“What’s that island out there???”

That’s a common question friends ask when I’ve taken them to the top of Mount Victoria. Officially named Matiu Somes Island, it’s a small 25-hectare island on the far side of the Wellington Harbour if you’re looking from Mount Victoria towards Petone (Google Maps link).

And yes, you can visit Somes Island. We’ll talk about this as you read on, but if you want to go already, you can book your ferry tickets at a discounted rate here.

This post will let you know what to do on Somes Island, should you wish to visit and links to where to look for discounts on your ferry ride.

p.s. I’ve visited Somes Island twice, and while it’s not a trip I’d want to do every month, I’ve enjoyed both visits and will go back again sometime.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Somes Island History
2. What to do on Somes Island
3. Ferry details
4. Staying overnight

1. SOMES ISLAND HISTORY

For such a small island, the location in the middle has helped the island create an interesting story. Up until 1995, the public wasn’t allowed on the island and given it was known as ‘Leper Island’ after a man who was suspected to have leprosy was on the island, the island is no longer mysterious. The human quarantine history of the island stretches decades as it was a place for immigrants arriving by ship to be quarantined, among other reasons.

The island was originally given the name Matiu by Kupe centuries ago. After the Europeans settled here, the island was renamed Somes Island after Joseph Somes. But in 1997, the island became officially known as Matiu-Somes Island.

If you take a walk around the island, you’ll see the lighthouse which has been providing light from the harbour since 1900. The first lighthouse on the island was built in 1866 but wasn’t powerful enough. Up until 1924, there were lightkeepers living on the island, though it has been automated ever since. The lighthouse today runs on electricity which has done so after being converted after WW2.

The island has also been used as an animal quarantine facility for animals, including sheep which were introduced to the country. You can read more about that here.

Now that the island is taken care of by DOC, the nature on the island is flourishing. The island became rat-free in the 1980s and is now home to the world’s smallest penguin, weta, geckos, tuatara, and a whole host of birds such as parakeets, robin (relocated from Kapiti Island)

2. WHAT TO DO ON SOMES ISLAND

Before I get stuck into the Somes Island activities, make sure to consider what time you’ll go to and/from the island (details below). Personally I recommend catching the first ferry at 10 am and catch the 1 pm ferry back on weekdays and the 1.30 on weekends. If you find you’re running late for those return ferries, just hang out until the next one comes through.

CHECK OUT THE VISITOR CENTRE

In the middle of the island, you’ll find the small visitor centre. It’s free to enter, and always open so it’s a good place to start with details about the island’s history and the projects that are currently happening on the island.

HAVE A SWIM

There’s a stony stretch of beach you can swim from on the island. It’s close to the ferry wharf, so just ask the DOC ranger to point you in the right direction. Fortunately, you’ll be protected here so while it might not feel like swimming conditions when you’re in the CBD, throw in your swimming gear just in case. This is a picnic spot to consider too.

WALK AROUND THE ISLAND

There is a loop walking track on the island. The trail sticks to the perimeter of the island most of the time so you get views all around the harbours borders. Looking back toward the CBD is always a fun perspective. Along the way keep an eye out for weta hotels and if you’re super lucky you’ll spot a tuatara (they’re tricky to spot).

It’s an easy walk on a maintained path with minimal elevation. There are some sections where you wouldn’t want to fall off the track with steep drop-offs, so just keep that in mind. The track will often have areas where you can cut back toward the centre of the island if walking isn’t your thing. This includes one close to the lighthouse which is stunning.

RELATED POST: WALKS IN WELLINGTON

4. SEE THE GUN EMPLACEMENTS

During World War 2, gun emplacements were built at the top of the island. Fortunately, they were never required, but when you’re there, you’ll quickly understand why they were built in case. They’re in prime position to capture all activity in the harbour. They’re not too exciting, but it’s worth it for the views, and you get to walk through the sheep paddocks on the way.

HAVE A PICNIC

If you’re planning to have a picnic, you’ll probably need to catch the last ferry back timewise (unless you don’t walk around the island). There are two spots to have a pic, at the top of the island on the benches near the gun emplacements, or down at the swimming area where there are a couple of benches too.

FIND THE KIWI GUARDIAN POST

As mentioned by Rebecca in the comments below, there’s a Kiwi Guardian post to be found on Somes Island.

A great activity for kids (and adults), these are all over the country. Find the post and get the code word so you can claim your certificate and wooden medal online.

ABOUT CATCHING THE FERRY TO SOMES ISLAND (DETAILS)

Somes Island is serviced by East by West ferries. The majority of ferry services between Days Bay and Queens Wharf (near Te Papa) don’t stop off at Somes Island so be sure to plan which ferries you’ll catch before you make plans to visit Somes Island.

The ferry from Queens Wharf to Somes Island takes 25 minutes.

THE FERRY TIMETABLE

Nearly all of you will be travelling to and from Queens Wharf to Somes Island, for which there are the following departures:
From Queens Wharf to Somes Island:

• Weekdays: 10.00 am, 12.00pm, 2.05 pm
• Weekends: 10.00 am, 12.00 pm, 2.10 pm, 3.45 pm

From Somes Island to Queens Wharf:

• Weekdays: 10.55 am, 1.00 pm, 3.30 pm
• Weekends: 10.50 am, 11.30 am, 12.55 pm, 1.30 pm, 3.20 pm, 4.40 pm

p.s. The timetable can change throughout the year and some sailings are weather dependent.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST

This is the standard price of the ferry, but there are usually discounts available.

On BookMe.co.nz this deal is usually available which gets you tickets as low as $12 return for adults.

Once you booked online, it just takes a simple phone +64-4-499-1282 to arrange (grab a sim card for travelling the country), it’s a no brainer to use the deal.

STAYING OVERNIGHT ON THE ISLAND

I haven’t done this, but if you’re interested in spending the night on Somes Island, you can do so by booking on the DOC website (you must book ahead).

There are three options, that make for a great introduction for overnight adventures near Wellington:

Camping: There’s a small non-powered campsite on the sheep paddock in the middle of the island where up to 12 people can camp. Facilities include a four-burner hob, dining area, a fridge, picnic tables, compost, and the islands BBQ. As there are no facilities, you’ll need to bring all of your own supplies for your stay.

Cost: $15 for adults, $7.50 for children (5 – 17 years), and free for infants (0 – 4 years).

Education House: A 3-bedroom brick house that can sleep a maximum of eight people. The kitchens have a gas-over, four-burner hob, pots, pans, cooking utensils etc. The hot water is solar power so will be limited, so be prepared for a cold shower.

Cost: $200 for up to eight people.

Forest and Bird House: A very similar building to the above. It’s also 3-bedrooms with a maximum occupancy of eight people.

Cost: $200 for up to eight people.

So if the island is at full capacity, there could be 28 people staying overnight on the island. Remember, there’s is a fire ban on the island year-round.

---

If New Zealand was a tropical destination, Somes Island would be a super touristy place. As it’s not, the island doesn’t get much of a consideration. But if it interests you at all, take a visit!

What to read next:

• All the things to do in New Zealand
• The things I recommed you see at Te Papa
• Have you thought of visitng the sunny Kapiti Coast for aday? (where I’m from)