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

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

50m highest point

Dogs
No

About the trail

Mātiu/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. 

Mātiu/Somes Island is only accessible by booking through East by West Ferries. The 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.

Matiu Somes Island in the Wellington Harbour.

Looking for more?

At start of items
The teal-coloured Ika Rere electric ferry leaves its berth on the Wellington waterfront to head out into the harbour. The Wellington skyline is behind it.

East By West Ferries

Sail Wellington’s harbour with East by West Ferries from Queens Wharf to Days Bay and Mātiu/Somes Island. Enjoy stunning views then some outdoor activities.

The view overlooking Wellington and the harbour from the summit of Mount Kaukau on the Skyline Walkway.

Northern Walkway

Northern Walkway is a half-day walk through Wellington's outer green belt. Discover abandoned railway tunnels, great views and scenic reserves.

The bright blue water and rugged coastline at Red Rocks on Wellington's south coast.

Red Rocks Coastal Walk

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveRed Rocks Coastal Walk is a flat easy walk around Wellington's rugged south coast. Look out for fur seals and enjoy views of the South Island.

Two people take a selfie together at the Mount Victoria Lookout overlooking Wellington.

Southern Walkway

Southern Walkway is a 4 to 6-hour walk on Wellington's Town Belt between the city and Island Bay. Walk to Mount Victoria past Lord of the Rings film locations.

The Juvenile Delinquent trail at Centennial Reserve in Miramar.

Juvenile Delinquent

Centennial ReserveJuvie is a great trail to start out on. Warm up before another track or practice your skills as a beginner mountain biker.

A skate park with some graffiti tags on the pavement.

Kids Track

Centennial ReserveKids Track is a fun mountain bike track in Centennial Reserve for kids or beginners to test their skills with rollers and small structures.

The Nevay Link track at Centennial Reserve in Miramar.

Nevay Link

Centennial ReserveNevay Link is a short access track for mountain bikers into Centennial Reserve from Nevay Road to the Juvenile Delinquent trail.

A birdseye view of the Eastern Walkway and the surrounding water, a hiking trail in Wellington, New Zealand.

Eastern Walkway

The Eastern Walkway has big coastal views from the Miramar Peninsula. The easy track follows native bush along the coast and goes past the Atatürk war memorial.

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

Wellington Botanic Garden trails

Wellington Botanic Garden offers views and surprises near the city, with easy walking trails around native forest and bush, blossoming flowers, and sculptures.

A dog on a leash going over a boardwalk on Redwood Bush Loop in Tawa.

Redwood Bush Loop

Redwood Bush Loop is an easy one-hour walk in Tawa through mature tawa, matai, and rata trees. The ridgeline provides great views over northern Wellington.