Smelting House ruins, Kawau Island
Facts and practical information
The Smelting House ruins on Kawau Island, New Zealand, belong to the copper mine established in 1844. As there were problems with combustion of the copper ore during the sea voyage to Wales or Australia, tenders were called in 1848 for the erection of a copper mine smelter. The Auckland architect Walter Robertson designed a simple building completely built of Waitematā sandstone. Opened in July 1849, it was New Zealand's first smelting house. The smelter was no longer functioning in September 1855, and shortly after that, the mine closed altogether. ()
Kawau Island
Smelting House ruins – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)
Nearby attractions include: Mansion House, Scandrett Regional Park, Pumphouse ruins, Moturekareka Island.