Sitting in the middle of Wellington Harbour, Matiu/Somes Island is a pest-free nature sanctuary accessible by ferry from Queens Wharf. A loop walk circles the island in about 40 minutes, passing WWII gun emplacements, a lighthouse, historic quarantine buildings, and native vegetation that now shelters tuatara, wētāpunga, and a range of native birds. It’s one of the more distinctive day trips from Wellington — a short ferry ride to a very different world.
Practical Information
| Location | Wellington Harbour (island) |
| Ferry | East by West Ferry from Queens Wharf, Wellington |
| Island hours | 8:30am–5:00pm daily |
| Loop track time | About 40 minutes |
| Difficulty | Easy, suitable for all ages |
| Biosecurity | Self-check required on ferry; shoe cleaning on arrival |
| Dogs | Not permitted (pest-free sanctuary) |
| Managed by | Department of Conservation |
About the Island
Matiu/Somes Island is a DOC Scientific and Historic Reserve that carries two names: Matiu is the Māori name, and Somes is the European name given in the 1840s. The island has a layered history — it served as a quarantine station for ships from the 1870s through to the 1920s, and again for human detainees during both World Wars. Historic buildings from the quarantine era remain on the island.
Since the 1980s, the island has been pest-free and revegetated with native species. Tuatara now live freely on the island — a species absent from the mainland for centuries due to introduced predators. Wētāpunga (giant wētā), native birds, and lizards are also present. The replanting work has been led by Lower Hutt Forest and Bird, with over a million native plants established across the island.
The Loop Track and Other Walks
The main loop track circles the island in about 40 minutes, passing the historic gun emplacements, the lighthouse at the island’s highest point, and through the native vegetation. Additional shorter tracks include the Bullock Track and the Gun Emplacements Track, which can be walked as add-ons to the main loop. The island’s visitor centre near the wharf has information about the island’s history and ecology.
Getting There
The East by West Ferry runs from Queens Wharf in Wellington and from Days Bay to Matiu/Somes Island. Day visitors get approximately 2–2.5 hours on the island, with a longer weekend option giving just over 3 hours. On the ferry ride out, all passengers are required to complete a biosecurity self-check (bags, pockets and prams must be free of rodents, insects and plant material). On arrival, shoes are cleaned and disinfected at the visitor biosecurity room near the wharf.
What Visitors Say
“Seeing tuatara just wandering around in the open was extraordinary. The history and the ecology make this one of the best things to do from Wellington.” — AllTrails
“A completely different experience from anything else in Wellington. The island feels remarkably wild for something so close to the city.” — TripAdvisor
Where to Learn More
DOC — Matiu/Somes Island has the official reserve page with track information, history, wildlife and visiting details.
East by West Ferries — Mātiu/Somes Island has current ferry timetables, prices and booking information.
WellingtonNZ — Matiu/Somes Island Trails covers the island’s walking tracks and visitor information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get to Matiu/Somes Island?
By ferry — East by West Ferry runs from Queens Wharf in Wellington and from Days Bay Wharf. Check eastbywest.co.nz for current timetables and fares.
How long is the walk?
The main loop track takes about 40 minutes. Additional shorter tracks can extend the visit.
Are there tuatara on the island?
Yes — tuatara live freely on the island and are commonly seen by visitors.
What is the biosecurity process?
On the ferry, all passengers do a self-check to ensure bags and pockets are free of rodents, insects and plant material. On arrival, shoes are cleaned and disinfected at the visitor biosecurity room.
Can I bring dogs?
No. Dogs are not permitted on the island, which is a pest-free sanctuary.
How long do I get on the island?
Day visitors get approximately 2–2.5 hours on most sailings, or just over 3 hours on the weekend afternoon sailing.
Can I stay overnight?
Yes — overnight stays are possible; check the DOC website for accommodation information.
What are the island’s opening hours?
The island is open daily from 8:30am to 5:00pm.
The Wellington Walking Tracks hub lists all walking routes across the Wellington region. The Pencarrow Coast Road Walk also departs from the East Harbour side of the harbour, following the coastline to New Zealand’s first lighthouse. The Red Rocks Coastal Walk offers a different harbour-edge experience on Wellington’s South Coast.