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

  • Sleeps nine people in three rooms: four single bunk beds in one room, a single and a double bed in one room, and a queen bed in one room.
  • Mattresses and pillows are provided.
  • Power is provided by renewable resources, wind turbine and solar panels. We ask users to be considerate with consumption and contact the rangers if you have special requirements.
  • Heating is only available when island power production permits.
  • Heat pump during winter (operates on a timer system and available to use from 7 am–9 am in the morning and 6 pm–10 pm at night).
  • Fully equipped kitchen: small fridge, gas four-ring hob and oven, pots, pans, cooking utensils, crockery and cutlery, solar hot water.
  • Flush toilet. Toilet paper is provided.
  • Shower with solar hot water.
  • Water is not suitable for drinking, boil before use.
  • Outside facilities: A large private flat lawn with a picnic table.

What to bring

  • Sleeping bag or alternative bedding, sheets and pillowcases.
  • Towels, tea towels and dishcloths.
  • All your food and medication.
  • Warm clothing − 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 per night for up to nine people.  

  • Weekday: $231 per night  
  • Weekend (Friday or Saturday night): $278 per night 
  • Peak (23 December – 16 January): $278 per night 

Bookings

Bookings for 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026

Bookings open at 9.30 am on Tuesday 13 May 2025.

All bookings are first-come first-served. We do not have waiting lists for bookings for future seasons or facilities that are already booked-out.

Bookings for stays up to 30 June 2025

Bookings are currently open.

Book Caretakers Cottage 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.

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 Monday – Friday Queens Wharf 2.10 pm and Days Bay 2.40 pm and arrives on Matiu at 2.55 pm. On Saturday and Sunday departs Queens Wharf 2 pm and Days Bay 2.30 pm and arrives at Matiu 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 and bring 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.