Walk Details
NZ Walking Routes > Wellington > Wellington City > Matiu/Some Island- scientific and historic reserve
Matiu/Some Island- scientific and historic reserve
- Location
- Matiu/Somes Island is located in Te Whanganui-a-Tara/Wellington Harbour.
- Description
Matiu/Somes Island Scientific and Historic Reserve is a tranquil retreat for wildlife and visitors alike. The island opened to the public as a Department of Conservation (DOC) scientific and historic reserve in 1995. In 2008, Matiu/Somes Island was included in the Treaty of Waitangi cultural redress for the Port Nicholson Block Settlement Trust and will be returned to iwi ownership.
We encourage you to visit the lighthouse, count the number of skinks that skitter off the track, and then pause for a moment to reflect on the island’s past, present and future. After all, you are a part of the next chapter in Matiu/Somes Island’s extraordinary history.
This video highlights the natural and historic heritage of Wellington Harbour's Scientific and Historic Reserve. Viewers can glimpse endangered species such as tuatara and giant weta- one of the world's heaviest insects- and learn about the island's rich history, from Maori settlement to human and animal quarantine station to today's tranquil conservation sanctuary.
- Discussion
- Start a discussion on this walk