View from Matiu/Somes Island (Wellington city in the background)
Image: raromachine | Creative Commons
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
-
Protect our native wildlife
- Check - your gear for pests, eg. rodents, insects, skinks
- Clean - footwear and gear, removing soil and seeds
- Seal - ensure your gear is zipped up (no open bags)
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 |
| Full office details | |
