Matiu/Somes island, day trip from Wellington — what to do

MATIU SOMES ISLAND

A great place to visit with a ferry ride across the harbour setting the scene. You are in an arena where nature is in charge and life is governed by the weather, the sea and the seasons. The area has a chequered history as a quarantine station, a prisoner of war camp both in World War I and World War II and a military defence position.

Earliest human occupation is evident with midden sites, discarded tools and artefacts which are either displayed in the Visitor Centre or on loan to Te Papa. The island was named Matiu by Kupe, after the Europeans settled here, the island was renamed Somes Island after Joseph Somes. In 1997, the island became officially known as Matiu-Somes Island.

Since the nineteenth century the island has had a quarantine station. Suspected cases of diseases like typhoid, smallpox and scarlet fever were compelled to stop there. Near the jetty on the eastern side of the island lies the remains of a fumigation shed where those suspected of infection were cleansed with noxious gases. After World War II the island became the principal quarantine station for animals until the late 1960’s. The island’s animal quarantine past is further explained at Matiu Somes Island website.

1. Whare Kiaora welcomes visitors, inspects bags and equipment for unwanted pests and welcomes people to the island.

The initial stop is the Visitor Centre where the island’s history is part of an interpretative display. There are no fees other than your ferry tickets.

2. The island is 25 hectares and covered in bush.

Your afternoon on the island is enough time to walk the loop track around the island.

3. You can stay overnight relaxing into the peace and quiet of an island solitude.

4. The sheep on Matiu Island are a selfie moment for visitors who have not got close encough for sheep themed selfies.

According to the Stuff article the sheep  provide the resident Department of Conservation rangers with a food source and lawn- mowing services.

5. Walk the island loop view the lighthouse, the anti-aircraft gun emplacements and observe the bird life.

6. Perhaps the intrepid will take a dip in the sea it is likely to be cool even in summer.

The beach is five minutes from the ferry wharf. The beach is a pebbled and the water shallow. A great spot for your picnic lunch even if you don’t take a dip.

7. Find the weta hotel on the loop track.

Note there are few sections where there are cliff top drops so supervise children. Most of the walk is reasonably flat with minimal elevation.

8. Volunteering On Somes Island you can apply online and the DOC workers on the island will be more than happy to put you to work keeping the island in good condition for future visitors. You can find the application form DOC website.

CAN YOU SLEEP ON SOMES ISLAND?

The Department of Conservation website has a description of accommodation options with online booking facilities. Campgrounds 12 spaces for camping, you’re welcome to pitch your tent in the sheep paddoicl near the visitor center. It is an unpowered campground. A lodge: The three bedroom lodge on the island is available for up to eight people to sleep in at night. You’ll need to book online in advance, and be sure to check what is and isn’t allowed in advance.

The ferry from Queens Wharf to Somes Island takes 25 minutes. Here are the instructions from the official Matiu website, “You can get to Matiu/Somes Island on the scheduled ferry service (external site) which runs between Queens Wharf and Days Bay seven days a week, and from Seatoun on Saturday and Sundays.

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 arrive by private boat or kayak see the Matiu/Somes Island by boat information.