Matiu/Somes Island

I’ve been a few times, most recently in 2007 (that link has background information on the island) but it was Noreen’s first visit. We stayed overnight in the Forest and Bird House. Sam and Bex are back on a flying visit and joined us for the trip.

We caught the ferry from Eastbourne. This the view of the island

and us relaxing in the lounge when we arrived.

 

We went swimming,

jumping off the wharf

and photographing the wildlife.

There is a seal here. Can you spot it?

We had time to walk up to the highest point. This is the complex of animal quarantine buildings that were used up until the time the island ceased these activities.

We thought about throwing Bex off the lookout but thought better of it.

After dark we did a trip around the bush seeing giant weta, the back end of a tuatara, a shooting star and the International Space Station passing overhead. But sadly no little blue penguins which nest all across the island.

However next morning I was able to capture this touching mother-daughter bonding moment.

You may have noticed the pictures are a higher resolution. I have a new camera and am still in the experimental stage.