We've always wondered what's on that island in the middle of the Wellington harbour. East by West Ferries to Somes Island was on half price on GrabOne ($12 pp return) so we paid a visit to this historic reserve that was once used as a quarantine centre and military defence position. The island is also home to native plants and animals and requires all visitors to undergo a biosecurity check upon arrival to prevent unwanted pests from entering this protected reserve.



This lighthouse is still in use today to guide maritime traffic across the harbour.


Shag Rock lookout, named after the spotted shag (bird) colony that lives here.




Quarantine station used to house humans and animals with diseases


Views of Wellington from Southern lookout


Oei not supposed to climb on trigs lah


Remains of WWII gun emplacements that were built in 1942 to defend the capital against enemy aircraft but never had to be used in war.


One of the five remaining concrete structures on the summit