A historic homestead, part of run 419 'Island Hills', which was first established in 1879. William Walker was the first lease in 1884, building himself a small house which remains at the core of the homestead. Walker had it for 14 years, then sold out to Welles Charlton, who ran it with his two stepsons, William & Cyril Thompson. William took on run 533, Kilbride in 1902, while Cyril worked Island Hill until 1923, when Arthur Traill took over. Arthur’s wife’s family, George & Stanford Leask, took on Kilbride in 1922. Stanford & Dolly Leask took over Island Hill in 1942 & were succeeded by the last leasees Tim & Ngaire Te Aika (1966-85). Restored by DOC, the homestead is locked & used to accommodate DOC staff. Visitors are welcome to walk around & look from outside. Edit Hut