Matiu/Somes Island
Located in the Wellington/Kapiti region
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.
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Find things to do and places to stay Matiu/Somes Island
Guided walks are usually taken by our volunteer Eastbourne Forest Rangers.
They cover the fascinating multi-layered history of the island as well as the historic and biodiversity conservation which is taking place now. The walks also increase your chance of finding some of the rare and shy wildlife.
- Guided walks take approximately 2 hours depending on group size, fitness, time on the island and interests.
- Walks start at 11:00 am on weekdays.
- During summer weekends and public holidays, guided walks depart from the wharf at 11 am and 1 pm, depending on guide availability.
- Anyone is welcome to join.
Booking
- Weekend walks at 11 am for small groups (up to 12). Book online.
- At any other time or for larger groups, guided walks must be booked at least two weeks in advance via the DOC Wellington Visitor Centre. Phone +64 4 384 7770 or emailwellingtonvc@doc.govt.nz
- Cost: $10 per adult, $2 per child. School groups: $2 per child, adults free. Payment by cash only.
- Discounts are available for larger adult groups (11-20 people 25%, 20+ people 50%).
- Minimum group number is three.
Matiu/Somes Island offers excellent views, bird watching opportunities as well as the chance to study other plants and animals enjoying the pest-free environment.
A variety of native animals have been reintroduced to the island, including red-crowned parakeet/kākāriki, which are very visible and vocal around the island; reptiles, including the ancient tuatara; Cook Strait giant weta and Wellington tree weta, which have their own motels.
Matiu/Somes Island is a great destination for a day out paddling on the harbour. Find out about the rules for landing on the island before setting out.
The historic Caretakers Cottage can be hired as a basic conference-type facility.
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 plan to arrive by private boat or kayak, find out about the rules for landing on the island.
All drone use must be authorised by DOC
A concession is required to fly a drone on any public conservation land.
Since pests were eradicated the island has become a sanctuary for native plants, birds, reptiles and invertebrates including tuatara, kakariki, North Island robin, little blue penguins and weta. Read about nature and conservation on Matiu/Somes Island.
It may be a small island but its place in New Zealand’s history is huge. Its harbour location made it an ideal location for New Zealand’s first inner harbour lighthouse, a human quarantine station, an internment camp, military defence position, and an animal quarantine station. Read about the history of Matiu/Somes Island.
Check you are pest-free
Check, clean, and seal your gear to ensure you don't bring pests, soil, and seeds.
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 |
| Full office details | |
