Ripapa Island & Fort Jervois
Ripapa Island is the first Māori pā designed to withstand musket attack on the South Island (and one of only 2 built on Banks Peninsular). Later, Fort Jervois was built in the 1880s with disappearing guns which could fire five miles. This island is a great place to explore and makes for a nice half day paddle from Charteris Bay.
Quick Facts
Start / Finish - Public Boat Ramp, Marine Drive, Charteris Bay, 8971
Distance - 12km
Time - 4 Hours
Difficulty - Easy
Tides - The tide flows in and out of Lyttleton Harbour, maxing out at about 2 knots at the peak of the tide. The ideal time for this trip is start two hours before low tide Lyttleton.
Key Planning Information
Wind
Swell
Start at the public jetty in Chaterris Bay. If you're driving from Governors Bay direction it's easy to spot the large gravel car park on your left as you come round Charteris Bay.
As you set out, hug the coastline along and you'll be treated to great views of the houses and bush along the southern side of Lyttleton Harbour. It's worth paddling into each bay to explore the rugged coastline. You will also have panoramic views of the Port Hills and Lyttleton throughout the paddle. After Diamond Harbour, you go past Stoddart Point, and can then make a choice. Either cross directly to Ripapa Island, or add distance to your journey by paddling into Purau Bay.
Ripapa Island has a good jetty with steps on which to land. Bring a bit of rope or tape to tie your kayaks to the jetty while you're exploring. SUPers can use their leash - then you can avoid having to lift your boats/boards out of the water.
Ripapa Island is rich in history and it's worth giving yourself an hour to explore the island and have lunch. The walk up through the gate into the fort is really cool. On the right hand side is a building which has great information provided by DOC on the island's rich history. After reading up here, you can then make your way into the fort itself. Here you get to explore a series of tunnels and rooms, some of which have the original gun emplacements still present. Don't miss the ladder (turn right and right again when you enter) on which takes you onto the roof for stunning views over the harbour and out towards Godley Head.
The paddle back is the same route as the way out.
Want a bit more distance? You could easily include a paddle around Quail Island / Ōtamahua. Adding on a lap of Quail Island adds 5km to your trip. See the Quail Island page for important information about tides etc.
