Matiu/Somes Island Campsite
Located in Matiu/Somes Island in the Wellington/Kapiti region
Introduction
Camp in a sheep paddock on this historic island.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. See fire rules on conservation land.
Dog access
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.
Fees
- Adult (18+ years): $15 per night
- Child (5–17 years): $7.50 per night
- Infant (0–4 years): free
Passes
The DOC Campsite Pass can be used at this campsite.
Campsite Pass bookings must be booked online before occupying a site. If you do not pre-book, bookings may be made by campground staff (if present) and will incur a $10 service charge.
Bookings
Bookings are open for stays up to 30 June 2023.
2023/24 bookings
Bookings for 1 July 2023 – 30 June 2024 will open in 2023. The opening date will be announced on this page in late March 2023.
All bookings operate on a first-come first-served basis. We do not operate waiting lists for bookings for future seasons, or currently booked-out facilities.
Bookings are required all year.
A $10 service fee applies to phone and in-person booking. This is a limited service – book online first. An in-person booking is dependent on there being space available.
Your booking will be for a site, which will be allocated or selected on arrival.
You can get to Matiu/Somes Island on the scheduled ferry service which runs between Queens Wharf and Days Bay seven days a week.
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.
Overnight visitors
The last sailing times to the island for overnight visitors are:
Monday – Friday
- From Queens Wharf: 2 pm, arriving at Matiu/Somes Island at 2.25 pm
- From Days Bay: 1.45 pm, arriving at Matiu/Somes Island at 2 pm
Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays
- From Queens Wharf: 2 pm, arriving at Matiu/Somes Island at 2.30 pm
- From Days Bay: 1 pm, arriving at Matiu/Somes Island at 1.15 pm
For earlier sailing times, visit the scheduled ferry service timetable.
Location
Latitude: -41.25784063, Longitude: 174.86574992
- 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).
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 |
| Email: | wellingtonvc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
18 - 32 Manners Street Wellington 6011 |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 10420 The Terrace Wellington 6143 |
| Full office details | |
