NZ & Australia, New Zealand
Chatham Islands: The Wild Side - Guided Land Tour from Christchurch
This is one of our most comprehensive Chatham Island itineraries, taking you to the remote corners to discover many of the unique bird species that call the Chatham Islands home. Enjoy a boat trip to watch the birdlife that spends its time at sea, and sail close by SE Island and Mangere Island.
Discover the Chatham Islands along with the many bird species that call these islands home. Enjoy a small boat trip to watch the bird life that spends its time at sea as well as sail close by SE Island and Mangere Island, these islands are central to the survival story of the Chatham Island Black Robin. Asides from learning about the birdlife you will meet the locals and visit each corner of the island to see the various historical and geographical sites.
The Chatham Islands are New Zealand’s eastern most outpost, the first place in the world to welcome the new day and a treasure trove of endemic plants and animals that have evolved in isolation and make these islands one of New Zealand’s most biologically important regions.
Originally colonized by the Moriori people who created a unique lifestyle and society on the islands while living in isolation from the outside world on the abundant natural resources of the sea and land. Later European and Maori arrivals brought their own history and traditions which have melded together to create the culture of the Chatham Islands. Today many locals are descended from Moriori genealogy, a history and culture that you can discover during your stay.
The Chatham Islands lie at the eastern extremity of the Chatham Rise and were formed by a combination of volcanic activity and uplift of the underlying basement rocks to create the low lying rolling landscape of the main island while the outlying smaller islands are the remains of individual volcanic events. The fauna and flora of the Chatham’s has strong affinities to the main islands of New Zealand but through isolation many species have evolved to the local climate becoming unique to the islands. The oceanic climate ensures a wide diversity of species are able to flourish while the ocean brings its own unique abundance of sea life including the albatross and petrels that breed primarily on the offshore Islands.
Our Chatham Islands program is designed from our long experience of travelling and working in these remarkable islands to give you the greatest opportunity to experience all that the islands are able to offer.
Discover the Chatham Islands along with the many bird species that call these islands home. Enjoy a small boat trip to watch the bird life that spends its time at sea as well as sail close by SE Island and Mangere Island, these islands are central to the survival story of the Chatham Island Black Robin. Asides from learning about the birdlife you will meet the locals and visit each corner of the island to see the various historical and geographical sites.
The Chatham Islands are New Zealand’s eastern most outpost, the first place in the world to welcome the new day and a treasure trove of endemic plants and animals that have evolved in isolation and make these islands one of New Zealand’s most biologically important regions.
Originally colonized by the Moriori people who created a unique lifestyle and society on the islands while living in isolation from the outside world on the abundant natural resources of the sea and land. Later European and Maori arrivals brought their own history and traditions which have melded together to create the culture of the Chatham Islands. Today many locals are descended from Moriori genealogy, a history and culture that you can discover during your stay.
The Chatham Islands lie at the eastern extremity of the Chatham Rise and were formed by a combination of volcanic activity and uplift of the underlying basement rocks to create the low lying rolling landscape of the main island while the outlying smaller islands are the remains of individual volcanic events. The fauna and flora of the Chatham’s has strong affinities to the main islands of New Zealand but through isolation many species have evolved to the local climate becoming unique to the islands. The oceanic climate ensures a wide diversity of species are able to flourish while the ocean brings its own unique abundance of sea life including the albatross and petrels that breed primarily on the offshore Islands.
Our Chatham Islands program is designed from our long experience of travelling and working in these remarkable islands to give you the greatest opportunity to experience all that the islands are able to offer.
Our Chatham Islands program begins at
Christchurch Airport where we gather prior to flying
to the Chatham Islands at 1pm.
Upon arrival you will be transferred to the Hotel
Chathams in Waitangi which is our home away
from home for the week and the base for our
exploration of the Chatham Islands.
