Child friendly rating: 5 stars

Distance: n/a

Signposted time: n/a

Bookings Required? Yes

Suitable in Winter? Yes

Camping Available? Yes

4wd required? No

Parking:

Back Beach or Portobello will be where you'll be catching the water taxi from. If you're launching your own boat or kayak, Back Beach has plenty of parking, but you can launch from Portobello too. The Portobello side does mean you won't be on the same side as the big ships if this is a consideration, and you will be paddling in shallower waters.

The Track:

You will need to somehow cross the water. Kayak, water taxi, friends boat, maybe your own boat!

Once you've crossed over, from the jetty it's a fairly easy stroll up to the lodge.

For crossing over the water, if you're going over on your own (as in via kayak or own boat, not with the water taxi) then you need to keep an eye on the wind levels. I find windy.com to be great. Ideally gusts will be under 20km/hr. 30km/hr can start getting a bit questionable.

It's around 1.5km to paddle from either Port Chalmers or Portobello.

Hut:

Contact the island keeper to book. Current Keeper: Jon Clark

Email the Keeper: quarantineisland@gmail.com
Mobile: 021 082 58619

The lodge is fully equipped with power, showers, all crockery and cutlery, stovetops, etc. You don't need to bring much!

The toilets aren't flushing, but they are normal toilets, just turned composting toilet - they don't smell.

There are a few bunkrooms - 2 large ones, and 3 smaller ones with 1-2 beds in each. One has a double bed in it. You just need to bring your own sleeping bags.

From the Hut:

There is plenty of space on the island to explore, and a big loop track. This is hot and exposed in sections if its windy or

Recommendations:

Pick a hot summers day to visit and have a tropical island getaway without leaving Dunedin! The caretaker lives on-site on the island, so can be available for last minute bookings.