Quail Island, Lyttelton Harbour.
Ōtamahua/Quail Island is an inner harbour island, reached via a short ferry ride from Christchurch. It is Canterbury’s largest island but is easily explored in a day.
Ōtamahua/Quail Island is rich in history and culture. The Ōtamahua/Quail Island Ecological Restoration Trust and DOC are working to remove pests, revegetate and eventually re-introduce native wildlife on the island.
The Ōtamahua/Quail Island Track gives you access to swimming and water-skiing beaches, historic sites and a bird-watching barricade. You can also volunteer for autumn and spring tree planting days.
There are no places to stay on the island.
Find out how to get to Ōtamahua/Quail Island and how to look after yourself and the island while you're there.
Ōtumahua or Quail Island, sits like a jewel, safely tucked away in Lyttleton Harbour. Watch this video to discover how the community are protecting the wildlife there.
Ōtumahua or Quail Island is a short ferry ride from Lyttelton. It's colourful history includes some special stories of our most important Antarctic explorers.
Ōtamahua/Quail Island brochure (PDF, 521K)
NZ weather
New Zealand topographic maps are available from DOC Visitor Centres
Stop the spread of didymo
Check, Clean, Dry all items before entering, and when moving between, waterways.
Safety information
Always contact the nearest visitor centre for the latest information about facilities and conditions.
Ōtamahua/Quail Island Ecological Restoration TrustContact: Ian McDonaldE-mail: ihmacd@paradise.net.nzPhone: +64 3 332 5322
