The Trust has collaborated with Department of Conservation and Ōtamahua/Quail Island Ecological Restoration Trust to re-purpose the former caretaker’s cottage on Quail Island in Lyttelton Harbour into a family friendly tramping hut sleeping 12 people, with the Trust providing grant funding to this DOC lead project and assisting with the finishing touches. The conversion was done by builder David Brailsford, who had earlier carried out the work to convert Rod Donald Hut. The same high standard has been applied to the Ōtamahua Hut conversion. This is now the closest tramping hut to Christchurch and is proving extremely popular with local families.

We were delighted when the pou whenua Te Hamo o Tū Te Rakiwhānoa created by the Whakaraupō Carving Centre was subsequently installed at the centre of the island. A walk to see this impressive is not to be missed.

Project Status: Completed

Achievements to date

November 2018 – Otamahua Hut formally opens as inaugural event of the 2018 Banks Peninsula Walking Festival

June/August 2018 – Grant extended to cover construction of exterior deck and fencing

March 2018 – Trust and DOC sign Memorandum of Understanding covering their relationship including schedule detailing the agreement for the Ōtamahua/Quail Island accommodation. This builds on the successful Te Ara Pataka partnership and the success of having the huts associated with that route on the DOC booking system. The target users for this new hut are also Christchurch families, schools and youth groups.

September 2016 – Trust approves grant toward project

June 2016 – Trust approached by Department of Conservation Mahaahui Area manager Andy Thompson with proposal to upgrade Caretakers cottage. See field trip photos HERE