This morning we drive to Kaingaroa passing
Te Whanga Lagoon as we make our way to the
Far North East of the island. Here the coastline
is a mixture of sweeping white sand beaches
interrupted only by occasional headlands, on
these headlands both Chatham and Pitt Islands
Shags are often seen as well as Fur Seals breeding
on the rocks below. You will see some of the
best examples of the Chatham’s unique coastal
vegetation plus Kaingaroa is historically important
as one of the first areas settled by Europeans.
Nearby we have the privilege of visiting the
Hapupu Reserve where the Kopi trees still bear the
enigmatic engravings of the Moriori.
Today is dedicated to exploring the outer islands in
the South East of the Chathams, and the incredibly
rich waters that surround the islands. Weather
conditions permitting we will travel by boat which
gives opportunities for spotting some of the
endemic seabirds including Chatham Albatross,
Buller’s Albatross, Northern Royal Albatross,
Petrels, Prions and Shearwaters that all breed
locally.
Adjacent to Pitt Island are two of the most
significant islands in New Zealand conservation
and we plan to sail close by both SE Island and
Mangere.
These islands are central to the survival story of the
Chatham Island Black Robin and provide a refuge
for a number of other critically endangered birds
including New Zealand Shore Plover and Forbes
Parakeet, both of which we will be on the lookout
for today.
We will also visit Pitt Island, the
second largest Island in the Chatham’s and the only
other inhabited island, with a population of just 45,
life here is generally peaceful. We plan to spend
the day here exploring the islands nature reserves,
visiting Mt Hakepa and enjoying lunch hosted at
the Flower Pott Lodge.
In the North West of the Chatham’s there are
extensive farms, fern lands and striking volcanic
cones. Travelling to the end of the road at Waitangi
West we find more sweeping white sand beaches
and here there is the opportunity to look for the
endemic Chatham Island Oyster Catcher.
On the lower slopes of Maunganui we will visit
the stone cottage, built entirely of local materials
including mortar made from burnt pipi shells. At
Ohira Bay we will explore the massive columnar
basalt columns that are nearly 80 million years old.
Today we focus on the unique botanical nature of the Chatham Islands with its many endemic plant species with a visit to Henga Scenic Reserve and Nursery, we will walk through the regenerating coastal forest as it transitions to sand dune vegetation. There is also the opportunity to purchase native Chatham’s plants from the nursery. At the Nikau Reserve we will be able to explore the protected 19ha reserve that conserves the broadleaf forest and a fine stand of endemic Nikau palms. This afternoon we plan to visit the stunning sheltered gardens of Val Snr & Lois Croon, planted in an array of native and exotic species these gardens showcase the floral diversity of the Chathams.
The south coast of Chatham Island is completely
different to the rest of the island, rising to higher
elevations and still retaining significant areas of
vegetation that thrives in the thick covering of peat
that blankets the landscape.
The enigmatic Taiko or Magenta Petrel was
rediscovered breeding along the Tuku River and
is now intensively managed to ensure its ongoing
survival.
A visit to the Awatotara Reserve is an excellent
opportunity to see a great example of community
lead conservation making a real difference as the
forest regenerates and birdlife flourishes, be on the lookout today for the endemic Chatham Island
Pigeon, Tomtit and Fantail and Warbler.
We are planning to work with the Chatham
Island Taiko Trust during our visit to provide the
opportunity to spend time with the researchers
from the trust to see and learn more about their
invaluable and ground breaking conservation work
in protecting the critically endangered Taiko along
with other species including Chatham Island Petrel
and Chatham Albatross.
Our last full day in the Chatham’s and an
opportunity to focus on the islands history and
culture, this morning we make our way to the
fishing village of Owenga where you will be able to
see the statue commemorating Tommy Solomon,
the last full blooded Moriori.
Standing atop the Rangaiki Cliffs with their 250m
high sheer drop to the sea below there are amazing
views on a clear day to Pitt and Mangere Islands as
well as out to the seldom seen 44’s.
The Kopinga Marae is an expression of Moriori
spirituality and culture and an opportunity for you
to learn about the history of the first inhabitants of
the Chatham Islands (known to Moriori as Rekohu).
