Matiu/Somes Island gun emplacements track
Track category
Walking track
Time:
30 min return
Description
This track takes you from the Matiu/Somes Island Visitor Centre to the top of the island, the site of gun emplacements remaining from a World War II heavy anti-aircraft artillery position.
On route you will pass the former animal quarantine facility, the campsite and the bull pen, built by World War I internees on the island for the then Department of Agriculture.
Gun emplacement on
Matiu/Somes Island
From the top of the island you can experience spectacular 360 degree views of Wellington Harbour and the surrounding area.
From there you can continue down to the Circuit Track heading South via the Summit track, which is a steep, stepped walk.
Getting there
You can get to Matiu/Somes on the scheduled ferry service which runs between Queens Wharf and Days Bay on seven days a week and also from Seatoun and Petone on Saturday and Sunday or you can charter a ferry, weather permitting. If you arrive by private boat or kayak please refer to the Matiu/Somes Island by boat brochure for more information.
Plan and prepare
The island is open to the public from 8.30 am to 5.00 pm daily. All visitors are asked to check their bags in the Whare Kiore for unwanted pests.
Guides and commercial tourism providers