Matiu/Somes Island Campsite
Located in Matiu/Somes Island in the Wellington/Kapiti region
Introduction
Camp in a sheep paddock on this historic island.Highlights
10 July 2020: Booking with Apple iPhone or iPad
Due to a technical issue, you can't currently make a booking with an Apple iPhone or iPad. We are working on this. In the meantime, please use a desktop or laptop instead of these devices.
Campsite overview
Access
- Boat
Landscape
- Coastal
Facilities
- BBQ
- Cookers/electric stove
- Non-powered/tent sites
- Shelter for cooking
- Toilets - non-flush
- Water from tap - treated, suitable for drinking
- Wheelchair accessible with assistance
Seasonal restrictions
Fires are not permitted at any time.
Dog access
-
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Check you are pest-free
Check, clean, and seal your gear to ensure you don't bring pests, soil, and seeds.
About this campsite
Matiu/Somes Island Campsite is a small, low key site suitable for small groups and individuals. It is located in a sheep paddock surrounded by historical buildings. The historic ova transplant building from the maximum security quarantine station provides the campsite facilities.
Facilities
A maximum of 12 campers in total are permitted to camp.
- Camp kitchen: Gas oven/ four burner hob, small dinning area and large fridge.
- Outside facilities: Picnic tables, compost bin. The island BBQ is also available for use.
- Power on the island is supplied by renewable resources - wind turbine and solar panels.
- There are no phones and no shops.
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.
Location
Latitude: -41.25784063, Longitude: 174.86574992
Fees
- Adult (18+ years): $15 per night
- Child (5 - 17 years): $7.50 per night
- Infant (0 - 4 years): free
Passes
DOC/NZMCA campsite passes cannot be used at this campsite.
Backcountry Hut Passes cannot be used at this campsite.
Bookings
2020/2021 bookings
Bookings are open for stays from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021.
Bookings are required all year.
A $10 service fee applies to all phone, email and in-person bookings.
Your booking will be for a site, which will be allocated/selected on arrival.
Know before you go
- The island has a complete fire ban. Fires, fuel/gas stoves or lanterns are not allowed.
- During the dry summer months the island can be closed due to extreme fire risk which may affect your booking.
- Take all your rubbish/recycling with you and remove it from the island.
- Leave the campsite clean and tidy (toilet paper and cleaning materials are provided).
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 | |
