Matiu/Somes Island Loop Track
Located in Matiu/Somes Island in the Wellington/Kapiti region
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Introduction
A loop track around Matiu/Somes Island offers 360 degree views of Wellington harbour - with native wildlife, remnants from the world wars, historic quarantine buildings, and a lighthouse, there is plenty to keep kids interested.Seasonal restrictions
The island is open to the public from 8:30 am to 5 pm daily.
Dog access
Southern lookout, along the loop track
This track takes you around Matiu/Somes Island, offering spectacular views across Wellington Harbour to Wellington and Hutt cities.
Pause along the way to check out the island’s historic and ecological attractions, including introduced wildlife which are thriving in native vegetation planted by Lower Hutt Forest and Bird since 1981.
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.
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.
Upon arrival to Mātiu/Somes there will be a supervised biosecurity check for all visitors to the island. This check involves making sure all bags, pockets, and prams are free of rodents, insects and plant material, and that footwear are clean to a good standard.
Following the biosecurity check there will be an outline of several health and safety rules while on the island. Depending on how clean the gear is, the biosecurity check can take up to 15 – 20 minutes.
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 | |
