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Wellington Harbour
2.8 km
1 hour
100 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you are looking for an escape that feels worlds away from the city without actually leaving the capital, then hop on a ferry and head to the middle of Te Whanganui-a-Tara/Wellington Harbour. The Matiu/Somes Island Loop Track is a true emerald jewel in the heart of the harbour, offering a unique blend of rugged coastal beauty, fascinating military history, and a successful conservation story that will leave you feeling inspired.
At just 2.8 kilometres, this loop is an easy-going adventure that packs a lot of punch. Whether you are a local looking for a weekend "staycation" or a tourist wanting to see Wellington from a completely different perspective, this island sanctuary delivers.
Your journey begins before you even set foot on the island. The ferry ride across the harbour—whether you depart from the bustling Queens Wharf or the charming Days Bay—is part of the experience. As you disembark at the main wharf on the eastern side of the island, you are immediately greeted by the island’s most important rule: biosecurity. Because Matiu/Somes Island is a pest-free scientific and historic reserve, every visitor must undergo a quick check of their bags and footwear to ensure no hitchhiking seeds, insects, or rodents make it ashore. It is a small price to pay to protect the vibrant ecosystem that has flourished here since the late 1980s.
Once you’re through the biosecurity building, the Matiu/Somes Island Loop Track beckons. The terrain is a well-maintained gravel path that gently climbs from the wharf area to the island’s plateau. The track is considered easy and is very kid-friendly, though there are a few gentle inclines and some steps to navigate as you circle the 24.9-hectare island.
Walking this trail feels like stepping into a peaceful, green time capsule. As you follow the path, you are treated to a constant rotation of 360-degree panoramic vistas. To the west, the Wellington city skyline stands tall against the hills; to the north, the industrial heart of Petone and the Hutt Valley stretches out; and to the east and south, the rugged coastline of Eastbourne and the wild entrance to the harbour remind you of the city's coastal exposure. The air here smells of salt spray and manuka, and the only sounds you’ll hear are the wind in the regenerating bush and the chatter of native birds.
Parking is available at the ferry departure points on the mainland. For Queens Wharf in Wellington, street parking is available nearby. At Days Bay, parking is also available.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Nestor meridionalis
Large forest parrot found in native bush. Loud and social, increasingly common in predator-controlled sanctuaries.
Best time: Year-round
Phalacrocorax punctatus
Endemic to New Zealand, these cormorants are distinguished by their pale grey plumage and double crests during breeding season.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
100m away
Situated directly opposite Days Bay Wharf, this cafe and restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner with wood-fired pizzas, great coffee, and beautiful views of the bay.
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Loop
One of the most compelling aspects of this walk is that the island isn't just a nature reserve; it is a living museum.
The WWII Gun Emplacements: At the island’s highest point, you will find the remnants of heavy anti-aircraft gun emplacements built during World War II. It’s a sobering yet fascinating spot where you can stand where soldiers once watched the skies, all while enjoying some of the best views in the Wellington region.
The Lighthouse: On the southern tip of the island stands a quaint, white lighthouse. First established in 1866 to guide ships through the often-treacherous harbour entrance, the current structure was built in 1900. It’s a classic photo opportunity and a reminder of the island’s long-standing role as a sentinel for the city.
The Historical Buildings: As you walk, you will pass buildings that served as human and animal quarantine stations. The interpretive signs do a fantastic job of explaining how the island was used to isolate new arrivals to New Zealand—both two-legged and four-legged—to prevent the spread of disease.
360-Degree Viewpoints: There are several designated lookout points along the loop. On a clear day, the contrast between the deep blue of the harbour and the green of the island’s regenerating forest is nothing short of spectacular. It is the perfect place to sit on a bench and simply soak in the tranquillity.
Accessing the Matiu/Somes Island Loop Track is half the fun, as it requires a trip with East by West Ferries.
From Wellington City: Ferries depart regularly from Queens Wharf. This is the most convenient option for those staying in the CBD. There is plenty of paid street parking nearby, though using public transport to get to the wharf is often easier. From Days Bay: If you are coming from the Hutt Valley or Eastbourne side, the ferry departs from the Days Bay Wharf. Parking is available along the beachfront at Days Bay, though it can get busy on sunny weekends.
Once the ferry drops you off, you have about 1 to 1.5 hours to complete the loop at a leisurely pace, though most people choose to stay for several hours to explore the side tracks and enjoy a picnic.
Because the island is predator-free, the wildlife is the real star of the show. You don't have to be an expert birdwatcher to appreciate the abundance of life here.
Tip: Bring a pair of binoculars if you have them. While the birds are often quite bold, binoculars will help you spot the Kākāriki high in the canopy or the shags nesting on the steep cliffs.
The Matiu/Somes Island Loop Track is a great year-round destination, but each season offers something different:
Matiu/Somes Island holds deep cultural significance. It is owned by the local Māori iwi, Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika, and managed in partnership with the Department of Conservation (DOC). For centuries, the island served as a sanctuary and a strategic pā (fortified village) site for Māori. The name Matiu is said to have been given by Kupe, the legendary Polynesian explorer, named after one of his daughters.
In colonial times, the island’s isolation made it the perfect site for less pleasant necessities. It served as a human quarantine station for passengers arriving on ships with infectious diseases, and later as an animal quarantine station. During both World War I and World War II, the island was used as an internment camp for "enemy aliens"—mostly German and Italian residents who were considered a potential risk.
Today, the island has been transformed. It is a symbol of ecological restoration, with decades of work by volunteers who have planted thousands of native trees to replace the farmland that once covered the island. Walking the loop track today, you are seeing the result of one of New Zealand's most successful community-led conservation efforts.
Once you’ve caught the ferry back to the mainland, you’ll likely be ready for some refreshments. Depending on which side of the harbour you return to, there are some fantastic options:
The Matiu/Somes Island Loop Track is more than just a walk; it’s a journey through time and a breath of fresh air in the middle of the city. Whether you’re there for the history, the birds, or the views, it’s a Wellington experience you won't soon forget.
Eudyptula minor
The smallest penguin species globally, these 'little blue penguins' can occasionally be seen near the Kaikoura coastline, especially around dusk as they return to their burrows.
Best time: Spring-Summer
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Larus dominicanus
The largest and one of the most abundant gulls in New Zealand, often seen scavenging along the coast.
Best time: Year-round
Zosterops lateralis
Small bird with distinctive white eye-ring. Commonly seen in flocks, feeding on insects, fruit, and nectar.
Best time: Year-round
200m away
A premier waterfront dining destination on Queens Wharf, known for its fresh seafood, in-house dry-aged beef, and stunning harbour views. Offers a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere.
200m away
A fun and energetic waterfront eatery on Queens Wharf, bringing a Cape Cod vibe with king crabs, Cajun-style boil-ups, and a casual atmosphere. Family-friendly.
300m away
Located in a beautiful heritage building on Queens Wharf, offering a blend of 1930s glamour with delicious food, extensive wine, and cocktails. Features harbour views and a large living green wall.
300m away
A popular cafe near Queens Wharf, praised for its great coffee and friendly staff, perfect for a pre-ferry caffeine fix.