Ōtamahua Hut (Quail Island Hut)Park: Quail Island Conservation ReserveCanterbury4/5Total ratings 63Category: Serviced HutBunks: 12Ōtamahua Hut (Quail Island Hut) is located in Quail Island Conservation Reserve in the region of Canterbury. It has 12 bunks and the category of Serviced Hut.Built in approx. 1910 by prisoners of the Lyttelton Jail for the Dept of Agriculture, the building was used as a caretaker’s cottage up until 1982 when it became an interpretation centre & in Oct. 2018, Otamatuna Hut. The island has been used as a quarantine station for sick immigrants before entering the mainland. It was also the site of NZ's only leper colony with the caretaker providing cooked food for lepers between 1906 & 1925. The island was used to train animals for early Antarctic expeditions. The hut is on DOC’s booking system & a warden (quarters of 4-bunks) is present over summer.Location:

Type	Location
New Zealand Topo50 Ref	BX24 756 693
Latitude Longitude	-43.628571 172.697084
NZTM Grid Reference	E1575562 N5169335

Elevation: 60Amenities: Heating, Mattresses, Cellphone Reception, Toilets, Closed Fire, Wood StoveWater Source: Roof into tank

Photos

Comments

PeterS

04/10/2025

Hut had two bunk rooms. Stayed with a family with 6 children.

KiwiExplorer

25/08/2025

I loved my entire day here, walked round the whole island, observed took in all the scenery she provided us, The day was perfect clear skies, no wind, very chill, sound of birds, skeleton boats were overwhelming, beach was gorgeous, ill be back here soon i can feel it. Recommend this for a day walk, or simply stay over night and soak it all in under the stars. See you in September.

GraemeC

02/07/2025

The hut is currently undergoing some structural renovation. It is closed for a short while, so check that it is available.

Tinybutmighty

12/01/2025

Such a cool hut and sooooo many things to do we went there in Easter and did this massive treasure hut around the island such a cool ride on the ferry out there. Good 20min walk so we could carry lot of stuff there.

Ajsb22

16/10/2024

Love this hut for a super fun getaway! Bring the chili bin and some friends!

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