View from Matiu/Somes Island (Wellington city in the background)

Image: raromachine | Creative Commons

Matiu/Somes Island

Located in the Wellington/Kapiti region

This place is part of

Introduction

Matiu/Somes Island is a predator-free scientific reserve. It is also a historic reserve with a rich multicultural history.

Highlights

Matiu Somes Island is owned by local iwi (Taranaki Whānui) following a Treaty settlement. It is governed by a Kaitiaki Board and managed by DOC. See the Wellington Harbour Islands Kaitiaki Plan.

Video

Place overview

Facilities

  • Toilets
  • Information panels
  • Picnic tables
  • Visitor centre

Activities

  • Bird and wildlife watching
  • Kayaking and canoeing
  • Walking and tramping

Brochures

In this section

Find things to do and places to stay Matiu/Somes Island

About this place

Getting there

You can get to Matiu/Somes Island on the scheduled ferry service which runs between Queens Wharf and Days Bay seven days a week, and from Seatoun on Saturday and Sundays.

We highly recommend groups of more than 20 people, and those staying overnight, book a place on the ferry. In severe weather conditions one or both ferries can be cancelled.

If you arrive by private boat or kayak see the Matiu/Somes Island by boat information. 

Know before you go

All drone use must be authorised by DOC

A concession is required to fly a drone on any public conservation land - see Recreational drone use and Commercial drone use for more information.

Contacts

Kapiti Wellington Visitor Centre
Phone:   +64 4 384 7770
Fax:   +64 4 471 1117
Email:   wellingtonvc@doc.govt.nz
Address:   18 - 32 Manners Street
Wellington
6011
Postal Address:   PO Box 10420
The Terrace
Wellington 6143
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