Chatham Islands see · Chatham Islands attractions
All Destinations | Europe | Asia | North America | Africa | South America | Oceania | Hotels
Chatham Islands attractions
Chatham Islands attractions
One of the most remote parts of the world.
Some of the worlds most Rare and endangered birds, plants and insects.
Unique Tree carvings done by the peaceful Moriori people hundreds of years ago.
Henga Scenic Reserve. Set adjacent to Chatham Lodge is the magnificent Henga Scenic Reserve. Guests of the lodge can meander around either a short easy walk, or take the longer 2 hour return walk out onto the spectacular beach. Access is free to Lodge guests.
Hapupu National Historic Scenic Reserve Just one of only two National Historic Scenic Reserves in New Zealand (the other is the Waitangi Treaty Grounds), Hapupu really is a special place, and somewhere that you will want to tell others about. Spiritually and culturally important to Moriori, Hapupu holds the last known concentration of momori-rakau, or tree carvings done by the ancestors of today's Moriori. There are many views on why they did these carvings, but whateer the reason, you will find them a very special attraction.
Port Hutt One of the most scenicly attractive ports in the whole of New Zealand, Port Hutt boasts an incredibly sheltered little harbour, with picturesque views and safe anchorage in all weather. Hstorically important and economically crucial for these islands today, Port Hutt is the ideal location for a short browse around and a mecca for those photography buffs .
Kopinga Marae If you could define a place that will remind you of your visit to the Chathams, then Kopinga Marae will be at the top of your list. This is a very special place. Opened in 2005, Kopinga is the official meeting place of Te Imi Moriori. Adorned with contemporary Moriori carvings and traditional taonga (treasures) Kopinga Marae is a magnificent, tasteful and contemporary testament to the ancestors or Te Imi Moriori. enjoy a guided tour of this beautiful and peaceful building. School-Camps At Kopinga Marae also utilise this wonderful national treasure for hosting visiting school groups.
Tommy Solomon Statue Tame Horomona Rehe was the last full-blooded Moriori and he passed away in 1933. He was however, not the last Moriori. His own descendants and the descendants of other Moriori live on today. Come and have a look at this statue, erected in 1985 to commermorate his passing. Come and see Manakau, the property of his descendants, located on the eastern corner of Rekohu and blessd with the suns first rays as they rise above the sea each day.
Kaingaroa Quaint, is one word often used to describe this bustling little fishing village on the Norther corner of Rekohu. The residents of Kaingaroa often prepare a meal for Tourists on Saturday evenings at the local Kaingaroa Club and it is, without a doubt, one of the highights of a trip to the Chathams. The food is superb and the company is fantastic.
Museum One of the best kept secrets of the Chathams is the local museum. Full of interesting items, photographs and books, the museum holds a treasure trove of information about the Chathams. Don't miss it and don't forget to have a look through some of the books there.
Art Gallery The Chathams harbours many artists, both budding and well known. Most usually exhibit one or two pieces at the local art gallery, which is housed in the courthouse.... or is it the other way round? Either way, visitors are often surprised by the quality of works and many are sold during the tourist season.
Tuku Valley Nursery Liz and Bruce Tuanui run a nursery at their home in the Tuku valley on the south west coast of the Chathams. They offer guided walks of their nursery and gardens and you will be pleasantly amazed at the variety of plants and how well things grow in our litle sub-antarctic environment.
Whangaroa Seafoods Factory Arrangements are underway to enable visitors to watch this factory in action. Because the hygiene regulations are so strict in procesing facilities, visitors are unable to enter the factory floor, but will be able to view it from a dry viewing room adjacent. Watch the whole process, from unloading, grading, filleting to packaging freezing and shipping.
Pitt Island No trip to the Chathams would be complete without taking a day trip to Pitt Island. Air Chathams flies you there, via a very scenic route and Bernie and Brent of Flowerpot Adventures will drive you around Pitt Island and give you a running commentary and a homestyle lunch with one of the locals.
Scenery Theres no charge for this particular attraction. Its too hard to charge for something that is everywhere! It doesn't really matter what your particular scenery fetish is, there is something for everyone, from 'mountains' (well... biggish hills anyway) to cliff, sandy beaches to swampland, lakes and rivers to ocean vistas, it's covered.
Plant life
Too numerous to list them all today, check back in a few days and we'll get them listed.
Bird Life
Too numerous to list them all today, check back in a few days and we'll get them listed.
Seafood Do you like crayfish (Rock Lobster), or Paua (Abalone) or fish? Well you're coming to the right place then, because there's lots of it here and its all fresh and its all very very tasty. Get Joan at Chatham Lodge to prepare a seafood buffet for you and you will soon see what I am talking about. Our fish is the freshest, the tastiest and the best fish in the world.
Culture There are three types of culture on the Chathams islands, Moriori, Maori, and Chatham Islands culture. Kopinga Marae is the base for Te Imi Moriori and is adorned with carvings and artworks from contemporary Moriori artists. The revival of Moriori culture and language is facilitated from there.
Maori have a marae and the local Iwi; Ngati Mutunga O Wharekauri have an office building here as well. Maori culture is very strong on the Chathams.
The "Chathams" culture is a blend of all three ethnicities and has been shaped by the environment, the lifestyle, the contributions from each "ethnicity' and a community that has learned to rely on each other and deal with whatever is thrown their way, usually with a grin and a great deal of determination. Kiwi ingenuity has nothing on Chatham Island know-how.
Beaches
There are a wide range of on the islands that visitors can walk or beach comb on. Most of the time you will have the beach to yourself, or at least your group will.
Basalt Columns
The Basalt columns are one of the many natural wonders of Rekohu. Formed by a process of cooling with salt water these hexagonal columns of basalt are spectacular, as is the location and scenery around them.
Nunuku's Cave Legend has it, that this cave which contains authentic and ancient rock carvings was the home of the legendary Nunuku, the Moriori Chief who outlawed killing among his people. A pacifist law which lasted for hundreds of years, even in the face of unwanton aggression.
Te Whanga Lagoon This large body of water provides a source of food and a venue for leisure and a means of access to various corners of the island. Abundant in whitebait, eel, assorted shellfish and relatively shallow, despite its size, Te Whanga, which contains both fresh and saltwater is a fantastic place to have a fossick around. Its shores are adorned with limestone cliff, sandy beaches and wetland habitats.
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Chatham Islands
Where To Stay & Best Hotels in Chatham Islands - updated May 2024
SAVE up to 75% on Last Minute deals! Search for discount Chatham Islands hotels, motels, apartments, hostels, guest accommodations and vacation resorts. Book now and pay at the hotel. Instant email confirmation!
>>> SEARCH FOR DEALS <<<
WHERE TO TRAVEL NEXT IN 2020
Chatham Islands Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.
