Last Updated: 22nd Apr 2024
Quail Island Looping
Submitted by Tony Sharpe
Last Updated: 22nd Apr 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 7 ?
Gnarl Factor: 32 ?
5.1km
180m
180m
65m
Last Updated: 22nd Apr 2024
Submitted by Tony Sharpe
Last Updated: 22nd Apr 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 7 ?
Gnarl Factor: 32 ?
5.1km
180m
180m
65m
Urban fringe
Loop
Undulating, small hills only
Native bush
Beach
Coastal
Volcanic
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +9.5%
Average Downhill Gradient: -9.0%
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1:00
Slow
0:45
Moderate
0:30
Fast
Quail island is a gem, a great location for either a daytrip or an overnighter. Once off the boat there is heaps to explore and this circuit will give you the full noise of just about everything the island has to offer. Its well worth staying at the campsite or booking a bed in the hut.
The trail is very straightforward to follow and if done clockwise you'll first drop over to the quarantine station and barracks. This is where you can camp if you are overnighting. Keep trucking around the corner and you'll get great views of King Billy Island. Further round you'll pass the famous shipwrecks and then head round the northern side of the island above bluffs. Be sure to check out the new hut before you finish the loop and head back for a return boat ride.
Shipwrecks, heritage campsites and hut
If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.
You will need to get the Quail Island Ferry - check Black Cat cruises for timetables. Otherwise kayak over if you are suitably experienced
28 km
42 minutes
No
No
Easy.
The trail is well marked
Generally good.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Map
There are water taps around the campsite and at the hut
It is quite exposed to any wind flow on Quail Island so pack warm gear even in summer. Weather can change here fast.
Don't miss the boat!
Lyttelton Bars and cafes
Various
Lyttelton is a great place to debrief over a cold one
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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Loved this wee gem. Undulating wide trail with just enough grunt to make it feel worthwhile. Views all round and heaps of interesting history. Paddled over on my SUP on a bluebird winter day.
June 4, 2022
Beautiful setting in the middle of the harbour with 360 views and sandy beaches.
February 1, 2020
Amazing views all around the island, very changeable weather - constantly taking off a layer and putting it back on. nice easy to run trails, nothing too challenging.
January 6, 2020
Better still make it a duathlon and kayak out there. Set off from Lyttleton or one of the many bays around the harbour and pull up on the beach before a nice wee run around the island and a kayak back.
June 23, 2019
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