Quail Island

Quail Island in Christchurch: New Zealand’s WEIRDEST Island – New Zealand's Biggest Gap Year

Day 225: Today we are back in Christchurch! This time, we are taking a ferry over to Quail Island – a New Zealand island with a usual and weird past. Join us as we go discover Christchurch’s Quail Island.

Yesterday - Day 224 ➜

Tomorrow – Day 226 ➜

30 Tips for Backpacking in New Zealand ➜

-- About this video –

Today we are back in the city of Christchurch. We are heading over to Lyttleton to take the Black Cat Cruises Ferry to the fascinating Quail Island. This island not only seems cursed with the amount of stories of people dying soon after their visit, but this island used to be a quarantine station and leprosy colony.

So here we are, if you ever wondered where a New Zealand leprosy colony would be, it’s Quail Island. Aside from interesting history, Quail Island in Christchurch is home to a network of walks through forests and along beaches. There are plenty of New Zealand birds to see and the whole Quail Island can be explored within a day.

If you are looking for an island to visit in New Zealand, definitely consider Quail Island in the Lyttelton Harbour. It’s definitely one of the alternative things to do in Christchurch or things to do in Lyttelton.

So what do you think of this unusual island in New Zealand? Would you add Quail Island to your Christchurch travel itinerary? LUK in the comments

#NZMustDo #BackpackerGuideNZ #Christchurch #NewZealandVlog #NewZealand

Subscribe ➜

Share ➜

Web ➜

Connect on Social Media

YouTube Channel ➜

FB ➜

IG ➜

Pinterest ➜

Twitter ➜

-- New Zealand Biggest Gap Year --

365 Days: 365 Activities

BackpackerGuide.NZ is New Zealand’s biggest online travel guide for adventure and budget travel in New Zealand. Join us, as the team behind BackpackerGuide.NZ, Robin and Laura, update the travel guide while taking on 365 Days: 365 Activities in New Zealand! It’s New Zealand’s Biggest Gap Year! We release new videos of the New Zealand backpacking adventure every single day, as well as New Zealand travel tips and 360 videos every Sunday so start making your New Zealand bucket list!

Read more about this visit to Quail Island in New Zealand’s biggest guide for backpackers:

-- More Things to Do in Christchurch New Zealand –

10 Christchurch Must-Dos ➜

Christchurch City – Guide for Backpackers ➜

10 Best Budget Accommodation in Christchurch ➜

8 Best Backpacker Hostels in Christchurch ➜

14 Free or Cheap Things to Do in Christchurch ➜

Cheap Eats in Christchurch ➜

Explore Quail Island | New Zealand

Explore the beauty and history of Quail Island, New Zealand.

SEE MORE NATURE:


FOLLOW US:

Quail island Christchurch New Zealand

my not so Long First Vlog still learning how to do this lol :-)

Walk with me on the Quail Island, Christchurch, New Zealand,

Ōtamahua/Quail Island is an inner harbour island, reached via a short ferry ride from Lyttelton. It's Canterbury’s largest island but is easily explored in a day.
Wildlife
Birds such as black-backed/karoro and red-billed gull/tarāpunga, white-flippered penguins/kororā, terns, shags and oystercatchers are often seen from the observation point. Fantails/pīwakawaka and grey warblers/ iroriro are present on the island.

Banks Peninsula tree weta have recently been transferred to the island - you may see custom-built weta homes attached to the trunks of manuka trees.

On warm summer days you’re likely to spot resident lizards like geckos and skinks.

The Ōtamahua/Quail Island Ecological Restoration Trust and DOC are working to establish native vegetation and re-introduce native wildlife. A maintained network of traps protects the island from introduced predators, with the exception of mice. The island has been free of possums, rabbits, cats, hedgehogs, mustelids and rats since 2006.
Know before you go
Toilets are located at Whakamaru Beach (swimmers beach), Skiers Beach and the Caretaker's Cottage.
Most track surfaces on the island are evenly graded or grassed, but sturdy footwear is recommended.
The island contains a number of tracks used by the Ōtamahua/Quail Island Ecological Restoration Trust for planting access. Stay on 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 very exposed.
All walking times are approximate.
There are preciptitous unfenced cliffs. Supervise small children at all times.
There is a danger of windfall or treefall in high or gusty wind conditions.
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 fires except gas-fired BBQs in the picnic area on Whakamaru Beach (swimmers beach).
All animals, including dogs, are prohibited, as is the carrying of firearms.
All wildlife, plants, natural and historic features are protected. Be respectful.
Take home your rubbish.
No unauthorised vehicles (including mountain bikes) allowed.
Camping is permitted only in designated areas.
Bait stations and predator traps are in use at all times. Read the warning signs on the wharf and around the island.
Do not remove rocks from the sea wall along the beach.
Camping on the island for approved groups

Overnight camping on the island is available at Whakamaru Beach (swimmers beach) for approved groups.

Quail Island / Otamahua

Quail Island / Otamahua lies in the flooded crater of an extinct volcano, which created the natural haven of lyttelton harbour.
For such a small island, barely 18 hectares, Quail has quite a history.
A trip to Quail Island offers beautiful scenery, great walks, a secluded beach, shipwrecks, native New Zealand plant and bird life along with a glimpse into it's fascinating past and links to the early New Zealand settler's and Antarctica.
Black Cat Cruises offer a daily ferry service to Quail Island from October through to April. Visit our website for more details.

