Image: Robert Ashe | DOC
Caretakers Cottage.
Caretakers Cottage

Located in Matiu/Somes Island in the Wellington/Kapiti region

The historic Caretakers Cottage on Matiu/Somes Island is ideal for families or groups.

Features

Caretakers Cottage is in a unique rodent free scientific and historic reserve and has stunning harbour views. Fall asleep to the sound of little blue penguins calling around the house and geckos scrambling the walls.

The house is decorated with artwork from the residency project Matiu Somes: The Next Chapter. Art in the house is from New Zealand artists Inge Doesburg, Stanley Palmer, Jo Oglier, Lynn Taylor, Basia Smolnicki, Stephen Robinson and Ben Reid.

Facilities

Capacity and sleeping arrangements

  • Maximum occupancy is nine people, including children and infants. A head count will be carried out at check-in. Groups exceeding the maximum occupancy may be denied entry to the island.
  • One bedroom has a single bed and a double bed.
  • One bedroom has a queen bed.
  • One bedroom has two bunk beds (four mattresses).
  • Mattresses and pillows are provided.

Kitchen and bathroom facilities

  • The fully equipped kitchen has a small fridge, gas 4-burner hob and oven, pots, pans, cooking utensils, crockery and cutlery.
  • Flush toilet with toilet paper.
  • Shower with solar-heated hot water.

Drinking water

  • Water is not safe to drink unless it has been boiled first.

Power and heating

  • Power comes from renewable sources, including a wind turbine and solar panels. Be considerate and use electricity carefully. Contact the rangers if you have special requirements.
  • Heating is available only when the island is producing enough power.
  • A heat pump is available during winter.

Outside facilities

  • There is a large private flat lawn with a picnic table.

What to bring

  • Sleeping bag or alternative bedding, sheets and pillowcases.
  • Towels.
  • All your food and medication.
  • Warm clothing as heating is limited.
  • Torch − a red filtered torch is best, so you can take a walk at night without disturbing wildlife.

Fees

The fees are for up to nine people.  

1 May - 30 September

  • $231 per night 

1 October - 30 April

  • Weekdays: $272 per night
  • Weekends: $312 per night

1 December - 29 February

  • Weekdays: $363 per night
  • Weekends: $417 per night

Bookings

Bookings are open for stays up to 30 June 2027.

  • If no availability shows online for your dates, the lodge is fully booked.
  • No spaces are kept for visitors arriving without a booking.
  • Phone and in‑person bookings made at a visitor centre incur a $10 service fee.
  • Same‑day bookings are available online until 8 pm if spaces remain.

Book Caretakers Cottage online

By ferry

You can get to Matiu/Somes Island on the East by West Ferry service which runs between Queens Wharf and Days Bay seven days a week. When staying overnight you must come over on the dedicated Overnight Visitor Drop Sailing.

This departs Queens Wharf 2 pm and Days Bay 2.30 pm and arrives on Matiu at 2.45 pm. This must be booked in advance through East by West Ferries

In severe weather conditions these ferries may be cancelled.

By private vessel

If you are arriving via private boat, ensure you check the rules for landing on the island. You must arrive the same time as the Overnight Visitor Drop Sailing so you can go through the overnight biosecurity with the ranger. Monday – Friday ferries arrive at 2.55 pm and Saturday and Sunday ferries arrive at 2.45 pm. Contact the ranger at least 3 days before your trip so they know you are coming by private vessel matiusomes@doc.govt.nz.

Biosecurity requirements

All visitors staying on the island must complete the biosecurity checklist.

  • Comply with biosecurity instructions before arrival.
  • Leave the house clean and tidy (cleaning materials are provided).
  • Take all your rubbish/recycling with you and remove it from the island.
  • Pets are not permitted on Matiu/Somes.
  • Cycling is not permitted on the island. Bikes may be locked at the wharf.
  • The island has a complete fire ban. During the dry summer months the island can be closed due to extreme fire risk which may affect your booking.
  • Smoking and vaping is only permitted at the wharf, 10 minutes walk from the house.

Check in/out times 

  • Check in time is 3 pm.
  • Check out time is 11 am.
  • Your bags can be stored at other locations if needed at any time.