From Auckland (via toll road) www.ltsa.govt.nz/tollroad

– Take State Highway 1 from Auckland
– The highway will continue to Puhoi
– Once through the tunnel you will continue on SH1 to Warkworth
– Turn right at the third set of lights at the northern end of Warkworth towards Sandspit

– Turn right again (approx 100m) into Sandspit Road (do not go straight ahead to Matakana or Omaha)
– In approx 5km take the Sandspit Wharf turnoff on your left (approx 5km from Warkworth)

– Travel toward the end of the road to Sandspit Carpark / Information Ticketing Office / Wharf

NB: Tolls can be paid manually at the BP service station on the side of the motorway (between Albany and Silverdale).

Alternatively you can call 0800 40 20 20 or visit to pay your toll via credit card. Your toll can be paid in advance or within 3 days after using the toll road.

From Whangarei

– Take highway 1 south from Whangarei
– Turn left at the first set of lights at the northern end of
Warkworth towards Sandspit

– Turn right (approx 100m) into Sandspit Road (do not go straight ahead to Matakana or Omaha)

– In approx 5km take the Sandspit Wharf turnoff on your left (approx 5km from Warkworth)
– Travel toward the end of the road to Sandspit Carpark / Information Ticketing Office / Wharf

• Sandspit to Kawau direct is 20 minutes by Water taxi, for a shuttle or ferry sailings please refer to our Sandspit – Kawau Timetable and Freight Services Timetable or contact us on 0800 111 616
• From Auckland via the sea it is 5hrs by Yacht or 2hrs by Launch

Yes, to secure a seat, and to ensure availability pre-booking 2hours notice is essential. All shuttle & ferry services run to a strict timetable and this must be adhered to at all times. Kawau Water Taxis & Kawau Cruises are under no obligation to delay the departure time of any vessel if you’re running late.

We advise that you allow 30-45 mins prior to schedule departure (sailing time) to load luggage, process tickets and park you car.

Yes, all passengers are entitled to 2 boxes/bags* per adult, 1box/bag per child at no charge. Advise of additional freight when booking 

We are in the process of testing our new complete ONLINE booking system. This should be ready to go in the near future. In the meantime please call us on 09-425 8006 for all bookings and information.

Yes, Kawau Kat IV has a fully licensed bar, we offer a selection of food and beverages both non-alcoholic and alcoholic.

Yes EFTPOS is available at Sandspit ticketing office and on board our Kawau KAT IV.

• We accept most major credit cards but we DO NOT accept American Express
• Cheques will be accepted with prior arrangement only

There is 24hr surveillance operated car & trailer parking available at Sandspit Council car park.

During the off-season car parking is $6 a day and in summer it is $12 a day. The ticket machine takes coins or credit card only. Sandspit Council car park kiosk is open during office hours.

Yes a boat ramp is available at Sandspit to launch own boat. Trailer parking in the ADC carpark adjacent to ramp.

Kawau Island Yacht Club, is a great way to meet the locals, It’s also the all in one shop, local pub and petrol station, only a stroll around the shoreline or a leisurely row across the bay. You DO NOT need to be a member. Everyone welcome!

There is no collection service on Kawau; you must take all rubbish back to the mainland. Refuse & recycling bins are located past the toilet block opposite the cafe.