The island served as the
quarantine station for
Otago from 1863 until 1924. It was one of four in New Zealand. When ships arrived in Otago harbour with infectious diseases, passengers were quarantined for that disease, usually one to two weeks, but sometimes longer. The few passengers that were actually sick were treated in the hospital on top of the island. In total 41 ships were quarantined at the island. Of about 9,000 people quarantined about 70 died. There is a small cemetery on the island where they and some of the keeper's family are buried. During the
First World War, soldiers who had venereal diseases (either diagnosed when they volunteered or acquired abroad) were treated on the island, then called the 'Port Chalmers Military Hospital'. However, most New Zealand soldiers with
VD were treated overseas. Only one of the main quarantine buildings from these years has survived, and this is now saved. The island has a
Heritage New Zealand Historic Area classification. After the quarantine station closed in 1924 the buildings were sold and island was leased. File:Quarantine Island chapel exterior.jpg|Exterior of the chapel File:Married couples quarters, Quarantine Island.jpg|Restored married couples' quarters File:Chapel interior, Quarantine Island.jpg|Interior of the chapel, with a view towards
Taiaroa Head == Visitors ==