Matiu/Somes Island Loop Track
WalkWellingtonOpen
- Grade
- Easy
- Walking time
- 40 min
- Route
- Loop
- Dogs
- No dogs
Getting there
We have not checked a road end or car park for this place yet, so we do not give driving directions to it. Check how to get there before you go. Some routes cross private land and need the landowner's permission.
How to get there, on doc.govt.nzYou can get to Matiu/Somes Island on the East by West Ferry service which runs between Queens Wharf and Days Bay seven days a week. When staying overnight you must come over on the dedicated Overnight Visitor Drop Sailing.
This departs Queens Wharf 2 pm and Days Bay 2.30 pm and arrives on Matiu at 2.45 pm. This must be booked in advance through East by West Ferries
In severe weather conditions these ferries may be cancelled.
If you are arriving via private boat, ensure you check the rules for landing on the island. You must arrive the same time as the Overnight Visitor Drop Sailing so you can go through the overnight biosecurity with the ranger. Monday – Friday ferries arrive at 2.55 pm and Saturday and Sunday ferries arrive at 2.45 pm. Contact the ranger at least 3 days before your trip so they know you are coming by private vessel matiusomes@doc.govt.nz.
By ferry
You can get to Matiu/Somes Island on the East by West Ferry service which runs between Queens Wharf and Days Bay seven days a week. When staying overnight you must come over on the dedicated Overnight Visitor Drop Sailing. This departs Queens Wharf 2 pm and Days Bay 2.30 pm and arrives on Matiu at 2.45 pm. This must be booked in advance through East by West Ferries In severe weather conditions these ferries may be cancelled.
By private vessel
If you are arriving via private boat, ensure you check the rules for landing on the island . You must arrive the same time as the Overnight Visitor Drop Sailing so you can go through the overnight biosecurity with the ranger. Monday – Friday ferries arrive at 2.55 pm and Saturday and Sunday ferries arrive at 2.45 pm. Contact the ranger at least 3 days before your trip so they know you are coming by private vessel matiusomes@doc.govt.nz .
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Map
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 41.25896° S, 174.86463° E
About this place
A loop track around Matiu/Somes Island offers 360 degree views of Wellington harbour - with native wildlife, remnants from the world wars, historic quarantine buildings, and a lighthouse, there is plenty to keep kids interested.
The route
Southern lookout, along the loop track This track takes you around Matiu/Somes Island, offering spectacular views across Wellington Harbour to Wellington and Hutt cities. Pause along the way to check out the island’s historic and ecological attractions, including introduced wildlife which are thriving in native vegetation planted by Lower Hutt Forest and Bird since 1981.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Know before you go
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. On the ferry ride to Mātiu/Somes all visitors are required to complete a biosecurity self-check. This check involves making sure all bags, pockets, and prams are free of rodents, insects and plant material. Upon arrival to the island visitors should pass through the Whare Manuhiri/visitor biosecurity room to clean then disinfect their shoes. This is also where to find maps and safety information about your visit.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Nearby stops
Education House
Wellington • 0.2 km
Education House is a hut in the Wellington region that was built as part of the Maximum Security Quarantine station in the 1970s. The accommodation is suitable…
Matiu/somes Island Campsite
Wellington • 0.2 km
Matiu/somes Island Campsite is a campsite located on a historic island in the Wellington region. Campers stay in a sheep paddock on the island.
Cookers/electric stove • Non-powered/tent sites • Shelter for cooking
Wellington Top 10 Holiday Park
Wellington • 4.7 km
Capital Lodge Motor Inn
Wellington • 5.5 km
Capital Lodge Motor Inn is a campsite located in the Wellington region. No further details about facilities or amenities are available in the provided records.
Stan's Hut
Wellington • 5.9 km
Stan's Hut is a backcountry hut located in the Wellington region. It provides basic shelter for hikers and is listed on the Hut Bagger website.
Walks nearby
Notes from people who have been
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Sources
- DOC Tracks & Trails · CC BY 4.0Data sourced from the Department of Conservation (DOC), New Zealand.
- DOC Tracks (API) · CC BY 4.0Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai. Data sourced from the DOC Developer Portal (api.doc.govt.nz).