Good side adventure!

Tucked away along the edge of Kawau Island lies a quiet reminder of Aotearoa’s first real export boom. These historic copper mine ruins, dating back to the mid-1800s, sit right by the water, where stone walls and a towering 20-metre chimney still stand tall. Once part of a busy engine house used to pump water from the mine shafts, the building has weathered time but still holds strong echoes of the past.

It’s an easy detour if you’re already exploring the island—perfect for a wander, a history fix, or just soaking up some serious coastal atmosphere.

What to Know

• 🕰️ Mine opened in 1846 and operated into the 1860s

• 🧱 See ruins of the engine house, mine shafts, and 20m chimney stack

• 👣 Accessible by foot or kayak depending where you’re staying or landing

• 🏛️ Combine it with a visit to nearby Mansion House and smelting site at Bon Accord Harbour

• 📍 Kawau Island – accessible by ferry or water taxi from Sandspit

💡 Tips

• Take a torch if you want a peek into the old shafts and tunnels

• Bring shoes with grip – rocky areas can be slippery

• If staying overnight, check tide times and boat pickups

• Great side adventure when paired with a beach or bush walk on the island

Review:

'A wonderful piece of history. This building was the engine room for pumping water out of the mine. While a lot of the building has fallen down over the years, it is still worth a visit. New Zealand's first real export was copper. Look at the caves, mine shafts while you are here. Then pop over to see the smelting house and Mansion house in Bon Accord harbour'