Day Trip on Matui/ Somes Island

1. Matui/Somes Island
by Joe and Leah Sumner

2. We went on the Ferry…

3. To an island in Wellington Harbour.

4. Matui Island was first discovered by
the Maori explorer Kupe.

5. It is now a Scientific and Historic
Reserve.

6. When you arrive everyone has to check their
bags for any mice, or seeds and brush the dirt
off their shoes.

7. There are lots of signs to help you find
things on the island.

8. It used to be a Quarantine Station.

9. It was an Internment Camp during the
wars.

10. There are some gun emplacements built in the
1942 but never had to be used in the war.

11. There are three on the top of the
island.

12. We had fun exploring the command
post.

13. This is the animal quarentine centre.

14. There are still lots of old machines in
the buildings.

15. There is a light-house.

16. Volunteers helped restore the native plants
and animals to Matui/Somes Isand.

17. Ship rats and other pests have been eradicated
from the island using traps like these.

18. DOC have built wētā hotels.

19. This is a Wellington tree wētā.

20. They have them all over the island.

21. There are many native birds. This is a
Shag.

22. This is a Red-crowned parakeet

23. There are some amazing views.

24. Somes island is a home for Tuataras

25. We saw two skinks basking in the sun.

26. We saw a seal resting on the rocks.

27. We’d recommend a trip to this
beautiful island!