Ngāti Wheke pou erected on Otamahua (Quail Island)

Otamahua (Quail Island), a little island near Christchurch has an interesting past. It's been a farm, a quarantine centre, even a leper colony. But it's hoped a new carving that's just been erected on the island signals a new chapter in the history of Otamahua. As Hania Douglas reports, Ngāi Tahu and DoC are working together on a regeneration plan for the island.

Quail Island New Zealand

Some friends and I kayaked out to Quail Island off the coast of Cass Bay, Christchurch in New Zealand and went exploring.

Feel free to comment and question below. Don't forget to like and subscribe.

You can find me on:
Facebook:
Instagram:
Tumblr:
Twitter:
Snapchat: @ mizawizakiza
Periscope: @ Kiwibanana
Pinterest:

QUAIL ISLAND!!!!!!!!!!!!

22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22

Quail Island

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. Meet the Locals is a partnership between DOC and TVNZ 6 and is distributed by Bush Telly with permission.

Quail Island 2018

Quail Island 2018 Lytlleton Black Cat Cruise Canterbury New Zealand

Quail Island behind the scenes

Quail Island to Cass Bay

Kayaking in Cass Bay, Christchurch, New Zealand. Trip from Cass Bay to Quail Island and back. Average waves.

Quail Island and ferry

Lyttelton Harbour's Quail Island is just 15 minutes from Christchruch. Discover where Antarctica explorer Scott trained his dogs and ponies, an early leper colony, a quarantine station and shipwrecks. Ferry departs daily from September to April

Quail Island 2017

4 kms via Thirsty Sound to Stanage Bay Township, boasting two shops, Hotel & Fuel Dept serviced by a twice weekly mail service.
Access to the Island is by boat via Stanage Bay with Rockhampton being the major regional centre approx. 170 kms south.
Quail Island has its own radio telephone, satellite internet & television reception.
The Island has its own 1000Mtr Airstrip.
Solar power services the main homestead & is supported by a backup generator.
This sub-tropical Island has gently undulating hills timbered with narrow leaf Ironbark, Bloodwood & coastal scrub rising to the steeper hills at Mt Spy Glass & Mt Arthur. (All accessible to cattle).
The country is mainly grassed with Forest Mitchell & supported by soft native grasses under sown in areas with seca, Wynncassia &Verano stylos.
10 dams at various sites throughout the property with 2 dams interconnected via 1 ½ poly & connected to an elevated 5000 gal tanks servicing troughs & houses.
Main Homestead, Managers & Workers Cottages are all serviced by rain water.
Sub-divided into 7 main paddocks, the main cattleyards are steel construction located centrally c/w new vet crush & ramp, supported by 2 sets of trap & loading yards.
Main Homestead is double story steel framed open plan living, 2 bathrooms with combined kitchen & dining area, positioned with commanding views across the property taking in the many beaches & Pacific Ocean.
Managers Residence is a 4 bedroom lowset house with 1 bathroom & own septic.
Workers Cottage 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom in need of general repairs.
Approx. 70 Brahman Charbray breeders included. Along with extensive plant
Carrying capacity approx. 230 – 250 breeders with progeny to weaners. (Deer & Sheep also present)
The vendors have owned the island since the 1960’s. They are now retiring & invite offers to purchase their island paradise on a walk in walk out basis.

Disclaimer: The Particulars contained herein are supplied for information only & shall not be taken as a representation in any respect on the part of the Vendor or its Agent. Interested parties should contact the nominated person or office for full & current details.

The Caves - Quail Island (SUP New Zealand)

A Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) mission from Cass Bay around Quail Island, Lyttelton Harbour, Christchurch, New Zealand. SUP riders Paul Swettenham & Alex Head. Video by Sunstone.

Quail Island, is it worth a visit??

Join us for a 1/2 day out at Quail Island as we explorer this small island in the middle of Lyttelton Harbour.
It has been many things over the last 100+ years, NZ's only Leprosy colony, a Quarantine island for people with infectious diseases, a farm and a sled dog training facility for Antarctic explorers.
We took the ferry from Lyttelton to Quail Island which is about a 10 min boat ride and spent 5 hours on the island exploring, there are toilets and clean drinking water on the island and a nice sheltered bay on the south side for swimming if that's what you like.
All in all it was an enjoyable day and well worth the visit.

Thanks for watching

Music courtesy of

Christchurch Gondola - Bird's eye view at Lyttelton Harbour / Quail Island

Quail Island Adventure

We all went to Quail Island for a easter coloured pebble hunt. Ruby didn't!?! We walked walked all over the island, bit of a larger walk than what we thunk. Good tho, did manage to find 4 pebbles. not too bad. good fun, nice island

Quail Island/Ōtamahua | Island in Charteris Bay

Quail Island/Ōtamahua is a small island which can be reached by a short ferry ride from Lyttelton harbour. We had an amazing day here last summer, walking on the island.
More information:
Follow us on Instagram:

Quail Island Kiwi Ranger Experience

Kiwi Ranger is a fun and interactive programme that lets you get to know some of our most special places better. It's for people of all ages. The programme has been launched successfully is six other spots throughout New Zealand and now it'son Quail Island in Lyttelton Harbour, near Christchurch.

The adventure will get you exploring Quail Island, reflect on a living a lonely island life with no TV or Xbox, imagine a living vessel at the ship's graveyard, compete in the race to the pole, explore the traditional values of plants to providing nature's services or be inspired to become a 'word witch' in the place that Margaret Mahy wrote.
Ōtamahua / Quail Island Kiwi Ranger was developed by DOC and Shades of Green, Rapaki Runanga, the Otamahua/Quail Island Restoration Trust and Black Cat Cruises.