After crossing the Harbour Bridge, we drive north from Auckland on the new toll road and through the new Johnstone's Hill Twin Tunnels that avoid the congested traffic of the Orewa road.

Warkworth is our first stop. It is a delightful little town full of life and colour. We take a wander through the streets to examine historic places and buildings, and finish our walk at the wharf where we learn about the proud old scow Jane Gifford. Photographic opportunities abound for the keen eye.

We are on the road again later on, and make a brief stop at Sandspit. This is a colourful location where the wharf and the bay offer great photo opportunities. The ferries and boats to Kawau island depart from here, you can follow them meandering as they make their way towards open sea.

A trip to Kawau Island and the Mansion House it's a wonderful experience. Contact me if you wish to visit!

Photo Opportunities: Historic Warkworth Warkworth Wharf Sandspit Snells Beach Scandrett Scott Point

And finally we are on our way to Scott Point. The narrow road winds down to the wharf, and we take a walk to the Scott House.

It’s a beautiful area to explore. You can see Mahurangi West across the bay and when the tide is low, you can walk across the causeway to Casnell Island...

Depending on season, weather and your personal preferences our itinerary may change.

Additional Information

Historic Warkworth
Warkworth is located at the head of the Mahurangi River. The area was settled in 1843 by John Brown, who later on subdivided his farm and created a village he called Warkworth after his birth place in Northumberland. The original streets were named after Northumberland's noble families or local English villages.

The Jane Gifford
Originally moored at a Waiuku Jetty, the ninety year old 20m scow Jane Gifford was used to carry cargo on the East Coast. In 1985 the last owner of the vessel, Captain Bert Subritzky, donated it to the Waiuku Museum Society. The society raised 1.1 million and virtually rebuilt the vessel. For five years the Jane Gifford offered popular sailing trips. It is now moored at the Warkworth Wharf where it is being restored.

Kawau Island
In 1862 the island was purchased by one of New Zealand's first governors, Sir George Grey, as a private residence. He extended the mine manager's house to create the mansion that still stands today. In the valley behind the house, he created an extensive garden. Walking tracks lead through native forest to beaches, Maori Pa sites and the old copper mine.

Scandrett
The area was formerly used for shipbuilding before being bought by the Scandrett family, who farmed the land for 130 years. The original homestead, which dates from 1884, has been completely restored, as have the old farm buildings and boat shed. The remains of Maori settlement can be seen at two pa sites on the headlands overlooking Kawau Island and Martins Bay. The Auckland Regional Council purchased the land in 1998.

Scott Point
Thomas Scott and his sons settled there in 1853 and established a shipyard. They also built an Inn by the name of Richmonds arms. The Inn burnt down in 1873. Thomas Scott Jr. built a Georgian style boarding house in 1877. After 1910 it was used as a family home until it was purchased by the Auckland Regional Council. Its known as the Scott House.

A "Pa"
A pa is a fortified place built by Maori. Pa are associated with a group of related people. They were built as refuge from attack during times of war, but also had many other uses.

They were secure places to live and store food, they were residences for important people and centres for learning, crafts and horticulture.