Timeline
08:00
Grab a morning pie and coffee at Puku Pies & Kai. It is best to go early, right when it opens at 08:00 on weekends or 07:00 on weekdays, to avoid the mid-morning rush.
08:15
Walk 11 minutes from the café to Honiana Te Puni Reserve. This is the main viewing spot for the island. Arrive here before your ferry to find a quiet bench and get your bearings.
09:00
Take the ferry from Queen's Wharf in Wellington City to Matiu/Somes Island. The ferry only stops at the island upon request at certain times, so check the schedule and speak to the crew as you board.
10:30
Return to the reserve after your island visit. Use this time to review the history of the quarantine station and internment camp while enjoying the harbour views.
Local tip
The ferry service is limited. Confirm the departure times from Queen's Wharf in advance as the island is only accessible at specific times.
Check before you go
- Puku Pies & Kai opens at 08:00 on weekends and 07:00 on weekdays.
- Ferry stops at Matiu/Somes Island are by request only.
- Check the current ferry schedule from Wellington City before you go.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Wellington (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).