Image: raromachine | Creative Commons
View from Matiu/Somes Island (Wellington city in the background).
Matiu/Somes Island

Located in the Wellington/Kapiti region

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

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.

The historic Caretakers Cottage can be hired as overnight accommodation on the island.

By ferry

You can get to Matiu/Somes Island on the East by West Ferry service which runs between Queens Wharf and Days Bay seven days a week. When staying overnight you must come over on the dedicated Overnight Visitor Drop Sailing.

This departs Monday – Friday Queens Wharf 2.10 pm and Days Bay 2.40 pm and arrives on Matiu at 2.55 pm. On Saturday and Sunday departs Queens Wharf 2 pm and Days Bay 2.30 pm and arrives at Matiu 2.45 pm. This must be booked in advance through East by West Ferries.

In severe weather conditions these ferries may be cancelled.

By private vessel

If you are arriving via private boat, ensure you check the rules for landing on the island. You must arrive the same time as the Overnight Visitor Drop Sailing so you can go through the overnight biosecurity with the ranger. Monday – Friday ferries arrive at 2.55 pm and Saturday and Sunday ferries arrive at 2.45 pm. Contact the ranger at least 3 days before your trip so they know you are coming by private vessel matiusomes@doc.govt.nz.

Visiting the island

Matiu/Somes Island is a great place to spend the day. A gentle walking track takes you around the 24.8-hectare island.

  • The island and Visitor Centre are open daily between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm.
  • Toilets are situated near the main wharf and behind the visitor centre.
  • There are no catering facilities or drinking water. Bring your own food and water, and remove your rubbish.
  • Everything on the island is protected. 
  • On busy days, visitor numbers are limited to protect the island.

Due to fire hazards and limited water supply, smoking and fires are not allowed. The island may be closed to visitors at times of extreme fire danger. If you discover a fire, dial 111 and go immediately to the main wharf. 

Biosecurity check to keep the island predator-free

Check your bags, clothes, footwear and boat or kayak for pests before leaving the mainland. Ensure food is in sealed containers. If you find a pest on the island, tell your tour guide or island ranger immediately.

On the ferry ride to Mātiu/Somes all visitors are required to complete a biosecurity self-check. This check involves making sure all bags, pockets, and prams are free of rodents, insects and plant material.

Upon arrival to the island visitors should pass through the Whare Manuhiri/visitor biosecurity room to clean then disinfect their shoes. This is also where to find maps and safety information about your visit.

All drone use must be authorised by DOC

You must have a permit to fly a drone on public conservation land.

Visit our Drone use on conservation land page for more information.

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 Mātiu/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 Mātiu/Somes Island.