 'Zen' give everyone their own space. The Fountaine Pajot Orana 44 catamaran 'The Bach' is a stable, roomy choice for a group.
Members also have a 24-hour support line if something comes up while they are away. See how it works.
Planning note: distances and sailing times on this page are approximate and will vary with the yacht, route, wind and tide. Always check current charts, the marine forecast and local notices, including biosecurity and marine protection rules, before you set out.
YachtShare gives you a fully maintained yacht, online 24/7 booking and no boat to sell later. Plans start from $880/month + GST.
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