Chatham Islands including Festival Day

Join our small group tour and experience the absolute uniqueness that is ‘The Chathams’. Trees that lean nearly horizontal, rugged landscapes containing an array of volcanic formations, ancient forest remnants, rolling farmland, sandy beaches, abundant oceans and spectacular ever-changing scenery. The isolation, moody climate and history that includes Moriori, Māori, sealers, whalers, missionaries, farmers and settlers gives them a strong community spirit. From Hawke’s Bay we’ll fly, via Wellington, into the Chatham Islands where our home for the next 7 nights will be Hotel Chatham. During our visit, we’ll explore it all. Highlights will include the views from the 200m high Rangi Ika Cliffs, the life size statue of Tommy Solomon, the last known full blooded Moriori, visit Blind Jim’s Creek and search the coastline for fossilized shark’s teeth. Also, the beautiful Hapupu National Reserve Moriori Tree Cravings, enormous Basalt Columns, Port Munning Seal Colony, Kaingaroa Fishing Village and much, much more. And this year the trip will coincide with the island’s annual ‘Day Out’, when the whole community comes together in a festival-like format to celebrate the islands’ unique way of life. The warmth of the local hospitality is legendary, and the quality of the seafood will astound you. This is a bucket-list trip for many and we can’t wait to show you around.