Matiu/Somes Island has had an extensive M?ori history and a varied, and a sometimes colourful and tragic, European one. Prior to the mid 17th century there were 2 M?ori Pa on the island, however, like the Ngati Ira Pa on Ward Island, they were not permanently inhabited, being "Pa of refuge" where the tribes people could retreat to in times of war. One was in the centre of the island and little more than the remains of some middens are left there, however there was another Pa on the northern tip of the island, strategically positioned with cliffs on three sides for ease of defence.
The more recent history of the island has been most wonderful. A 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. This whole area was levelled flat for the purpose of this construction, with the result that 17 metres was removed from the island's previous overall height. Adegaussing station was built to provide protection for ships against magnetic mines. Many of the physical features of these sites are present on the island today
