Day Visitors

Day visitors can make their own way to the island by boat. You are welcome to use the toilets in the lodge for a small donation.

Open weekends

There are regular volunteer workdays and open weekends on the Island, usually beginning on the morning of the last Saturday in the month. On these days boat transport is arranged by the Community, if a charter boat is used there is a small charge. The welcoming flyer for 2011 is here. Contact Francine (the Resident) 4780874 to find out the times of the boat.

The first open volunteer workday for 2012 is the end of Janurary.

Overnight Stays

The community leases part of the island from the Department of Conservation. Some visitors are able to stay overnight in the community's lodge. Get more information and the proposal to book a stay. Phone for a quicker response. The island is usually used by groups as a retreat. This includes spiritual groups, conservation groups, families and schools.

You will need boat transport. The resident may be able to help you arrange to charter a boat, particularly for larger groups and schools. This is usually with East Coast Charters and the cost is very reasonable. The boat leaves from the jetty at Back Beach, Port Chalmers (map).

The Lodge is often booked over weekends (Fri and Saturday Night) and less heavily booked during the week.

Access to the Island via Portobello

We depend on the goodwill of the NZ Marine Studies Centre and Marine Laboratory for access through the Aquarium to their jetty. A member of each group must report to Reception (when open) to request permission to proceed through their facility, as this is a safety management issue for them.

It is also important that Island visitors do not park in the Aquarium car parks. Please respect these requirements to ensure our continued access to the Island.

Special Events

Workshops and special events are hosted on and off the Island.

Health and Safety

There is information about health a safety for recreational visitors and work days.

Island Bookings

This calendar shows when the lodge is expected to be occupied. It gives an indication of when it might be available to accommodate a group. However, even if a time is listed as busy, it may still be possible to stay as some visits are not confirmed. Sometimes we can accommodate more than one small group at a time. Contact the resident if you are interested in staying.

Map

Here is a printable map of the island.