Top of the lighthouse on Matiu / Somes Island, over looking Wellington harbour, New Zealand

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Matiu/Somes Island, is the largest of three islands in the northern half of Wellington Harbour, New Zealand. The lighthouse was built at the island's southwestern end in 1866, the first harbour light in New Zealand. The lighthouse that stands in place of the original today was constructed in 1900 and later automated. At various points throughout the 20th century it hosted enemy alien internees during wartime, and quarantine facilities for both human immigrants and animals. In 1942, the island was fortified with heavy anti-aircraft gun emplacements on the summit, but these were never used during the course of the war.

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Size: 5100px × 3414px
Location: Matiu / Somes Island, Wellington Harbour, New Zealand
Photo credit: © Nigel Watts / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: australasia, bay, capital, centre, harbour, island, kupe, lighthouse, matiu, nz, oceania, somes, tourism, townscape, travel, water, wellington, zealand