Chatham Islands Spring 2025 Programme

Your travel itinerary

A Typical Week on the Chatham Islands includes...

• A visit to the beautiful Admiral Garden’s, Craft and Art Studio hosted by Val Snr and Lois Croon 
• Tour to the incredible hexagonal shaped Basalt Columns  
• Visit the farm at the end of Waitangi West road, including a picnic lunch with the farm manager
• Moriori Rock Carvings (Petroglyphs) - High level of fitness required
• Visit Wharekauri, Splattered Rock (the amazing volcanic formation on the beach), KMP endemic & NZ native plants nursery and heritage listed Punga Hut
• Awatotara Reserve to see the Parea Wood Pigeon and endemic plants
• Owenga Harbour and Village
• Visit the statue of Tommy Solomon
• Comb Blind Jims at Te Whanga Lagoon and search the shoreline for fossilised sharks’ teeth
• Spend a day at Kaingaroa via the Ocean Mail Wetlands Reserve 
• Hapupu National Reserve - Moriori Tree Carvings (Dendroglyphs)
• Walk to the only accessible seal colony
• Visit the site of Broughton Landing 1791 (early whaling village) 
• See the Sunderland Flying Boat which is being restored. 
• Visit Kopinga Marae
• Cliff walk to Tikitiki Hill.  
• Town walk to include the Museum, Craft Shop, Waitangi Store 
• Henga Reserve Bush walk opportunities.

All these activities will help you appreciate the size, beauty and culture of the Chatham Islands.  Most are weather dependent, will vary from day-to- day and subject to change! Every endeavour will be made to schedule all the activities. There are great photo opportunities

Inclusions

• Return air travel on Air Chathams
• Seven nights accommodation
• Airport transfers on Chatham Islands
• All meals including continental breakfast / picnic lunches / buffet dinners
• All sightseeing and entry fees as per itinerary
• A 90 page ‘Discover the Chatham Islands’ booklet and map on arrival
• Daily guided tours
• One fishing trip
• Pukekohe Travel escort subject to 20 passengers travelling

Cost

*This is a cash price. Credit cards will incur a 1.5% fee
*Itinerary and costs subject to change, airline and fuel charges and currency fluctuations prior to final payment

Exclusions

• Optional Pitt Island excursion  
• Additional fishing trips 
• Items of a personal nature 
• Travel Insurance (Highly recommended)

Booking Conditions

• A non-refundable deposit of $500 per person is required along with your completed booking form to secure your place
• Full payment (45 days prior to departure) 
• Both deposit and final payment are non refundable – substitute travellers are acceptable

Cancellations

• Both deposit and final payment are non refundable – substitute travellers are acceptable

Travel Insurance

• Travel Insurance is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED for visiting the Chatham Islands due to their isolation and changeable weather
• Flights may be delayed through changeable weather necessitating additional hotel and flight expenses
• Your insurance will cover you for any flight delay due to weather
• Air Chathams, PukekoheTravel and Hotel Chathams accepts no responsibility for additional costs incurred or for time lost on the island as a result of flight delays
• NB: A surcharge may apply due to age and / or pre-existing medical conditions
• NB: New Zealand Credit Cards do not cover travel to the Chatham Islands 

General Information

Cloth ing and General Information

• Casual clothing is recommended. The climate is temperate although exposed, so layers are recommended along with a warm water-proof jacket. Be prepared for four seasons in one day!
• Comfortable walking shoes are adequate for the daily walks / sightseeing
• Sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended
• Mobile phones have no reception
• EFTPOS and credit card facilities are available at the Hotel, Bank and the General Store. Cash is also available from the hotel
• Internet is available at the Hotel (additional cost)
• There is a four-bed hospital on the island and a resident doctor on duty. You are covered by the NZ Health system
• Baggage allowance is 23kg + 7kg hand luggage. Excess charges will apply
• There is NO public transport on the island

Meals

• All meals are provided – continental breakfast, picnic lunches and dinner at the hotel, BBQ at Admiral Farm, seafood buffet at either Kaingaroa or the hotel

Fish to Buy

• Fish can be bought from the island Fish Factory (subject to availability) 

Health and Fitness

• To ensure the tour is enjoyable for the whole group, a good standard of fitness is required with the ability to walk for 10 minutes over various terrains without rest stops

Accommodation

Hotel Chathams

Hotel Chathams is situated on the waterfront in the main township of Waitangi.  The hotel has spacious upstairs executive rooms and standard, ground floor, waterfront rooms - all with ensuites, tea and coffee making facilities and sky television. Single rooms have shared facilities and do not have sea views.  Hotel facilities include a restaurant and bar, tea / coffee making, free laundry and pre-pay internet. Meals are at the hotel (unless otherwise specified) with local seafood and picnic lunches provided on days away from the hotel. Sightseeing tours depart from the hotel which is also the only Pub on the island and a great place to meet the locals!

Optional Extras

Fishing on Chatham Islands

• One half day fishing trip is included in your itinerary - spend up to 3 hours fishing for cod on your rope line. 

• Additional fishing trips are available - paid for on the island. 

• NB: All fishing trips are weather dependent and subject to availability  of the fishing boat and skipper.

Optional Day Tour to Pitt Island  $475per person

Regularly listed as one of the tour highlights

Fly to Pitt Island where you will be taken by 4WD around the many highlights of the island – majestic cliffs, rugged scenery, bush reserves, fertile farmland and a natural way of life. 

Lunch is at Flower Pot Bay Lodge.

Terms and Conditions

For full terms and conditions please visit our website Terms and Conditions or please ask our tour consultant for a copy.