Education House: Matiu/Somes Island
Located in Matiu/Somes Island in the Wellington/Kapiti region
Introduction
Built as part of the Maximum Security Quarantine station in the 1970s this house is ideal for family or group accommodation. You can book the house online.Access
- Boat
Occupancy
- Sole
Facilities
- Kitchen - fully equipped
- Lighting
- Shower - hot
- Toilet - flush
Activities
- Bird and wildlife watching
- Kayaking and canoeing
- Picnicking
- Swimming
- Walking and tramping
Features
Built as part of the Maximum Security Quarantine station in the 1970s this 4 bedroom brick house is ideal for family or group accommodation. It is in a unique rodent free scientific and historic reserve and has stunning harbour views. Enjoy the walking tracks that lead through the regenerating bush, home to rare native fauna and get up close to the significant historical sites such as the WWII gun emplacements and Maori pa.
Facilities
- Maximum occupancy is 12 people.
- Upstairs Bedroom 1 has 2 bunks (4 mattresses).
- Upstairs Bedrooms 2 and 3 include double beds (1 single and 1 double mattress).
- Downstairs room has 2 bunks (4 mattresses) and en-suite shower and toilet.
- Pillows and emergency blankets are provided.
- Power on the island is supplied by wind turbine and solar panels. Because of the limited power supply do not use electrical appliances such as hairdryers, etc.
- Fully equipped kitchen: fridge, gas oven/grill and four burner hob, pots, pans, cooking utensils, crockery and cutlery.
- Shower and bath with solar heated hot water
- Heatpump on a timer.
- Water is not suitable for drinking, boil before use.
What to bring
- Sleeping bag, bottom sheets and pillow case.
- Warm clothing − heating is limited to power available.
- Torch − a red filtered torch is best, so you can take a walk at night without disturbing wildlife.
Fees
The fees are per night for up to 12 people.
- Weekday: $220 per night
- Weekend (Friday or Saturday night): $265 per night
- Peak (23 December – 16 January): $265 per night
Bookings
Bookings are open for stays up to 30 June 2023.
2023/24 bookings
Bookings for 1 July 2023 – 30 June 2024 will open in 2023. The opening date will be announced on this page in late March 2023.
All bookings operate on a first-come first-served basis. We do not operate waiting lists for bookings for future seasons, or currently booked-out facilities.
Bookings are required all year.
A $10 service fee applies to phone and in-person booking. This is a limited service – book online first. An in-person booking is dependent on there being space available.
You can get to Matiu/Somes Island on the scheduled ferry service which runs between Queens Wharf and Days Bay seven days a week.
We highly recommend groups of more than 20 people, and those staying overnight, book a place on the ferry. In severe weather conditions one or both ferries can be cancelled.
If you plan to arrive by private boat or kayak, find out about the rules for landing on the island.
Overnight visitors
The last sailing times to the island for overnight visitors are:
Monday – Friday
- From Queens Wharf: 2 pm, arriving at Matiu/Somes Island at 2.25 pm
- From Days Bay: 1.45 pm, arriving at Matiu/Somes Island at 2 pm
Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays
- From Queens Wharf: 2 pm, arriving at Matiu/Somes Island at 2.30 pm
- From Days Bay: 1 pm, arriving at Matiu/Somes Island at 1.15 pm
For earlier sailing times, visit the scheduled ferry service timetable.
- Leave the house clean and tidy (toilet paper and cleaning materials are provided).
- Take all your rubbish/recycling with you and remove it from the island.
- Pets are not permitted on Matiu/Somes.
- 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 is restricted to the Main Wharf, 10 minutes walk from the house.
Check in/out times
- Check in time is 2 pm.
- Check out time is 11 am.
- Your bags can be stored at other locations if needed at any time.
Check you are pest-free
Check, clean, and seal your gear to ensure you don't bring pests, soil, and seeds.
Contacts
| Kapiti Wellington Visitor Centre | |
| Phone: | +64 4 384 7770 |
| Email: | wellingtonvc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
18 - 32 Manners Street Wellington 6011 |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 10420 The Terrace Wellington 6143 |
| Full office details | |
