New Zealand

Chatham Islands

Chatham Islands -The Unspoiled World!

INFORMATION

We have sourced out some of the best information and tips on Chatham Islands

PLACES TO SEE

Check out some of the best places to see while at Chatham Islands in New Zealand.

THINGS TO DO

Check out some of the best activities that you can do while at Chatham Islands

Chatham Islands

INFORMATION

Chatham Islands - The Unspoiled World!

If total isolation and total wilderness excites you, the Chatham Islands may just be the destination you have been searching for. Located east of the South Island, the ‘Chathams’, as they are affectionately known, is approximately a 1 ¾ hour flight from Wellington or Christchurch! The distance that separates the islands from the mainland puts Chatham Islands 45 minutes ahead of standard New Zealand time, and a close look at the international dateline shows that the Chathams are the first to see the light of every new day – a fact that made the islands famous at the time of the new millennium.

Last place on earth

With a declining population of just under 700 and an extremely exposed but temperate climate, the Chatham Islands really are the ‘last place on earth’! However, the contrast of rugged coastlines and towering cliffs, volcanic peaks, lagoons and peat bogs, empty beaches, remote farms, wind-stunted vegetation and dense patches of forest makes the Chathams a mysterious and wild adventure.

Moriori People Chatham Islands

The Chatham Islands are renowned for being the last home of the Moriori, their peaceful existence coming to an end in the 1820’s and 1830’s as European and American whalers and sealers began to arrive, not to mention Maori tribes from the mainland.

The Moriori are believed to be Polynesians who sailed to the islands from New Zealand between 900AD and 1500AD and since the first arrival of a European in 1791 the population of Moriori dwindled from around 2000 to only 100 by the 1860’s. By the beginning of the 20^th century, there were just 12 full-blooded Moriori left, a result of killing, enslavement and interbreeding with the Maori tribes who took over the islands. There are now believed to be over 300 Moriori descendants and today Moriori, Maori and Pakeha (Europeans) live together as Chatham Islanders.

Some of the sights to be seen are reminiscent of the Moriori history of the islands. Tree carvings and rock engravings are the main attractions, another being that of the unusual statue of the ‘Last Moriori’, Tommy Solomon. Apparently, you can watch Tommy’s eyes follow you as you wander around the rocks below.

Chatham Island Location

The Chatham Islands consist of about 10 islands. It is considered part of New Zealand. The Chatham islands form an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean about 800 kilometers east of the South Island.

chatham island

ACTIVITIES

THINGS TO DO

Discover what you can do while in Chatham Islands New Zealand.

Scuba Diving

Chatham islands Great For Scuba Diving

With plenty of Shipwrecks dotted around the Chatham islands it makes it one of the best places for scuba divers. Make sure to take all the scuba gear if possible.

Walking Trails

Great place for a walk

Trampers will also find interesting country to explore with Department of Conservation (DOC) walking tracks of anything up to an hour to a full day in duration

Bird Watching

Great place to for bird watching

There are 18 species of bird unique to the islands including the endangered black robin and the rare taiko. DOC staff can give you the best viewing spots for bird watching

Chatham Island

must see

DISCOVER THE MUST SEES

Discover what Chatham Islands has to offer in New Zealand.

Point Munning

A must see while in Chatham Island

One of the best place to visit while in Chatham island. Point Munning is part of a 47 hectare conservation land where seals are plentiful and rock formations are unique.

Glory Cottage

A must see while in Chatham Island

If you are into heritage buildings then this is a must see. Glory Cottage has been fully restored and considered a category 2 building. It is set in idyllic place with amazing views.

Sightseeing

Tikitiki Hill Chatham Islands

Tikitiki Hill offers a short climb to the very top of the hill gives lovely views across the bay, the old TV station is also on the hill so worth a look.