Matiu Somes Island

Rising from the turquoise waters of Wellington Harbour, Matiu Somes Island is a predator-free sanctuary where native birdsong fills the air and the city seems a world away. A short ferry ride from the capital, this island offers a unique blend of conservation success, wartime history, and sweeping views back to the cityscape. Walking its trails, you'll encounter tuatara basking in the sun, little blue penguins nesting under boardwalks, and kākāriki flitting through the canopy. It's a half-day escape that feels like stepping into New Zealand's wild past.

Highlights & What to See

• Native Wildlife Encounters: Spot tuatara, little blue penguins, kākāriki, and the rare Cook Strait giant wētā along the island's network of walking tracks.
• World War II Defences: Explore the remnants of gun emplacements, observation posts, and a military camp that guarded the harbour during the war.
• Quarantine Station History: Visit the old quarantine buildings and learn about the island's role as a human and animal quarantine station from the 1870s to the 1980s.
• Panoramic Harbour Views: Climb to the summit for 360-degree views of Wellington, the Hutt Valley, and the South Island's Kaikōura Ranges on a clear day.
• Guided Walks & Volunteering: Join a Department of Conservation guided tour or volunteer for a day of pest trapping and planting to support the sanctuary.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors find that a half-day (3–4 hours) is perfect for exploring the main tracks, wildlife highlights, and historic sites. The ferry schedule typically allows for a morning or afternoon trip, with a couple of hours on the island. If you're a keen birder or photographer, consider the first ferry out and the last one back to maximise your time. There are no cafes on the island, so pack a picnic and water – there are sheltered spots near the jetty and at the summit.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Wellington Waterfront: Stroll along the harbour from Queens Wharf to Oriental Bay before or after your ferry trip, with cafes and galleries en route.
• Te Papa Tongarewa: New Zealand's national museum is a short walk from the ferry terminal and offers deep context on the island's natural and cultural history.
• Zealandia Ecosanctuary: A mainland bird sanctuary in the Karori suburb, easily combined on a different day for more wildlife encounters.
• Days Bay & Eastbourne: Take the same ferry route to these seaside suburbs for a beach walk and lunch at a waterfront café.
• Wellington Cable Car & Botanic Garden: Ride the cable car up to the garden for city views, then walk back down through native bush.

Please check official sources for current details.