Itinerary

Chatham Islands

2021 - 2022

Fly from Auckland or Wellington to the Chathams on Air Chathams. Arriving late afternoon your hosts will meet and transfer you to the lodge. Situated on the west coast the lodge has uninterrupted ocean vistas.

Your adventure in the Chathams begins. A full day Pitt Island Excursion or Fishing Charter are available (optional expense).

Traveling to the north eastern part of the island, stop at Ocean Mail Reserve and take the short walk to see the Chatham Island Aster which is in flower November to March. We visit Hapupu National Historic Reserve—home of the Dendroglyphs (Moriori tree carvings) and in the afternoon view the only accessible seal colony on the island at Point Munning. Explore the site of an early whaling station, view a Sunderland Flying Boat being converted into a museum and visit the fishing settlement of Kaingaroa Village—where the British landed in 1791 on the HM Chatham.

South East Rekohu
Travelling to Manukau, see the famous statue of Tommy Solomon, reputed to be the last known full Moriori. We visit Chatham Island Food Co., and hear how young entrepreneur Delwyn started a seafood business delivering top quality , fresh Blue Cod into restaurants.

South West Rekohu
Exploring the south west coast we may spot the Chatham Island Parea (wood pigeon) on the edge of Tuku Nature Reserve. Visit Waitangi, the shop, museum and River Onion Gallery - a local photographic artist.

We travel northwest to Ohira Pt. to view the five sided Basalt Columns (one of only two sites in the world). Continue onto Port Hutt fishing village, explore the Moravian Missionaries stone cottage at Maunganui and stop at Waitangi West on the coast where the rare Chatham Island Oyster Catchers are often seen wading.

Join Lois Croon at Admiral Farm for a tour of her gardens, including her extensive vegetable gardens and discover some of the many Chatham Island plants.
At Henga Reserve take a walk through the bush and interesting limestone rock formations to the lookout over a magnificent ocean beach.
 

Search for 30 million year old fossilized shark’s teeth on the shores of the Te Whaanga Lagoon. Enjoy a walk through Nikau Reserve and visit Wharekauri and Splattered Rock - an interesting volcanic rock formation.

On the last night of your stay at the lodge, enjoy a special farewell dinner of seafood.

This morning you are transferred to the airport for your flight back to the mainland.

Optional Pitt Island Day Tour