Ōtamahua/Quail Island tracks
Located in Christchurch area and Ōtamahua/Quail Island Recreation Reserve in the Canterbury region
Introduction
The beautiful and pest free Ōtamahua is home to historic sites such as the ship’s graveyard and the quarantine barracks. It has swimming and waterskiing beaches and a bird-watching barricade.4.5 km
Dog access
Image gallery
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Te Hamo o Tū Te Rakiwhānoa – whenua pou representing the significant cultural history of the island and its importance to Ngāti Wheke Image: Summer McKinnon | DOC
![Te Hamo o Tū Te Rakiwhānoa – whenua pou.]( "Te Hamo o Tū Te Rakiwhānoa – whenua pou.")
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Ferry jetty on Ōtamahua/Quail Island Image: Summer McKinnon | DOC
![Ferry jetty on Ōtamahua/Quail Island.]( "Ferry jetty on Ōtamahua/Quail Island.")
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Track on Ōtamahua/Quail Island. Image: Summer McKinnon | DOC
![Track on Ōtamahua/Quail Island.]( "Track on Ōtamahua/Quail Island.")
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View from Quail Island/Ōtamahua Image: Abi | Creative Commons
![View from Quail Island.]( "View from Quail Island.")
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Ship graveyard on Ōtamahua/Quail Island Image: Abi | Creative Commons
![View from Quail Island.]( "View from Quail Island.")
Video
Whakamaru Beach (Swimmers beach)
Time: 5 min
Grade: Short walk
Beginning from the ferry jetty the track is a little steep in places, but you soon drop down to the beach. 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. It is a great spot to have a picnic lunch on the grass. You can fossick amongst the rocks or beachcomb for shells and explore the interpretative displays in the historic Barracks buildings to learn about the rich history of the island.
Ōtamahua/Quail Island Loop Track (full island circuit)
Time: 2 hr 30 min loop
Grade: Walking track
The track circumnavigates the island and can be walked in either direction but most follow the road from the ferry jetty towards Ōtamahua Hut.
From the ferry jetty there is a short, steep climb uphill, then the track turns to the right towards the historic stables. The track will lead you behind the stables and through an old pine windbreak before arriving at Ōtamahua Hut.
At Ōtamahua Hut the track passes across the front of the building, through open grassland and along the basalt cliff tops to the Ward brothers' old homestead site. From here it leads to the northern point of the island and the bird observation barricade. Enjoy sweeping views down the harbour and across to Rapaki from this exposed point.
Further along the track you will reach a vantage point where there is an excellent view of the ships' graveyard, which contains wrecks of at least 13 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 recorded as having died on the island, is found here.
Around the point the track turns north and drops down to Skiers Beach to the terraces where the human quarantine buildings once stood. View the replica leper hut (built by students of Catholic Cathedral College) and walk past the stone terraces admiring the craftsmanship of early 20th century prisoners from the Lyttelton Gaol.
From the east side of the terraces, a sign points the way to the replica dog kennels' site. This short climb leads to the site where Shackleton and Scott housed their dogs prior to departing for their Antarctic expeditions.
Return to the main track then descend to Whakamaru (Swimmers) Beach and the quarantine barracks. Stop at the barracks to visit the interpretative displays illustrating the rich history of the island.
Finish your loop by following the track along the beachfront back to the Ferry Jetty.
Summit Track
Time: 15 min
Grade: Walking track
Starting from the Ōtamahua Hut, walk the old tractor path as it gently climbs through native plantings towards the highest point on the island where you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding low mountains of the Port Hills and Banks Peninsula, and the bays of Lyttelton Harbour.
On the summit you can’t miss the impressive nine-metre tall pou whenua installed in 2019. Named “Te Hamo o Tū Te Rakiwhānoa”, these carved posts are traditionally used to mark territorial boundaries and areas of significance. It is carved in the form of a te hamo, a digging stick used to plant kūmara. The side piece jutting out is called the teka. Māori would put their foot on this as they used the stick to dig a hole. The pou represents the significant cultural history of the island and its importance to Ngāti Wheke.
The Summit Track can also be accessed from Whakamaru Beach via the Dog Kennel Track.
Dog Kennel Track
Time: 10 min
Grade: Walking track
This track offers access to the replica dog kennels historic site from Whakamaru Beach and is a short cut across the island if you have limited time.
Ōtamahua/Quail Island lies within Whakaraupō/Lyttelton Harbour, close to Christchurch City.
There is a regular ferry service from Lyttelton Wharf. Ensure you know when the last ferry leaves Quail Island to get back to Lyttelton. Once you’ve booked, you'll get a discount code. Black Cat Cruises schedule and fees.
Alternatively, you can make your own way to the Island by canoe, kayak or private boat.
Whakamaru (Swimmers) beach, Skiers Beach or Walkers Beach are the recommended places to land/launch canoes or kayaks. There is also plenty of room to pull up a boat. Care is required as these areas will be shallow or mud flats at low tide. The majority of the island’s coast is unsuitable for landings. Check the weather forecast before you leave for the island.
The wharf is not suitable for overnight mooring.
- Toilets are located at Ōtamahua Hut, Whakamaru Beach (Swimmers Beach) and Skiers Beach.
- Treated water is available from the taps located at the hut and Whakamaru Beach. This water is sourced from Christchurch's treated supply and can be consumed from the tap.
- Most track surfaces on the Island are evenly graded or grassed, but sturdy footwear is recommended.
- The Island contains a number of unmarked tracks used by the Ōtamahua / Quail Island Ecological Restoration Trust for planting access - stay on sign-marked tracks to avoid stepping on new plants and for your own personal safety.
- Carry adequate clothing and be prepared for sudden changes in the weather – parts of the Island are exposed.
- There are steep unfenced cliffs. Small children should be kept under close supervision at all times.
- There is a danger of windfall or treefall in high or gusty wind conditions.
- Mobile reception is available on the island.
- The wharf is not suitable for overnight mooring.
Ōtamahua/Quail Island is at times subject to extreme fire danger
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 mobile, dial 111 for fire.
Look after the island
- No open fires
- No animals, including dogs
- No unauthorised vehicles, including mountain bikes
- No firearms
- All wildlife, plants, and natural and historic features are protected. Be respectful and keep to the tracks.
- Take home all your rubbish.
- Bait stations and predator traps are in use at all time. Read the warning signs on the wharf and around the Island.
Protect our wildlife
- Check - your gear for pests, eg rodents, insects, skinks.
- Clean - footwear and gear, removing soil and seeds.
Check you are pest-free
Check, clean, and seal your gear to ensure you don't bring pests, soil, and seeds.
Contacts
| Mahaanui / Sockburn Office | |
| Phone: | +64 3 341 9100 |
| Fax: | +64 03 341 9101 |
| Email: | esienquiries@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
31 Nga Mahi Road Sockburn Christchurch |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 11089 Sockburn 8443 Christchurch |
| Full office details | |
