Since 1998 dedicated volunteers have worked to restore the native ecology of Ōtamahua or Quail Island. The Trust has eradicated all pests (except for mice and the occasional deer) from the island and planted thousands of trees as part of an eco-restoration project in partnership with the Department of Conservation and Ngati Wheke of Rapaki.
Volunteer groups contribute more than 5,600 hours annually, weeding, planting and monitoring traps. As the plantings mature, the island is slowly being transformed. Native bird numbers have increased as trees mature and provide more nesting sites and a more varied food source.
The Trust needs to raise $100,000 annually for its on-going replanting and pest eradication programmes. Please help by becoming a member and making a donation via the links below.
We have completed our 2025 planting with another 700 trees and shrubs extending an area of grey scrub east of the stock dam above the northern cliffs. This brings the total number of trees and shrubs planted to over 107,000. In 2026 and 2027 we will continue planting along the cliffs with another 3000 plants.
Thank you to our principal sponsor Formaggio's Italian restaurant.
We also thank our sponsors Whaka-Ora Healthy Harbour, the Christchurch City Council, the Lyttelton Port Company, Black Cat Cruises, PGG Wrightson and Rotary Sunrise.
