Wellington Regional Trails

Ramble around this stunning nature reserve that sits right in the middle of Wellington Harbour.

Walking time

40 min

Length

2.1km

Uses

Walking/Running

Type

Single track

Walking difficulty

Easy: Walking track

Profile

74m climb

-74m descent

Dogs

No

About the trail

Matiu/Somes Island sits in the middle of Wellington Harbour, boasting 360-degree views across the region.

The peaceful reserve is home to endangered native birds and other wildlife. It also features a long list of historic and ecological attractions. You’ll see native forest and plant life on your way to visit WWII gun emplacements, old quarantine buildings, and a quaint lighthouse.

Matiu/Somes Island is open to the public from 8:30am to 5pm all year, weather permitting. The trail is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

A view of Wellington Harbour/ Port Nicholson at golden hour with Matiu/Somes Island in the centre of the image.

Catch the East by West ferry to Matiu/Somes Island:

  • The ferry departs from Queens Wharf in Wellington and from Days Bay seven days a week.
  • If you’re travelling with a group of 20 or more, please book ahead.
  • Timetables and information are available from East by West Ferries.

You can also get to Matiu/Somes Island by private boat or kayak. For more information about boat access check with the Department of Conservation.

Matiu Somes Island in the Wellington Harbour.

Looking for more?

A person stands, taking a picture with their phone of a scenic view over the city of Wellington.

Northern Walkway

Take a journey through Wellington’s outer green belt and discover abandoned railway tunnels and expansive views.

Two people walking along the rocky beach at Red Rocks Coastal Walkway in Wellington, New Zealand.

Red Rocks Coastal Walk

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveExperience the wildest part of Wellington’s rugged south coast, where you might encounter a colony of fur seals and catch views of the South Island.

A person wearing a white hat and tee-shirt walks their two dogs on the Southern Walkway.

Southern Walkway

Start near Wellington’s city centre and follow the Town Belt through to Island Bay.

2 people looking out at pencarrow from the Eastern Walkway.

Eastern Walkway

Enjoy sweeping views over the south coast of Miramar Peninsula while walking through native bush on the Eastern Walkway. Loop back with an easy stroll along the coastline from Breaker Bay.

Three friends hike in Ōtari-Wilton's Bush surrounded by native trees.

Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush

There’s a wide variety of walks available at Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush, ranging from gentle 10-minute strolls to 2.5-hour hikes. Original forests and native botanic gardens attract plenty of native birds.

Mother and child walking down a concrete path surrounded by leafy trees and flowers.

Wellington Botanic Garden trails

Spectacular views are at every turn. Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā hosts exotic forest, native bush, floral displays, and themed gardens.

The Redwood Bush Loop trail in Tawa, Wellington region. There are descending wooden steps surrounded by forest.

Redwood Bush Loop

Enjoy native New Zealand flora and fauna in this preserved pocket of native forest.

Two people are walking up the steps in front of the Castlepoint Lighthouse in the Wairarapa region.

Castlepoint Lighthouse Walk

In a region full of wonderful vistas, this short trail along a wild, rugged coastline leads to one of the most recognisable landmarks in New Zealand.

A drone shot of two adults and two kids standing on a bridge over a river in Tararua Forest Park.

Donnelly Flat Loop Walk

An easy walk for the whole family among mature podocarp and broadleaf native trees in the Tararua Range.

Three people are standing with their arms raised facing the view of the harbour in the background at Te Whiti Riser, a hiking trail in Lower Hutt Wellington.

Te Whiti Riser

A popular all-weather walking and mountain biking track overlooking Wainuiomata and Lower Hutt.