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How did Matiu Somes Island get its name?
The island was given its Māori name by Kupe 1000 years ago. After European settlement the island was named after the Deputy Governor of the New Zealand Company, Joseph Somes. In 1997, in recognition of its bicultural heritage, the Geographic Board assigned the island its current name of Matiu-Somes Island.
Can you swim on Somes Island?
Can you swim on Somes Island? You sure can! The main beach section for swimming is just to the left of where the ferry arrives. The ranger will let you know where exactly this is during the quarantine process but it’s not more than five-minutes walk.
How much does Somes Island cost?
Fares
| Queens Wharf – Days Bay | 1 way | Return |
|---|---|---|
| Matiu/Somes Island | 1 way | Return |
| Adult | – | $25.00 |
| Concession / Child (5 – 15 years)* | – | $13.00 |
| Family (2 Adults & 4 Children) | – | $68.00 |
Can you stay on Somes Island?
You can stay on Mātiu/Somes Island any day of the year except for Christmas Day. It is accessed by The Dominion Post East By West ferry. The island has three permanent rangers, a kaitiaki ranger representing iwi and two summer volunteer rangers.
Where is Matiu Walters from?
Auckland
A: I was born and raised in Auckland, so the Blues are my team. That’s where I am from.
What is the Wellington Harbour called?
Port Nicholson
Wellington Harbour, also called Port Nicholson, inlet of Cook Strait indenting southern North Island, New Zealand.
Can you land on Somes Island?
Matiu/Somes Island Scientific Reserve You may land only at the main wharf and nearby beach on the northeast point of the Island. No landing is permitted at any time along other parts of the shoreline – shown in red on the boat and kayak access map. Fishing is not permitted from the island.
How long does it take to walk around Somes Island?
About 3 hours
About 3 hours trekking should suffice for a visit to Somes Island.
Is Somes Island Open?
The island is open to the public from 8:30 am to 5 pm daily.
Can you stay overnight on Somes Island?
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.
Can you take dogs to Somes Island?
Pets and bicycles are not permitted on the islands. Cover photo by Owen Calder. Located in Te Whanganui-a-Tara/Wellington Harbour, Matiu/Somes Island is owned by local Māori, Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika, and offers a tranquil retreat for visitors and wildlife.
What iwi is Matiu Walters?
The manu tioriori, lead singer Matiu Walters, is from Te Kao, Ahipara and Kawakawa.
Why is Matiu/Somes Island so important?
Matiu/Somes Island’s harbour location near a major settlement means it was perfectly placed to have a key role in New Zealand’s defence history. During World War I (1914-1918) the human quarantine barracks were used to hold enemy aliens who were considered a risk to New Zealand’s security.
Why was Somes Island so important to New Zealand?
Islands close to major settlements were often used to quarantine people with highly infectious diseases and Somes Island was no exception. Being an isolated island nation, New Zealand was keen to protect itself from diseases such as typhoid, smallpox and scarlet fever. Immigrants arriving in Wellington harbour were cleared through Somes Island.
What is the history of Somes Island?
Learn more about this part of the island’s past. Islands close to major settlements were often used to quarantine people with highly infectious diseases and Somes Island was no exception. Being an isolated island nation, New Zealand was keen to protect itself from diseases such as typhoid, smallpox and scarlet fever.