Landmark Kawau Island Estate With Deep Maritime Roots Comes To Market

A substantial waterfront estate on Kawau Island has come to market, opening the door to one of the Hauraki Gulf’s most remarkable coastal holdings.

Owned by the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, the six title estate spans approximately 33,000 square metres in and around Smelting House Bay in the stunning Bon Accord Harbour.

The property’s notable and heritage features include a three-bedroom house, established waterfront infrastructure such as a jetty and wharf, and a mix of park-like spaces, open land and native bush along the shoreline.

At its heart is Lidgard House, a character-filled historic beach home in an idyllic waterfront setting, just around the corner from the Kawau Boating Club and close to the Smelting House Ruins site.

The estate has been part of Kawau Island life for generations and reflects the sailing and coastal culture that has long shaped the Hauraki Gulf island.

It’s being marketed by Barfoot & Thompson salesperson and Hall of Fame inductee Nadja Court, who says the property stands apart as a truly rare and remarkable offering.

“This is a place steeped in history, surrounded by natural beauty and centred in a yachting haven loved for regattas, youth sailing events, and countless family traditions on the water.

“It really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure a special spot in one of the country’s most storied island destinations.”

Kawau Island is one of the Hauraki Gulf’s most established and well-known island locations, valued for its sheltered bays, mature landscape and long association with life on the water.

“While Kawau offers a strong sense of privacy and escape, it remains within an easy sail or motor from Auckland.”

Court says the estate will appeal to buyers with a love of the water or who are looking for a property with historical meaning as well as scale.

“With its rich past tied to one of New Zealand’s earliest coastal retreats, this property is about becoming part of a place that’s been valued over time, and having the opportunity to carry that forward.”

About Barfoot & Thompson

Established in Auckland in 1923, Barfoot & Thompson is New Zealand’s largest privately owned real estate company. Today, it remains family-owned and operated by the Barfoot and Thompson families, with more than 80 branches across Auckland, Northland, the Bay of Plenty and Waikato. The company has a network of over 1,800 salespeople, and is involved in the sale of around one in every four Auckland homes. Its services include residential, rural and lifestyle, commercial, body corporate, project services and property management, through which it also manages more than 21,000 properties across the upper North Island. The company was most recently recognised at the 2025-2026 International Property Awards, receiving Best International Real Estate Agency Over 20 Offices, Best International Lettings/Rentals Agency and Best International Real Estate Agency Marketing.

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