Matiu/Somes Island

It is evident from its bilingual name, Matiu/Somes Island has had a rich Maori and European history. Once a traditional pa site of Te Whanganui-a-Tara Maori, through periods of being a quarantine station, an internment camp, and a military defence position, it now seeks to protect and preserve New Zealand native flora and fauna.

Te Atiawa has maintained kaitiakitanga (guardianship) of the island and manawhenua (primary authority over the land) of the region since the early 19th century.

Check the website for details about access to the island.

Image credit: Wikipedia user Hamedog