Matiu/Somes Island is one of 3 islands that is located in Wellington Harbour and is the largest of the them. It is nearer to Petone and The Hutt Valley than Wellington.
The island covers approx 30 ha (62 acres).
The island name according to legend had its name (Matiu) given to it by Kupe, a legendary sailer who was the 1st person to arrive in New Zealand and managed to arrive back home with reports of the new land that has been discovered. The name is belived to be one of his daughters and he named it when he 1st arrived into the harbour around 1000 years ago.
After the arrival of the European it was known as Soames Island when it was controlled by the New Zealand Company. The name was the companys deputy governor. In 1997 the NZ Geographic Board then renamed it and it then became Matiu/Somes in recognition of the Maori and European history.
In 1989 the island became part of Lower Hutt and in 1995 DOC (department of conservation) took over the full control and it became a scientific and historic reserve.
A Lighthouse was built in 1866 and was the New Zealand’s harbour lighthouse. The current one was built in 1900 and stands on the same location as the orginal. It still works and is automated.
It also has a lot of resent history when it was used to house enemy interness during wartime. Also it was used as a quarantine centre for immigrants and animals arriving into New Zealand.
In 1918 it was also used to house people during the Flu outbreak on the November although this had limited success.
In 1942 the island had some anti aircraft gun emplacements. These were located on the highest point but were never use, The remains are still there.
As for non humans, the island is a popular plave for The Blue Penquins during breeding. Also a number of birds used the island including Shag’s and the Silver Gull.
A number of rare plants can also be located on the island. Over 500 species are found on the island.
Although the island is located in the harbour it be easily reached from either Wellington or Days Bay, by using the East by West Ferries. There are 3 times that it will stop at the Island before heading back to Wellington or carrying onto Days Bay. This will allow plenty of time to visit and enjoy the Island.
DOC Main site giving all the usefull info.
East by West Ferry Timetable.
Metlink Ferry and bus timetable.
James/ Windy Hill Flying Club.
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WildBay 