From the main wharf, the tar sealed road leads up to the island's Visitor Centre, past the memorial area and cemetery where some of the early immigrants who were quarantined on the island are buried.

It's a steep climb towards the former Te Moana-a-kura pa site, which offers excellent views of the Hutt Valley.

You can get to Matiu/Somes Island on the scheduled ferry service which runs between Queens Wharf and Days Bay seven days a week. All overnight visitors arriving via East West Ferries need to contact the island ranger 3 days before your trip to advise of your arrive time and number of people overnighting, to the email address in your confirmation letter.

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. The latest arrival time for overnighters via private boat or kayak is 3 pm daily. You need to contact the island ranger at least 3 days before your trip to advise of your arrival time.

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.