Quail Island Escape
Christchurch City, Christchurch
Sailing and CruisesWater ActivitiesFor KidsThings To Do
Spend a fascinating full or half-day exploring Quail Island by taking a Black Cat Quail Island ferry. Named after the now extinct native Quail (koreke) by Captain William Mein Smith, Quali Island was originally used as a quarantine station and as a small leprosy colony by the early European settlers.
At the same time as the lepers were confined to their one small bay, Antarctic explorers, Scott and Shackleton took advantage of the island to train their sled dogs and ponies before setting off on their ill-fated voyages. The last polar explorer to quarantine dogs on the island was American Commander Byrd, whose huskies were interned on the island between 1928 and 1930. From 1934 till 1975 Quail Island was leased out for farming, and then converted to a recreational reserve.
Today the focus is on restoring native vegetation. The island is now home to many native flora and fauna as well as native birds including the fantail, kingfisher, silvereye and many sea birds including the rare white flippered little blue penguins.
Take your lunch and swimming costumes with you for a great family day out.
At the same time as the lepers were confined to their one small bay, Antarctic explorers, Scott and Shackleton took advantage of the island to train their sled dogs and ponies before setting off on their ill-fated voyages. The last polar explorer to quarantine dogs on the island was American Commander Byrd, whose huskies were interned on the island between 1928 and 1930. From 1934 till 1975 Quail Island was leased out for farming, and then converted to a recreational reserve.
Today the focus is on restoring native vegetation. The island is now home to many native flora and fauna as well as native birds including the fantail, kingfisher, silvereye and many sea birds including the rare white flippered little blue penguins.
Take your lunch and swimming costumes with you for a great family day out.
