New Zealand’s eastern-most outpost, the Chatham Islands are among the first places in the world to greet the new day. Their isolation has created a unique island lifestyle and a rich cultural story shaped by Moriori, Māori and European heritage, alongside remarkable native flora and fauna found nowhere else on earth. Join this unique tour when each day will present a new landscape.
Activity Level 2
Early Booking Discount - book by 28 May 2026 and save $70 per person.
Important note: This tour operates a little differently from our regular departures. While staying at Hotel Chatham, guests take part in the property’s “Four Corners of the Chatham Islands” touring programme. Activities and sightseeing are not scheduled in a fixed order, with each day planned around weather and local conditions. The hotel will advise the next day’s programme daily during your stay.
SAT 16 JAN - AUCKLAND/CHATHAM ISLANDS
Our journey begins as we depart Auckland at 9.00am on Air Chathams flight 3C591. Arrive Chatham Islands 1200 and transfer to Hotel Chatham. Situated on the shore in the settlement of Waitangi, enjoy a spot of lunch, and perhaps take a stroll on the beach this afternoon. Tonight enjoy a welcome dinner together at the hotel.
Included: L, D
SUN 17 JAN - FRI 22 JAN CHATHAM ISLANDS EXPLORATION
As the Hotels tour name suggests, we will explore the four corners of the Chatham Islands. Each day of your stay will include a continental or cooked breakfast, a packed lunch and a 3 course dinner. Lunches and dinners are served at unique venues around the island, hosted by local community members or private organisers. Included: B, L, D
We delve this week into local history, culture, geology, birdlife, flora and fauna. Highlights include:
* Tommy Solomon Memorial Statue
* Basalt Columns
* Stone Cottage
* Splatter Rock
* Seal Colony
* Moriori Tree and Rock Carvings
* Kopinga Marae
* Admiral Farms and Gardens
The Natural North
Wharekauri is where the Dix family farmland is located. At Cape Young see layered basalt and weathered cliffs with views out to the Sisters Islands, spectacular rock formations (Splatter Rock), sandy beaches and the Chatham Island Oyster Catcher. Port Hutt is tucked in the sheltered, deep water cove of Whangaroa Harbour home to a fish factory. See the wreck of the Thomas Currell ship. This ex-WW2 minesweeper served interestingly as freezer space in the crayfishing boom years of the 1960s and 70s.
The Sultry South
Running south west of Waitangi, Tuku Road provides views of rich farmlands and shoal coastal waters. The stunning Awatotara Reserve lies in the valley where the Parea (Chatham Island Wood Pigeon) as well as other bird life can be seen.
Enigmatic East
Owenga is a fishing village, where we find the locally-owned working fish factory Chatham Island Food Co. See the commemorative statue of the last known, full-blooded Moriori, Tommy Solomon. Visit local artist Eva Cherie Tuck in her Owenga art studio. Rangaiki Cliffs with 200-250m sheer drops. On a clear day, an amazing viewing point to Pitt, Mangere and surrounding islands. Kopinga Marae is where you will learn about the history of the first inhabitants of the Chatham Islands (known to Moriori as Rekohu). Take in panoramic views across lake Huro to Waitangi and across Te Whanga Lagoon to its entrance at Te Awapatiki.
Nuggety North East
Kaingaroa township in the North East is home to a small fishing fleet and the Torotoro Monument, marking the first tragic contact between Moriori and the British crew of HMS Chatham in 1791. Nearby, the Hapupu Moriori Dendroglyphs (tree carvings) lie within a regenerated Kopi forest and can be visited with a guide. The area is also home to Ocean Mail Beach Scenic Reserve, an 830ha conservation area with 4km of spectacular coastline and optional wetland and Aster walks.
Wild West
The North West of the island is a landscape of expansive farms and striking volcanic cones. At the end of the road, pristine white beaches are home to the native Chatham Island Oystercatcher. On the lower slopes of Maunganui sits the historic Stone Cottage, built with mortar made from burnt pipi shells and backed by a dramatic rock face. Nearby, discover a magnificent beach with shell banks and towering sand dunes, as well as the impressive basalt columns of Ohira Bay — ancient lava formations dating back nearly 80 million years.
SAT 23 JAN - CHATHAM ISLANDS/AUCKLAND
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, and bid farewell to the friendly team at Hotel Chatham. Depart this afternoon for the airport for your flight to Auckland on Chatham Airways flight 3C592 departing at 2.00pm, arriving Auckland 4.00pm. Transfer home(if applicable). Included: B
Deposit: $500 p.p
Room upgrade offer!
Enjoy an upstairs room offering fabulous views from your private balcony and a Super King bed. Just add $324 pp twin share. Single pricing on request.
