Chatham Islands
10th November - 15th November 2018
6 days - 5 nights
Price $3,895 | Single Supplement $845Highlights
Kopinga Marae
Owenga and Rangika Cliff Walk
Tommy Solomon Memorial
Te Matarae
Henga and Rock Carvings
Wharekauri
Nikau Bush
Moriori Rock Carvings
South Coast
Seal Colonies
Seafood Banquet
Hapupu Reserve (Tree Carvings)
Basalt Columns
Port Hutt
Waitangi West
Kaingaroa and Point Munning Historic Sites
Sunderland Flying Boat Restoration
Optional tour to Pitt Island
Take a step back in time, to how life used to be at New Zealand’s furthermost outpost.
With outstanding scenery beyond the mainland, the unique flora, fauna, wildlife and hosts will charm you.
Our tour explores the dramatic surroundings and history throughout the island from fossils and Moriori carvings, to conservation efforts for native trees and wildlife.
Enjoy watching cheeky seals in their colonies and eat some of the freshest seafood the world can offer. This is one trip that many New Zealanders might never experience.
Itinerary
Day 1
Saturday 10th November
DinnerOur adventure starts with a lunchtime flight from Auckland to the Chatham Islands. On arrival, we transfer to our hotel where we stay for the next five nights and have time to settle in before dinner.
Day 2
Sunday 11th NovemberBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerThis morning, we head to the Te Matarae Reserve where many endemic plants of the Chatham Islands can be seen.
We move on to the Owenga Village before stopping at the Ranga Ika Cliff Reserve with its stunning 200m drops and views of Pitt Island.
Next, we see the life-size statue of Tame Horomona Rehe, known as Tommy Solomon, who is reputedly the last known full-blooded Moriori. Our final stop today is at Shelley Beach before we return to the hotel.
Day 3
Monday 12th NovemberBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerA full day tour includes a visit to Blind Jim’s Creek for some shark tooth fossil hunting and the Moriori tree carvings (Dendroglyphs) at Hapupu Historic Reserve. We travel to Point Munning for a short walk to the only accessible seal colony in the Chatham Islands then it’s on to Broughton Landing, the site where HMS Chatham arrived in 1791. We spend some time in Kaingaroa fishing village where we’ll also see the Sunderland flying boat which is currently being restored.
Day 4
Tuesday 13th NovemberBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerAnother full day exploring as we travel around the island to Port Hutt. We see the basalt columns and visit Port Hutt fishing village, Waitangi West and Stone Cottage. A special treat as well when we have lunch at Admiral Farm and see the stunning garden and plant restoration nursery here.
Day 5
Wednesday 14th NovemberBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerThis morning, we visit the DOC Nursery where we meet the staff and see their extensive work programme on the islands which is followed by a walk to the Moriori rock carvings (petroglyphs) of seals and birds. Later, we visit Splatter Rock, the amazing volcanic formation on the beach, then it's on to Mount Chudleigh Reserve.
Day 6
Thursday 15th NovemberBreakfastThis morning, we make our way to the airport for our flight back to Auckland.
Please note that breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided each day while in the Chatham Islands. Comfortable walking shoes are essential and a reasonable level of fitness is required. The order of this itinerary may change to suit local weather conditions.