Chatham Islands: The Wild Side - Guided Land Tour from Christchurch itinerary:
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DAY 1: CHRISTCHURCH TO CHATHAM ISLANDS
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.
DAY 2: KAINGAROA & HAPUPU RESERVE
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.
DAY 3: OUTER ISLANDS IN THE SOUTHEAST AND PITT ISLAND
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.
DAY 4: NORTH WEST CHATHAM ISLAND
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.
DAY 6: HENGA SCENIC RESERVE AND NURSERY
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.
DAY 6: SOUTH COAST
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.
DAY 7: OWENGA FISHING VILLAGE
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).
DAY 8: CHATHAM ISLANDS TO CHRISTCHURCH
After breakfast this morning we make our way
to the airport for our return flight to Christchurch
where we expect to arrive at midday
Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.
Chatham Islands: The Wild Side - Guided Land Tour from Christchurch reverse itinerary:
show main itinerary
Please Note: *
Itineraries are subject to change.
DAY 8: CHATHAM ISLANDS TO CHRISTCHURCH *
After breakfast this morning we make our way
to the airport for our return flight to Christchurch
where we expect to arrive at midday
DAY 7: OWENGA FISHING VILLAGE *
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).
DAY 6: SOUTH COAST *
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.
DAY 6: HENGA SCENIC RESERVE AND NURSERY *
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.
DAY 4: NORTH WEST CHATHAM ISLAND *
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.
DAY 3: OUTER ISLANDS IN THE SOUTHEAST AND PITT ISLAND *
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.
DAY 2: KAINGAROA & HAPUPU RESERVE *
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.
DAY 1: CHRISTCHURCH TO CHATHAM ISLANDS *
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.
* = Indicative