10 October 2026
Low cloud, with the chance of an evening shower. Northeasterlies, strong in exposed places, easing at night.
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1 / 21Christchurch area
Ōtamahua/Quail Island tracks
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.
Distance
4.5 km
Walking time
2 hr 30 min for complete island circuit
Difficulty
Easy
Dogs
Not allowed
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
No active alerts found. Conditions can still change, so check again before leaving.
Weather outlook
Christchurch forecast
Issued 10 Oct 2026, 4:55 pm
11 October 2026
Mainly fine but isolated afternoon showers. Northeasterlies, easing by evening.
12 October 2026
Fine. Light winds, then northeasterlies developing in the afternoon.
13 October 2026
Fine, but becoming cloudy in the evening. Northwesterlies developing in the morning.
14 October 2026
Rain easing to isolated showers in the afternoon. Southwesterlies developing in the morning.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Ōtamahua/Quail Island tracks on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
Essential information for Ōtamahua/Quail Island tracks
The information about this track is provided by the Department of Conservation and Christchurch City Council . For updates on track closures, damage or maintenance, check the walking track status page before heading out.
Huts and campsites
Ōtamahua Hut is a bookable 12-bunk serviced hut on Ōtamahua/Quail Island.
Getting there for Ōtamahua/Quail Island tracks
Ōtamahua/Quail Island is only accessible by boat. Personal watercraft such as kayaks and boats are permitted. 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. There is also a regular ferry service from Lyttelton Wharf. Ensure you know when the last ferry leaves Quail Island to get back to Lyttelton. Visit BlackCat's website for information about sailings.
Helpful resources
We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . We recommend trying these online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel
Dog access for Ōtamahua/Quail Island tracks
No dogs.
Before you walk Ōtamahua/Quail Island tracks
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.