Day 1 - Our 8 day adventure to currently one of the hottest tourism destinations in New Zealand starts with our customary pick up at your door. We head first to Auckland where our flights to the Chatham Islands depart. Along the way we will stop for a cuppa and light refreshments to get to know your fellow travelers.

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We arrive on the Chathams around 4.00 pm. After a quick stop at the bluffs to take photographs we settle in to our hotel (home for the next 7 nights) before we enjoy a wonderful crayfish welcome dinner.

 

This is our first taste of the friendly local hospitality and amazing island cuisine featuring Kai Moana. We will certainly be well looked after by our local island guides and hosts during our stay.

  

Day 2 - After breakfast we ‘head west’. First is a visit to the Stone Cottage - a must see feature of the island. This original historic Chatham Islands home was built entirely from local stone around 1870 and has been lovingly restored. Next we head to the interesting Waitangi West cattle station where we enjoy our picnic lunch.

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In the afternoon we explore Splatter Rock and Cape Young – where impressive examples of black basalt pillow lava can be seen. Tonight we enjoy dinner at our hotel, and look forward to another day exploring the island tomorrow.

 

Day 3 - Today we visit the Owenga Fishing Village located on a shallow bay on the north east side of the island. The village originally supported a large Moriori population but due to introduced diseases and conflict with later Maori arrivals none of the original settlers remain. Today we will learn about the island’s pre-European history with a visit to a Moriori Marae.

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We have lunch today at the Owenga Club, after which we visit a local fish factory for an interesting factory tour. We complete our island exploration today with a visit to the statue of the last ‘full blooded Moriori’ – Tommy Solomon, who died in 1933.

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After an interesting day we return to our hotel for dinner, chance for us to get to know the locals better, enjoy a drink at the bar or take a stroll along the waterfront.

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Day 4 - Lots more to see today as we head out with our local guide to explore Waitangi Town and the South Coast of the island. We begin at the Waitangi Museum, followed by a visit to Tiki Tiki hill. Then a quick town walk to get some fresh air, before we visit the Cottage gift shop, time here for souvenir shopping.

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A wonderful lunch is included today at the River Onion Art Gallery located in Waitangi. The gallery only sells “Chatham and Pitt Island” photography and merchandise. Feel free to take your coffee outside and sit amongst the dunes looking out over Petre Bay and enjoy the fantastic views.

 

After lunch we take a South Coast scenic drive, where we are sure to spot some of the island’s seabird populations. This is followed by a trip to a local jewelry and art studio before we head back to the hotel for dinner.

 

Day 5 - Today its time to put on your walking shoes as we embark on a Nikau bush walk. See regenerating stands of impressive Nikau palms and keep your eyes peeled for the resident native birds. Next we will visit the Ocean Mail reserve, with stunning views of the coastline, where a native replanting effort is underway to restore the reserve to it’s former glory. We will have our picnic lunch here.

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After lunch we visit Muirson’s Farm - where aviation buffs can see a Sunderland Flying Boat under restoration – something most people don’t expect to see on the Chathams. The farm is also home to a New Zealand fur seal colony and there is a good chance to spot some of these endangered mammals. 

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Next we head to the Hapupu tree carvings, one of only 2 national historic reserves in New Zealand, where you will see the incredible Moriori tree carvings. What a special place to be able to experience. We eat out tonight at the Kaingaroa Social Club…the buffet dinner is famous on the island and a great night is on the cards.

 

Day 6 - Today we will focus on the Te Whanga Lagoon where our first stop is Nunuku’s Cave to see the ancient Moriori rock carvings. The carvings depict seals and birds, a place sacred to the local inhabitants. Next we visit Te Matarae – another stunning location with sweeping views, great for some iconic photographs, and a good place to enjoy our picnic lunch.

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After lunch we go shark teeth hunting – a rare treasure, let's hope we are lucky enough to find one today - the island is famous for these fossilised shark teeth! We also make a visit to Henga Scenic Reserve – another one of the island’s remote and beautiful locations, watch out for the cheeky weka here! After another interesting day of sightseeing we head back to the hotel for dinner.

 

Day 7 - Our last full day on the island starts with a trip to see the basalt columns at Ohira Bay. These striking natural features are the Chatham’s answer to the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland! Then on to Port Hutt – once home to the islands main harbour – but unfortunately also the location of many shipwrecks. We will enjoy our picnic lunch here followed by a beach walk if you want, chance to spot many of the island's seabirds, as well as having the opportunity for those last all-important photos of the island.

 

Tonight we finish with a real highlight – a buffet dinner at Admiral Garden. This stunning garden is designed to cater for the birds, bees and butterflies. Enjoy the walking track through a reserve with many sculptures and continue on through the sand dunes to the stunning white sandy Long Beach. Over dinner we will encounter some true island hospitality – what a way to spend our last night here.

 

Day 8 - After a slightly earlier breakfast this morning it is time to say goodbye to the Chathams. The bus departs at 8.30 am for the airport for our direct flight back to Auckland, where the Hinterland coach will meet us for our drive home. Plenty of time to share those last memories of this wonderful trip before we drop you back at your door.

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Please note that the daily itineraries are indicative only, and can change daily depending on weather conditions. Each night at the hotel the next day’s plan will be posted to the noticeboard.

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There will be opportunities to take optional trips during our stay, such as fishing trips or a visit to Pitt Island (weather permitting – extra costs apply)

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Please note that the order of the above activities are liable to change and some listed activities may not be available due to weather and other issues.

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All Hinterland multi-day tours can be taken by clients from any region of New Zealand or Australia. Please contact us for details. Additional charges may apply.

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Whats Included:

• 8 days on tour

• 7 nights quality accommodation

• Door to door service (Tauranga area)

• Quality air-conditioned vehicle

• Air Chathams return flights ex Auckland 

• Full commentary by your guide 

• 3 course dinners, including crayfish

• Continental breakfasts each day

• Packed lunches for picnics

• Stone Cottage visit

• Cattle station visit

• Moriori history and Museums

• Fish factory tour

• Art galleries and jewellry studios

• Bush walks and shark tooth hunting

• Wild scenery and native wildlife

• Free internet, visitor map and book

• Souvenir branded water bottle

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You will see:

• Stunning scenery throughout

• Native wildlife

• The island from end to end

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Room options available:

• Single room - shared facilities 

• Twin Share en-suite

• Sea View superior twin share with en-suite