Ōtamahua/Quail Island – Skiers Beach Campsite
Located in Ōtamahua/Quail Island Recreation Reserve in the Canterbury region
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Introduction
This campsite is one of two waterside campsites on Ōtamahua/Quail Island.Access
- Boat
Landscape
- Coastal
Facilities
- Non-powered/tent sites
- Water from tap - treated, suitable for drinking
Activities
- Bird and wildlife watching
- Boating
- Kayaking and canoeing
- Picnicking
- Swimming
- Walking and tramping
Dog access
Skiers Beach Campsite is one of two camping zones on Ōtamahua/Quail Island. Skiers camping zone is around the flat upper area and lower treelined flat area.
Whakamaru Beach Campsite is nearby.
You need to be completely self-sufficient while on the island.
All rubbish is to be removed when you depart.
Portable generators are not to be taken to the Ōtamahua/Quail Island.
All open fires are prohibited including barbecues which include solid fuel. Gas filled barbecues or gas cookers which contain no charcoal or solid fuel are exempt from this prohibition.
Respect the historic integrity of the barracks building. The building may be used for shelter and lessons only. It is not to be used for physical recreation, sleeping or cooking.
Fees
- Adult (18+ years): $15 per night
- Child (5–17 years): $7.50 per night
- Infant (0–4 years): free
Bookings
Bookings are required all year.
A $10 service fee applies to phone and in-person booking. This is a limited service – book online first. An in-person booking is dependent on there being space available.
Your booking will be for a site, which will be allocated or selected on arrival.
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. 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.
Tracks to this campsite
- 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
- No drones
- 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.
Contacts
| Arthur's Pass National Park Visitor Centre | |
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| Phone | +64 3 318 9211 |
| arthurspassvc@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | 104 West Coast Road Arthur's Pass 7654 |
| Hours | Visitor centre hours and services |