Chatham Islands

The Chatham Islands form a remote New Zealand archipelago in the South Pacific, roughly 800 kilometres east of the South Island. The territory is centred on Chatham Island, known as Rēkohu in Moriori and Wharekauri in Māori, with the smaller inhabited Pitt Island lying to the southeast. Waitangi, on the western shore of Petre Bay, is the main port and settlement.

The islands have a distinctive cultural history shaped by the Moriori, the first Polynesian settlers, whose pacifist tradition and rakau momori tree carvings remain powerful symbols of identity. After European arrival, sealing, whaling, farming and fishing reshaped island life. Today Kōpinga Marae near Waitangi is the spiritual home of the Moriori people, while the Hāpūpū / J.M. Barker Historic Reserve protects centuries-old carved kopi trees.

Nature defines much of the Chatham Islands experience. Te Whanga Lagoon, a vast brackish lagoon on Chatham Island, stretches across the interior, while basalt columns at Ōhira Bay and long, empty beaches mark the coastline. The islands are internationally important for birds such as the Chatham Island black robin, pārea, tāiko and Chatham albatross, along with abundant marine life and rock lobster fisheries.

Beyond Waitangi, small settlements such as Te One, Kaingaroa and Ōwenga are linked by mostly unsealed roads across farmland. Visitors stay in the town hotel, farmstays, lodges and private rentals, and explore with rental vehicles, guided tours or fishing charters. Food highlights include blue cod, crayfish and local produce, while the Waitangi Museum and local craft outlets offer insight into island life.

The islands matter for both leisure and business travellers. Air Chathams provides scheduled flights from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch to Tuuta Airport, and the territory's farming, fishing, conservation and local government sectors bring regular business and service travel. For most visitors, the appeal is the chance to experience one of the world's most remote and culturally distinctive island communities.