Last Updated: 15th Jan 2024

Beginner

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Quail Island Looping

Christchurch, Canterbury

Submitted by Tony Sharpe

Last Updated: 15th Jan 2024

Beginner

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 7

Gnarl Factor: 32

5.1km

180m

180m

65m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Urban fringe

Loop

Undulating, small hills only

Native bush

Beach

Coastal

Volcanic

Run Makeup

50%
50%

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +9.5%

Average Downhill Gradient: -9.0%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

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

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

Unknown

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

Jessica Campbell

Jessica Campbell

has completed Quail Island Looping once in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

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.

Rebecca Sunderland

June 4, 2022

Beautiful setting in the middle of the harbour with 360 views and sandy beaches.

John OConnell

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.

Alexia Hamelink

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.

Stephanie Berry

June 23, 2019

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