The Kawana Mill was built in 1854 as part of Governor George Grey’s initiative to encourage Maori to take up arable farming and become self-sufficient in a growing European economy.  The mill was operated by the Pestall family until it closed in 1913.  Members of the Wanganui Regional Committee of New Zealand Historic Places Trust restored the mill in the late 1970s with another Governor-General, Sir Keith Holyoake, reopening it in October 1980.

The miller’s cottage was originally located further down the road, then was shifted to higher ground following the 1904 river flood. In 1979 the cottage was gifted to the Wanganui Committee of New Zealand Historic Places Trust and moved back to its present location beside the mill.

Today the mill and cottage are managed by the Whanganui Regional Heritage Trust in partnership with the board of Atihau-Whanganui Inc who are the trustees for the site.  The Mill and the Cottage are Category I registered Historic Places.

The mill is open (please close the door after your visit) and the two-room cottage interior can be viewed through the windows.  There is a long-drop toilet adjacent to the site.  The mill is a great place to stop and have a picnic while traveling on the Whanganui River Road.

There is no entrance fee but donations are welcome.