QUARANTINE ISLAND | KAMAU TAURUA LODGE ACCOMMODATION

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1. BOOKING & AVAILABILITY

  • Availability Verification: Guests must check the embedded live Google Calendar on our website prior to booking. Submitting a payment through Squarespace Commerce does not guarantee date availability until your request is reviewed and confirmed by our Island Resident Keeper/Manager.

  • Unconfirmed Bookings: If a booking is placed for dates that are already occupied on our calendar, your payment will be refunded in full.

2. TRANSPORT & ARRIVALS

  • Water Transport: Guest accommodation fees do NOT include boat transport across the Otago Harbour (from Port Chalmers or Portobello). Boat transfers must be arranged separately (via local ferry providers or private vessels).

  • Weather & Sea Conditions: Access to the Island is subject to tidal and weather conditions. QIKT is not responsible for delayed, altered, or canceled stays due to adverse weather or boat provider cancellations.

3. BIOSECURITY & CONSERVATION RULES (PREDATOR-FREE SANCTUARY)

Quarantine Island / Kamau Taurua is a pest-free recreation reserve and ecological sanctuary. Guests must abide by strict biosecurity rules:

  • Biosecurity Checks: All footwear, clothing, bags, tents, and food containers must be thoroughly checked and cleaned for soil, weed seeds, rodents, and insects prior to departing the mainland.

  • No Pets: Absolutely no pets or domestic animals (including dogs and cats) are permitted on the Island at any time.

  • Waste Policy (Pack In, Pack Out): Guests must take ALL rubbish, recycling, and food scraps off the Island with them upon departure.

4. HEALTH, SAFETY & ISLAND RULES

  • Remote Environment: The Lodge operates in a rural Island environment. Guests are responsible for their own safety and the supervision of all children/minors at all times.

  • Fire Restrictions: Open fires, campfires, and fireworks are strictly prohibited anywhere on the Island due to severe fire risks to native bush and historic timber buildings.

  • Smoking & Vaping: Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited inside the Lodge, historic buildings, and adjacent reserves. It is allowed at the very end of the jetty.

  • Shared Spaces & Respect: Guests must leave the St Martin Lodge clean, tidy, and hygienic for future visitors. Please respect the resident island keeper, other volunteers, and the natural environment.

5. CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS

Guest Cancellations: Cancellations made more than 30 days prior to check-in are eligible for a full refund (less any payment processing fees). Cancellations made within 7 days of check-in are non-refundable unless dates can be re-booked.

Weather-Related Cancellations: If unsafe weather or boat transport cancellations prevent safe travel to the Island, guests will be offered alternative stay dates or a full refund.

6. CHARITY ACKNOWLEDGMENT

All visitor payments go directly toward maintaining, restoring, and protecting the historic heritage and native sanctuary of Quarantine Island / Kamau Taurua Community Incorporated (Charity No. CC31277).