After breakfast this morning we make our way
to the airport for our return flight to Christchurch
where we expect to arrive at midday
Itineraries are subject to change.
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Book now |
Twin Share. From
$7,175 NZD pp
- Forget Me Not Suite
- King or two single beds
- Ensuite with shower
- Lounge area
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Veranda with sea views
- Sky TV and WiFi
- One suite has wheelchair access option
Single Use. From
$7,875 NZD pp
Traveller's Rest
- King size or two single beds
- Ensuite with shower
- Sea views
- Tea making facility
- Sky TV
- WiFi available
The Wild Earth Travel Chatham Island itineraries stay at the following places:
- Hotel Chatham
- The Forget-me-not Suites
- Chatham Rise Motel
- Travellers Rest
- Beach Houses
Enquire with Wild Earth Travel to find out the accommodation you will be staying at for your departure date.
Hotel Chatham - Seaside charm and hospitality
Hotel Chatham looks out across Waitangi Bay to the wharf, broad sweeping beach and Red Bluff in the distance. With its restaurant, timber-lined bar and relaxed atmosphere, it's where the heart of the island beats.
The Forget-me-not Suites
These nine spacious five star suites offer you luxury, space and views for your ultimate Island holiday! They were opened in 2020, so offer you a fresh modern stay in the heart of the Chatham's.
Chatham Rise Motel
The Chatham Rise Motel is a good option for independent travellers, and small holidaying or working groups wanting quiet and privacy, just 700 metres up from Hotel Chatham. Chatham Rise Motel includes four units: Unit 1 has five bedrooms with a large shared lounge and kitchen, group dining table and comfortable lounge. Laundry is available onsite. Hotel Chatham runs a courtesy van to and from the Bar and Restaurant.
Traveller's Rest
Travellers Rest includes a large shared lounge, traditional porch with sea views, tradittionally-styled rooms, a self-contained unit and a two-bedroom unit with provate lounge and fully equipped kitchen.
The Beach Houses
The Beach Houses include a two-bedroom cottage overlooking a private garden, three individual units within a house, and a separate self-contained unit. The Beach Houses are tucked in behind the bright white sand dunes along Waitangi Bay. The stunning beach is right on your doorstep. The Beach Houses are located 1100 metres from Hotel Chatham. Hotel Chatham runs a courtesy van to and from the Bar and Restaurant.
Restaurant
Fish, freshly caught from the converging current waters around the Chathams, is a specialty at Hotel Chatham. Depending on what's just been caught, you'll have the opportunity to try local seafood delicacies including crayfish, hapuku or groper, blue cod and paua. And if seafood isn’t your thing, there are plenty of menu choices too. As well as New Zealand wines and brews, Hotel Chatham is the only place you’ll enjoy the local craft beer Breezy Brew lager with a hint of Toni's Chatham Island wild honey.
Inclusions
• Return air travel on Air Chathams
• Seven night’s accommodation
• All meals including continental breakfast / picnic lunches / buffet dinners
• All sightseeing and entry fees as per itinerary
• Full day Pitt Island tour including flights and lunch
• Full day boat charter to discover Mangere, Little Mangere and South East Islands
• A 90 page ‘Discover the Chatham Islands’ booklet and map on arrival
Exclusions
• Cost of travel to/from Christchurch airport
• Travel Insurance
• Personal purchases - drinks with meals/souvenirs etc.
Accommodation
8 Days from
$7,175 NZD pp
Highlights
• Enjoy the history, culture, geology, flora and fauna of the island• Learn about the unique Chatham Islands birds and plants
• Explore the basalt columns of Ohira Bay
• Visit Pitt Island, exploring the islands nature reserves
• Learn about the Moriori people and visit the Moriori Kopinga Marae
• Spend a full day exploring the outer islands of the Chathams from the water including - SE Island and Mangere
• Travel with Mike Bell, one of the foremost experts on the Chatham Islands birdlife
• Learn about the work of the Chatham Island Taiko Trust
Our Associates Include
