Image: Evan Ward | DOC
A two storey mainly wooden house with views towards Wellington City
Te Whare Mata Uraura: Matiu/Somes Island

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

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.

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
  • Heat pump during winter (operates on a timer system and available to use from 7am–9am in the morning and 6pm–10pm at night).
  • 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: $231 per night  
  • Weekend (Friday or Saturday night): $278 per night 
  • Peak (23 December – 16 January): $278 per night 

Bookings

This site is temporarily closed and bookings are not available. 

Bookings are required all year.

Book Te Whare Mata Uraura online.

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. All overnight visitors arriving via East West Ferries need to contact the island ranger 3 days before your trip to advise of your arrive time and number of people overnighting, to the email address in your confirmation letter.

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. The latest arrival time for overnighters via private boat or kayak is 3 pm daily. You need to contact the island ranger at least 3 days before your trip to advise of your arrival time.
  • 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.