Can you swim at Quail Island?
It has swimming and waterskiing beaches
and a bird-watching barricade.
Can you swim to Quail Island?
This swim has a special appeal, beyond the usual token orange marker buoys of open water swimming, it’s just one of the many reasons why the
Quail Island Crossing (4km) and Quail Island (8km) Circumnavigation are iconic Christchurch swims
.
How long does it take to walk around Quail Island?
There are 2 walkways available, one offers a walk of the circumference of the island and takes
around 2 hours
to complete and a shorter one hour option which also takes in a view of the shipwrecks, leprosy graves and the kennels used for Scott’s quarantined dogs.
How much does it cost to go to Quail Island?
Is there water on Quail Island?
The water on the island is drinkable
. Please do not walk on or near the new tree plantings. Please clean your shoes prior to boarding the vessel. We also recommend a trip with Christchurch Wildlife Cruises on Lyttelton Harbour.
Is there a toilet on Quail Island?
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.
How many shipwrecks are on Quail Island?
The western point of the island became a site for disposal of unwanted ships, deposited here to avoid becoming navigational hazards in the shallow waters of the inner harbour. The remains of
at least 13 ships
rust their way to oblivion, abandoned here between 1902 and 1953.
Can you kayak to Quail Island?
Ōtamahua / Quail Island is an inner harbour island,
reached via a short ferry ride or kayak paddle from Lyttelton
. It’s Canterbury’s largest island but is easily explored in a day. Easy grades make the walks on this island suitable for small children and family groups.
How long is the bridle path walk?
The track is a
2.4 km
long walk that ascends to the 333 metres (1,093 ft) high summit takes about an hour to walk in one direction. The number 28 Lyttelton/Rapaki bus can be used to connect between the ends of the walk.
How hard is the Rapaki track?
Track classification:
Grade 2, easy
: Mostly flat with some gentle climbs and easily avoidable obstacles. Route start details: Access: Park on Centaurus Road or Vernon Terrace.
How long is the Quail Island Ferry?
Spend a fascinating full day or half-day exploring picturesque and historic Quail Island by taking Black Cat Cruises Quail Island ferry – a short
15 minute
ferry ride from Lyttelton.
How do I get to Ripapa island?
The island is only accessible
by private boat or kayak
. It is located on the southern shores of Lyttelton Harbour (Whakaraupō), near Christchurch.
Where is Quail Island?
Quail Island (Māori: Ōtamahua or Te Kawakawa) officially Ōtamahua / Quail Island is an 81 ha (200 acres) uninhabited island
within Lyttelton Harbour / Whakaraupō in the South Island of New Zealand, close to Christchurch
.
How was Quail island formed?
Its origins are volcanic
. Over 20 million years ago a volcano erupted on a small island in the Pacific. Scientists believe the lava flowed from several vents between what is now Gebbies Pass and Ötamahua/Quail Island.
What are quail?
quail, any of roughly 130 species of small short-tailed game birds classified in the families Phasianidae and Odontophoridae (order Galliformes), resembling partridges but generally smaller and less robust.
Why is Quail Island so famous?
The island’s history of agriculture began in 1851 with the Ward brothers. After two of the brothers drowned in the harbour, the island passed through several hands until it was established as a Quarantine Station in 1875 for new immigrants. Later the island was used as an important animal quarantine facility.
What was quail island used for?
NZ Quarantine islands used by Antarctic expeditions. Quail Island, an 81-hectare island approximately 3 km from the port of Lyttelton, was used
as an animal quarantine station
for several Antarctic expeditions between 1901 and 1929. Remnants of their presence on the island remain.
Is the bridle path hard?
The trail starts in Heathcote at the car park between the Gondola and the Lyttelton tunnel portal. Be prepared for a good workout as
it is a steep walk
but the views from the summit are well worth the effort.
Can you bike the bridle path?
Bridle Path is a shared use track with walkers, runners and mountain bikers
. Riding downhill is a smooth and fast descent, control your speed and give way to those on foot. There are also great mountain bike tracks in the area surrounding Bridle Path.
How long is the Rapaki walk?
Try this
2.5-mile
loop trail near Martinborough, Wellington. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 7 min to complete. This trail is great for hiking and walking.
Can you take dogs up Rapaki track?
Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash
. This is a great ‘workout’ style walk on the Port Hills with great views over Lyttelton Harbour at the top. The track is popular with walkers, runners, and mountain bikers. You can return the same way or do a loop walk by returning via Huntsbury Track.
Is Godley head open?
The Godley Head loop track remains open
, with no evidence of asbestos in the loop track. But a section that passes through the military compound is closed due to its proximity to the car park and gun emplacement.
How do I get to Ripapa island?
The island is only accessible
by private boat or kayak
. It is located on the southern shores of Lyttelton Harbour (Whakaraupō), near Christchurch.
Where is Quail Island?
Quail Island (Māori: Ōtamahua or Te Kawakawa) officially Ōtamahua / Quail Island is an 81 ha (200 acres) uninhabited island
within Lyttelton Harbour / Whakaraupō in the South Island of New Zealand, close to Christchurch
.
What are quail?
quail, any of roughly 130 species of small short-tailed game birds classified in the families Phasianidae and Odontophoridae (order Galliformes), resembling partridges but generally smaller and less robust.
