QUAIL ISLAND
Christchurch’s very own island escape is waiting for you. Spend a fascinating full or half-day exploring Quail Island by taking our Quail Island ferry. Take your lunch and swimming costumes with you for a great family day out. Please note we have a new booking system which requires you to select both a departure and return ticket.
SCHEDULE & PRICE
$40 – Return
Adult 16 years and over
$20 – Return
Child 5-15 years
(Under 5’s cruise for free)
Departs Lyttelton
All Year 10.15am daily + Dec to Mar 12.15pm daily
Departs Quail
All Year 3.30/3.40pm daily + Dec to Mar 12.30pm daily
Please see calander below for availability
RIPAPA ISLAND
Small Island – Grand Past. Nestled against the southern shore of Whakaraupō (Lyttelton Harbour), Ripapa Island was once the prime location for a fortified pa of Ngāi Tahu. Later, it became a bastion against potential Russian threats. On-site displays delve deeper into its rich history.
SCHEDULE & PRICE
$40 – Return
Adult 16 years and over
$20 – Return
Child 5-15 years
(Under 5’s cruise for free)
Operates 1 Sunday per month December -> March.
Summer 2024/25 Schedule:
8th December, 12th January, 2nd February, 9th March.
9.00am until 11.30am
Available at other times for groups of 10 or more.
HOW TO FIND US
We are located at B Jetty, Lyttelton Harbour. Lyttelton is around 15 to 20 minutes drive from the centre of Christchurch.
HOW TO GET TO LYTTLETON
Lyttelton is around 15 to 20 minutes drive from the centre of Christchurch. See http://maps.google.com/ for detailed information about how to drive yourself. Print this map out to help you navigate.
BY CAR
We are located at B Jetty, Lyttelton Harbour. At the end of the Lyttelton tunnel turn left onto Norwich Quay. The 2nd turn to the right is the Oxford Street overbridge, you will need to park on Norwich Quay and walk over the bridge. Follow the footprints on the pavement and signs to Black Cat Ferries and Quail Island.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Alternatively, you can catch the number 8 bus. A regular bus service runs between Christchurch and Lyttelton.
YOUR QUESTIONS Ripapa: Bring a torch to explore the tunnels as they are not lit. Quail: Bring swimming togs and towels, food and water. For both Islands: Bring a camera or phone to take some fantastic photos. Sunblock, glasses, and a hat. We also recommend that you bring warm clothes as it can be cool on the islands, especially with the prevailing sea breeze. Eating is not permitted on Ripapa Island as this denigrates its tapu (sacred) status. Eating on Quail Island is fine and we recommend taking snacks for a half-day trip or something more substantial if you are staying the whole day as there are no shops on the Island. The Ripapa Island trip has a duration of approximately 2.5 hours including boat trips. Departing Lyttleton at 9 am and returning at approximately 11:45am The Quail Island trip has the option for a full day trip all year round. Departing Lyttleton at 1015 and returning at around 3:50. Between December and March there is also a lunchtime sailing making half day trips, either morning or afternoon, possible. We don’t recommend the Islands for anyone in a wheelchair, the jetty steps are steep for those in a wheelchair and conditions on the Islands don’t allow easy access. The award-winning Black Cat Cruises is not only an acclaimed success in New Zealand’s tourism industry but also internationally recognized as an eco-tourism pioneer. We hold the honour of being the first to introduce cruises in Akaroa, and we're proud to be acknowledged as New Zealand’s very first eco-tourism operator. Our Nature Cruises and Dolphin Swimming experience depart from the stunning Akaroa harbour which is only a 90 minute scenic drive from Christchurch. The Diamond Harbour and Quail Island ferry depart from Lyttelton in Christchurch.FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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