Matiu/Somes Island main road
Track category
Short walk
Time:
30 min return
Description
On arrival at the main wharf and toilets, and after undergoing the biosecurity checks and a short introduction to the island, most visitors will follow the the tar sealed road up to the Island's Visitor Centre. This is a steep 15 min uphill climb towards the northern tip of the island and the former Te Moana-a-kura pa site, which offers excellent views of the Hutt Valley.
Matiu/Somes main road
As you continue to climb you will pass the memorial area and cemetery where some of the early immigrants who were quarantined on the island are buried. You reach the visitor centre and toilets at a height of 45m.
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.
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