Matiu/Somes Island. Photo: Paddy Richardson
Wellington's Matiu/Somes Island will reopen to visitors later this month after being closed most of the year.
The island's 85-year-old wharf needed replacing, which the Department of Conservation (DOC) says has been done in the expected timeframe and to budget.
Alongside the new wharf, there will also be changes to biosecurity procedures for visitors to help protect native species and maintain its pest-free status.
Angus Hulme-Moir, DOC operations manager for Kapiti-Wellington, told Morning Report on Monday it was critical to keep pests off the island.
"Matiu/Somes Island is home to nesting populations of kororā and kākāriki, as well as rare species like tuatara and wētā, while also being a popular destination for tourists and locals alike."
Matiu Somes Island to reopen to visitors
East By West Ferries will recommence its ferry services to Mātiu/Somes Island as soon as the island is open again.
"Mātiu/Somes is one of the most accessible of New Zealand's island sanctuaries, and it is a significant part of our business each year - so we are excited to take visitors out again after a gap of several months." said general manager Mat Jonsson.
Meanwhile Te Whatanui Winiata, chair of the Kaitiaki Board - which governs the island - was pleased the island would be open in time for summer.
Normally around 20,000 people visit the island each year, which Hulme-Moir called a "magic spot right in the middle of the harbour".
"I think there'll be a bit of pent-up demand, so we're looking forward to welcoming them now.
"We're going to have a ceremony where we, the Taranaki whanau, will lift the rahui that's been on the island. And then following that, the island will be reopened to the public on the 22nd."
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