Matiu or Somes Island is the largest of 3 islands in the northern part of Wellington Harbour with an area of 25 hectares

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Matiu Somes Eco Trek

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Matiu, Wellington

Matiu or Somes Island is the largest of 3 islands in the northern part of Wellington Harbour with an area of 25 hectares.

Matiu or Somes Island is the largest of 3 islands in the northern part of Wellington Harbour with an area of 25 hectares. Its extensive Maori history and rich ecological system draws hordes of visitors. East by West Ferries runs a ferry service to the island from central Wellington and Days Bay. Tourists can also visit Matiu by boat or kayak, docking at the designated wharf and beach in the northeast of the island. To protect the environmental integrity and ensure that weeds, insects, and mice are kept out, all visitors must first go to the visitor shelter for bag inspection. Hiking, picnicking, and bird-watching are popular activities on the island. Swimming, fishing, snorkeling, and diving in the waters around the island are other summer activities.

Originally named as Matiu after the daughter of Polynesian explorer Kupe, it was an important strategic Maori site with 2 Pa (defence fortress), one in the centre and one on the northern tip, surrounded by cliffs on 3 sides. After it was acquired by the colonial New Zealand Company in 1840, it was renamed Somes Island after company director Joseph Somes. A lighthouse was built at the southwestern end in 1866, the first harbour light in New Zealand. The present day lighthouse dates to 1900, with automation from the 20th century. Used as a quarantine facility for humans and animals till 1920, the island features a memorial to the people who died here in isolation.

The revegetated island features a rich ecosystem of native flora such as taupata, ngaio, harakeke, totara, rata and kahikatea, as well as fauna including little blue penguin, parakeets, several species of shag, spotted skink, and silver gull.


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About Matiu

 Matiu/Somes Island, 5012, New Zealand

Matiu and Nearby Sights on Map

Weta Cave

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Old Saint Paul's

Old St

Oriental Bay Beach

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Sacred Heart Cathedral Wellington

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Beehive

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Mount Victoria Lookout

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Wellington Museum

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Frank Kitts Park

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Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

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Wellington Cable Car

An iconic symbol of the city, the Wellington Cable Car is a 115 year old funicular railway that runs uphill from Lambton Quay to Kelburn, stopping at Clifton, Talavera, and Salamanca