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Remote New Zealand archipelago
Photo: Ville Miettinen from Helsinki, Finland, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Chatham Islands (Rekohu in the indigenous Moriori language and Wharekauri in Māori) are the eastern-most islands in New Zealand. They lie 860 km east of Christchurch, in the middle of the "Roaring Forties". Steeped in culture and history, these islands are at the edge of civilisation.
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These are one of the many natural wonders of Rekohu. Formed by a process of cooling with salt water, these hexagonal columns of basalt are spectacular, as is the location and scenery around them.
Spiritually and culturally important to Moriori, it holds the last known concentration of momori-rakau, or tree carvings, done by the ancestral Moriori. There are many opinions about why these carvings were made. One of only two National Historic Scenic Reserves in the country. Only accessible with concessionaire guides from either Hotel Chathams or Awarakau Farmstays.
Legend has it that this cave, which contains authentic and ancient rock carvings, was the home of the legendary Nunuku, the Moriori chief who outlawed killing among his people. The pacifist law lasted for hundreds of years, even in the face of unwanted aggression.
No trip to the Chathams would be complete without taking a day trip to Pitt Island. Air Chathams flies there, via a very scenic route, and Bernie and Brent of Flowerpot Adventures will drive you around Pitt Island and give you a running commentary and a home style lunch with one of the locals.
A short bush walk will take you down to the beach with a large seal colony. Be quiet and don't get too close.
This large body of water provides a source of food and a venue for leisure and a means of access to various corners of the island. Abundant in whitebait, eel and assorted shellfish it is relatively shallow, despite its size. Contains both fresh and saltwater, and is a fantastic place to have a fossick around. Its shores are bordered by a limestone cliff, sandy beaches and wetland habitats.
A garden that caters for birds, bees and butterflies, including admiral butterflies. Take a walk through a reserve and sculptures and on through the sand dunes to the white sand Long Beach. Book through Hotel Chathams.
Liz and Bruce Tuanui run a nursery and tours at their home in the Tuku Valley on the south-west coast of Chatham Island. You can do the 2.5 to 3 hour Awatotara Walk independently ($15 pp) or with a guide ($20 pp, minimum 6 people); it includes creek crossings and you may see native bush birds, Chatham oystercatchers, white-fronted terns, Pitt Island shags, ferns, orchids, coastal plants, Chatham Island button daisy, Chatham Island sow thistle and Aciphylla dieffenbachia speargrass. They offer a full-day guided Tuku Tour walk ($80 pp, minimum 3 people), visiting Kauaeroa Point (Pitt Island shags, Chatham oystercatchers, terns, giant petrels, Chatham Island ice plant), Taiko Camp (magenta petrels or taiko, Chatham pigeons, Chatham Island stag beetles), Lights Site, Blyths, Sweetwater (magenta and Chatham petrels, Chatham cliff asters or Olearia chathamica, Chatham Island Christmas tree/rautini or Brachyglottis huntii) and including the Awatotara Walk.
Tame Horomona Rehe was the last known full-blooded Moriori, he died in 1933. He was however, not the last Moriori. His own descendants and the descendants of other Moriori live on today. This statue was erected in 1985 to commemorate his passing. Visit Manakau, the property of his descendants, on the eastern corner of Rekohu, which is blessed with the sun's first rays of the day.
If you could define a place that will remind you of your visit, then this very special place will be at the top of your list. Opened in 2005, Kopinga is the official meeting place of Te Imi Moriori. Adorned with contemporary Moriori carvings and traditional taonga (treasures), the marae is a magnificent, tasteful and contemporary testament to the ancestors of Te Imi Moriori. Enjoy a guided tour of this beautiful and peaceful building. School camps at Kopinga Marae also utilise this national treasure by hosting groups.
This stone house overlooked by the steep rocky bluffs of Maunganui peak was built in 1866–68 by German Moravian missionaries with local wood and timber and mortar made of pipi shells. In addition to the striking rock face, there is a magnificent beach with shell banks backed by high sand dunes. Go through the gate and drive to the cottage; say hello to Helen, the caretaker and occupant, who will give you a tour of the house for an entry fee.
See the remains of the NZ4111 Sunderland plane which was damaged on takeoff from Te Whanga Lagoon on 4 November 1959.
The Chathams harbour many artists, both budding and well known. Most usually exhibit one or two pieces at the local art gallery, which is housed in the Court House, with many sold during the tourist season.
One of the best kept secrets of the Chathams is the local museum. One room full of interesting items, photographs and books, the museum holds a treasure trove of information about the Chathams. Don't forget to have a look through some of the books.
One of the most attractive ports in New Zealand, Port Hutt has a well-sheltered harbour, with picturesque views and safe anchorage in all weather. Historically important, and remains economically crucial.
This bustling little fishing village on the northern corner of Rekohu is often described as quaint. The residents often prepare a meal for tourists on Saturday evenings at the local Kaingaroa Club and it is, without a doubt, one of the highlights of a trip to the Chathams. The food is superb and the company is fantastic.
Arrangements are under way to enable visitors to watch this factory in action. Because the hygiene regulations are so strict in processing facilities, visitors are unable to enter the factory floor, but will be able to view it from a dry viewing room adjacent. Watch the whole process, from unloading, grading, filleting to packaging freezing and shipping.
The Murchison farm also houses the ruins of German missionary and American sealer houses.
This reserve includes a number of walks: Wetland walk, 15-min loop; Aster walk, 20-min return; and Lake walk, 2hr-30min loop. There is also a nice picnic area on the beach.
This small conservation area includes two loop walks which takes approximately 1 hour.
This 10-min return walk will give you great views of the Waitangi wharf, township and harbour.
Sports ground, hall and memorial garden. This reserve is named after the late labour prime minister Norman Kirk (1923 – 1974) who often visited the Chatham Islands. An annual festival is held here in March.
Ellen Elizabeth Preece Conservation Covenant
There are two short walks contained within this cat-proof fence. Abundant native birds.
At Hotel Chatham, specializing in fish and seafood.
Every Saturday (November to February) serves a seafood buffet.
Grocery, gifts and crafts.
Groceries and drinks, with fresh vegetables on Saturdays. Stocks local Henga Herbs and Honey products.
The only pub in the Chathams.
Twins and doubles with ensuites. Beautiful, great views.
Twin room and doubles with ensuites or shared bathroom.
7-unit motel run by Hotel Chatham.
Adjacent to the magnificent Henga Scenic Reserve. Guests of the lodge can meander around either a short easy walk, or take the longer 2 hr return walk out onto the spectacular beach. Access to the reserve is free to Lodge guests. The lodge has 11 rooms and some glamping containers at Marakapia Lookout.
Accommodation, restaurant, public bar, fishing charters, package tours. Central, but can be noisy with locals and traffic.
Self-contained shared cottage. Rooms and units can be booked separately or a group can book the entire cottage. Shared bathrooms with toilets and showers. Large balcony and lawn area for barbecue dinner. Sea view. Self-catering.
5-room cottage adjoining the general store, rooms let individually with a shared lounge. Run by Hotel Chatham. Breakfast included at the hotel, two rooms have kitchens.
5-room hotel, open Oct–Apr. Also organises activities such as walking, birdwatching, hunting and fishing.
2-room B&B.
Bank and post office.
Local arts and crafts.
By boat
There are freight shipping services to the Chatham Islands, but no passenger service.
There is no bus or taxi service. You can probably arrange for your accommodation provider to pick you up at the airport.
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Te One · Regional · CHT
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