Ōtamahua/Quail Island tracks

Walking track

Time:  

2 hr 30 min for complete island circuit

Distance:  

4.5 km

Getting there

A regular bus service runs between Christchurch city and Lyttelton (#28) and includes a stop at B jetty. Further information about bus services is available from BUSinfo phone +64 3 366 8855. 

Black Cat Cruises operate a regular 7 day ferry service to the island during summer and a weekend service during winter.

Description

Whakamaru Beach (Swimmers beach)

Time: 10 minutes
Grade: Walking track

Although the track from the ferry jetty is a little steep, it’s worth the climb down to the beach and the track surface is suitable for mountain-buggies. The beach is a safe place for swimming as it shelves out gently and the bay is reasonably sheltered from the winds that might whip up the harbour waters. It is a great spot to spend some time, have a picnic lunch, fossick amongst the rocks or beach-comb for shells and seaweed to decorate a sand sculpture.  

Discovery trail

Time: 1 hour
Grade: Walking track

Take the main track from the ferry jetty. It’s a bit of a climb up behind the shelter, through a wooded area above the rocky shoreline to the heritage centre. The heritage centre in the old farmhouse on the island has panels on the cultural and natural history of the island, plus a scale model of the island.

From the centre, follow the tractor path behind the building that heads towards the island summit at the centre of the island. You will pass through a large area of replanting, the work of the Ōtamahua / Quail Island Ecological Restoration Trust. The trust and DOC are working in partnership to remove pests, re-plant the island, and re-introduce native wildlife.

When you reach a sign-posted junction, turn left. This will lead you past the dog kennels and then down to Whakamaru Beach.

Ōtamahua/Quail Island Track (full island circuit)

Time: 2 hr 30 min
Grade: walking track

From the heritage centre, take the track that passes across the front of the building, through open grassland and along the basalt cliff tops to the Ward brothers' old cottage site. From here it leads to the northern point of the island and the bird observation barricade.  Views extend down the harbour and across to Rapaki.   

Turn south-west and skirt the stock dam to reach a vantage point where there is an excellent view of the ships’ graveyard, which contains wrecks of at least fourteen ships scuttled off-shore. 

Continue along to the southern-most point of the island above Walkers Beach and past the quarry workings. The grave of Ivon Skelton, the only leprosy sufferer to pass away on the island, is found here within a neat picket fence. 

Around the point the track turns north behind the skiers beach to the terraces where the leprosy colony buildings once stood. View the replica cottage (built by students of Catholic Cathedral College) and walk past the stone terraces admiring the craftsmanship of early twentieth century prisoners from the Lyttelton Gaol. Turn left to climb a short distance to the dog kennels’ site, and a replica of these also built by students. 

Return back to the main track through the oak grove, and then descend to Whakamaru Beach and human quarantine barracks. Wind around the beachfront past the historic stock jetty and back to the ferry jetty.

Plan and prepare

For your safety

• Most track surfaces on the island are evenly graded or grassed, but sturdy footwear is recommended for the longer walks for your comfort and safety.
• Carry adequate clothing and be prepared for sudden changes in the weather - parts of the island are very exposed.
• All walking times are approximate.
• Ötamahua / Quail Island is at times subject to extreme fire danger. Take care

If fire breaks out on the island:

• Head to the nearest beach or coastal area, if it is safe to do so.
• If you have a cell-phone, dial 111 for fire.

Please note:

• All wildlife, plants, and natural and historic features are protected. Please avoid damaging recently planted trees.
• Animals, including dogs, are prohibited, as is the carrying of firearms.
• Please take home all your rubbish
• No unauthorised vehicles (including mountain bikes) are allowed.
• No fires except gas-fired BBQs in the picnic area on Whakamaru Beach (swimmers beach)
• No camping
• Bait stations and predator traps are in use at all times, please read the warning signs on the wharf and around the island.
• Do not use the historic stock jetty - it is unsafe.
• Please do not remove rocks in the sea wall along the beach

What to expect on a walking track:

• Easy to moderate walking from a few minutes to a day
• Track is mostly well formed, some sections may be steep, rough or muddy
• Suitable for people with low to moderate fitness and abilities
• Clearly sign posted. Stream and river crossings are bridged
• Walking shoes or light tramping/hiking boots required

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