Quail Island Adventures :: Black Cat Cruises September to April

Spend a half-day exploring Quail Island, in the middle of Lyttelton Harbour. Named after the now extinct native Quail, the island was used as a leprosy colony and a quarantine station by the early European settlers. The Antarctica explorers, Scott and Shackleton, took advantage of the island to train their sled dogs and ponies before setting off on their ill-fated voyages. Today the island is home to native birds including the rare white flippered little blue penguins. Secluded inlets, safe swimming beaches and lovely walks and picnic areas makes a great family day out.

Black Cat run regular departures throughout the summer - why not join the Great Quail Island Treasure Hunt? Simply pick up a treasure map on our ferry on route to the island. Then use the map to find the clues and solve the secret word.

Diamond Harbour Ferry

Diamond Harbour, on the Banks Peninsula, makes a great half day or day trip - take the family and some fishing rods, swim in the gorgeous bay, have a picnic, walk or bbq, or enjoy a pub lunch (with lots of space for kids to play) at Godley House.  Ferries depart Lyttelton and Diamond Harbour throughout the day, half hourly or hourly, 7 days a week.  Booking isn't required and the crossing takes around 8 minutes.

Prices (one way): Adult $6, Child $4
For more trip information and bookings click here.

Quail Island Recreational Reserve (September - April)

Spend a fascinating half-day exploring Quail Island, right in the middle of Lyttelton Harbour. Named after the now extinct native Quail, the island was used as a leprosy colony and a quarantine station by the early European settlers. The Antarctica explorers, Scott and Shackleton, took advantage of the island to train their sled dogs and ponies before setting off on their ill-fated voyages. Today the island is home to native birds including the fantail, kingfisher, silvereye and many sea birds including the rare white flippered little blue penguins. Secluded inlets, safe swimming beaches and lovely walks and picnic areas, why not take your lunch and swimming costumes for a great family day out?  Toilets and changing rooms on the island. Black Cat run regular departures throughout the summer - why not join the Great Quail Island Treasure Hunt?  Simply pick up a treasure map on our ferry on route to the island. Then use the map to find the clues and solve the secret word.
Prices (return): Adult $40, Child $20 – cash only (child is 5-15, under 5s go free)
Family Passes:2 adults + up to 3 children $100
For more Quail Island trip information and bookings click here >>.

Schools and Groups on Quail Island

Quail Island is an affordable option for Outdoor Education pursuits or EOTC – Education Outside The Classroom. To Download a teacher resource document click here.

We can cater for large groups of over 100 people at a time.  We believe we can offer your students many options to extend their knowledge base of nature, wildlife and geography while having fun, exercising through walking and team building at the same time.  Read more >>

Discover other Black Cat adventures!

For over a decade Black Cat has been recognised nationally and internationally with numerous tourism awards and are recognised as New Zealand’s first true eco-tourism operator.
With Black Cat Cruises you can swim with dolphins, take a nature cruise on Akaroa Harbour, learn about protecting the Hector's dolphins, organise your own charter, take a Diamond Harbour ferry or visit Quail Island.
Discover Black Cat adventures here >>