A Sanctuary in the Heart of Otago Harbour
Experience a unique blend of heritage, community, and conservation on Quarantine Island | Kamau Taurua.
Day Trips
Arrive by ferry, private boat, or kayak. We can help arrange transport for large groups.
Overnight Stays
Book the Lodge for your next family getaway, group retreat, school camp, corporate experience, or quiet escape.
Welcome Days
Join our monthly open day and lend a hand volunteering, or just relax and soak in the atmosphere.
Become a Member
As a community-led trust, Quarantine Island | Kamau Taurua (QIKT) relies entirely on the generosity of people like you to protect this unique slice of the Otago Harbour. The Island’s historic buildings and jetty, native plantings, biodiversity monitoring and pest control are completely funded by grants, philanthropic donations and memberships.
A membership is a wonderful way to support and care for Kamau Taurua | Quarantine Island. Projects succeed because of the support we receive from grants, and from you! By becoming a member or making a donation, you directly fund our vital conservation work, from planting native trees and monitoring rare birdlife to maintaining our historic heritage buildings.
Every donation helps ensure that this sanctuary remains a vibrant, predator-free space for education and recreation. Help us grow a greener future for Kamau Taurua by joining our community of supporters today.
Volunteer on the Island
There are many ways to contribute to the care of Kamau Taurua. From nurturing native seedlings and planting to monitoring local biodiversity and controlling invasive weeds, our conservation work directly restores the island's natural health. If you prefer hands-on projects, we also welcome help with building maintenance, infrastructure, and island communications.
Whether you have a specific trade, a unique area of expertise, or simply a passion for the outdoors, your involvement helps preserve the island's unique heritage and ecological beauty for future generations.
Host Your Next Event in a Historic Building
Looking for a venue that truly steps away from the everyday? Quarantine Island Kamau Taurua offers a unique, secluded setting for workshops, retreats, school groups, and community gatherings. Whether you are hosting a team-building day in the historic St Martin’s Lodge or a quiet reflective session in the island’s chapel, our spaces provide a rare blend of rustic charm and natural tranquility.
Surrounded by regenerating native bush and the panoramic beauty of the Otago Harbour, your guests can enjoy an environment that fosters connection, creativity, and a shared commitment to conservation.
With overnight accommodation available and easy boat access from Port Chalmers or Portobello, QIKT is the ideal destination for those seeking a meaningful and memorable venue.
Experience the Heart of the Harbour
From its origins as a quarantine station to its life today as a vibrant public reserve, Kamau Taurua has always been a place of transition and peace. Located within the takiwā of Te Rūnaka ō Ōtākou, the island remains a significant site for Southern Māori and a landmark of early European history. Today, you can cross the water to explore lush regenerating forests, encounter unique local wildlife, and take in panoramic harbour views.
Whether you’re planning a family getaway, a school trip, or a corporate retreat, the island offers a rare escape from the everyday. Grab a self-guided map to discover our historic and ecological trails, visit for a day trip, or book an overnight stay at the Lodge to fully immerse yourself in the island's tranquility. Click on the link below to find out more about our events and what’s on.
Go Back in Time!
Travel across the water to explore lush regenerating native forest, encounter Otago’s distinctive wildlife, and enjoy stunning views. Rich in history, QIKT is thought to be a key gathering spot for Southern Māori and was a haven for early European settlers. It is a public recreation reserve and historic area, and lies within the takiwa of Te Runaka ō Otakou.
Grab a self-guided map available on the Island to explore our ecological and historic trails. You or a group can visit for day trips or stay overnight in the Lodge. Bring the family for a getaway holiday in the heart of Otago Harbour. Team building, hui, retreats, and school visits welcomed. Come experience its beauty and heritage!
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