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.