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Wednesday 6 November 2019

The mansion house



Mansion House on Kawau Island was originally
\the residence for the mine superintendent on
the island. In 1862 the island and home were
purchased by Sir George Grey, one of
New Zealand’s most influential and
controversial political figures.


Kawau Island was purchased by Sir George Grey in 1862.
He spent a fortune developing Kawau as his island home
with many exotic and native species. He also converted
the former residence of the mine superintendent into his
home.
Known today as Mansion House, it has been in public
ownership since 1967 and was extensively restored to its
former appearance in 1977-80 after many years of neglect.
It has been furnished with a valuable collection of antique
furnishings largely donated or loaned to DOC, and is open
to the public.

Mansion House Valley



The Mansion House gardens and immediate reserve/lawn
area are known as the Mansion House Valley.
Sir George Grey was an enthusiastic collector of plants
and animals in the tradition of wealthy Victorian gentlemen.
He planted hundreds of different trees and plants in
Mansion House Valley, developed orchards and a 13-acre
olive grove, introduced many exotic and native animal
species, and planted the slopes with conifers to create
a setting for his house and gardens.
The pines and other exotic tree species, peacocks,
weka's and wallabies seen in Mansion House Valley
today are all legacies of Sir George Grey.