Quail Island Adventure

Quail Island SUP Adventure

Join Christchurch Paddleboarding for an unforgettable guided paddleboarding tour around Quail Island Ōtamahua, a place rich in history, wildlife, and stunning coastal scenery.

Trip Overview:

• Meet in Lyttelton at 10am and catch the Black Cat ferry to Ōtamahua / Quail Island.
• Pump up your inflatable SUP (all kit provided, or bring your own) and set off on a guided paddle around the island.
• Glide over clear turquoise waters, exploring the island’s rugged coastline, rocky outcrops, and sandy beaches.
• Visit the boat graveyard, where the remains of old scows and steamships rest in the shallows.
• Paddle into sea caves and watch for native birdlife, including terns, shags, and oystercatchers.
• Spend around 2 hours paddling, before landing back at the island for some free time.
• Enjoy 2 hours of free time on the island—bring a picnic, take a scenic walk through regenerating native bush, relax on the golden sand beach or use the SUPs in a sheltered bay.
• Catch the return ferry back to Lyttelton, refreshed from a day on the water. The tour finishes at approximately 3.30pm.

About the Island

Ōtamahua / Quail Island is the largest island in Lyttelton Harbour and has a fascinating past. Once a quarantine station, a leprosy colony, and a training ground for Antarctic sled dogs, the island is now a recreational reserve with stunning coastal views and a rich Māori and European history.

Explore the shipwrecks at Walkers Beach, walk through native bush, or visit the remains of the historic quarantine station. The island’s wildlife restoration project has seen the return of native birds, so keep an eye out for seals, shags, and oyster catchers.

Who’s This For?

This trip is ideal for paddlers with some experience who are comfortable on a SUP for at least 20 minutes before breaks. You don’t need to be an expert, but you should feel confident standing, balancing, and paddling in light wind and chop. Minimum age of 12, children must be accompanied by an adult.

What to Bring:

• A picnic or snacks for your time on the island.
• Water & sun protection—there’s little shade while paddling around the island.
• A warm layer & windproof jacket—conditions can change quickly.
• Shoes for walking if you plan to explore the island.

What's included/excluded?

All paddling equipment is provided, this includes a SUP, paddle, pump and buoyancy aid. You can use your own equipment if you'd prefer. 

The cost includes the guide for the paddle journey and the ticket on the Black Cat ferry.

Excluded - food and drink, any guided activity on Quail Island during the free time.

Come and experience the beauty, history, and adventure of Quail Island from the water!

Please note: If the trip is postponed due to weather, we will either provide the option of an alternate location or your lesson will be moved to the next available date. It may be that the weather conditions mean we do not complete an entire lap around Quail Island