The Chathams Travel Experience
An Air Chathams ATR 72 on the runway at the Chatham Islands' Tuuta Airport. Photo: Air Chathams
Eight hundred kilometres east of mainland New Zealand lies one of the country’s best-kept secrets: the Chatham Islands. This windswept archipelago, home to just over 600 hardy souls, represents authentic New Zealand at its most unspoilt. Returning from a seven-day escorted tour with Pukekohe Travel, I can confidently say this remote destination offers experiences that simply cannot be replicated elsewhere in New Zealand.
The Journey Begins: Air Chathams Experience
Our adventure commenced at Auckland Airport, where we joined eighteen fellow travellers for what would prove to be an exceptional week. The gateway to the Chathams is Air Chathams, operating a small but reliable fleet that includes two ATR 72-500 aircraft.
Our particular aircraft, a twenty-six-year-old workhorse with sixty-eight seats based at the Chathams and flys between Auckland , Wellington and Christchurch, exemplifies the practical nature of regional aviation in New Zealand.
The boarding process reflects the islands’ relaxed approach to life—no assigned seating, simply board and choose your spot. I settled into seat 14C for the two-hour fifteen-minute journey, which, whilst comfortable enough, did highlight the aircraft’s age with rather cramped seating for a flight of this duration. The cabin crew of two proved attentive throughout, offering potato crisps shortly after departure and coffee with biscuits an hour into the flight. Entertainment consists of Air Chats magazine—perfectly adequate for the journey’s duration.
Hotel Chatham: An Unexpected Gem
Upon arrival, local guide Bernie (Bernadette) collected our group, immediately setting the tone with her encyclopaedic knowledge of island life. Our destination was Hotel Chatham, which delivered the first of many pleasant surprises. The cod and chips lunch awaiting us was merely a preview of the culinary excellence to come.
The accommodation exceeded all expectations—genuinely five-star quality in this remote location. However, it was the dining that truly distinguished our stay. Each day began with breakfast served between 6:30 and 9:00, followed by owner Toni’s informative morning briefing about island activities. Evening meals commenced promptly at six o’clock, with our first night featuring fresh crayfish—a harbinger of the gastronomic delights ahead. Fair warning: pack loose-fitting clothes, as weight gain is almost inevitable.
Daily Adventures and Island Insights
The Chathams’ changeable weather dictates daily activities, with programmes announced each morning based on conditions. This flexibility proved invaluable when Wednesday dawned perfect for fishing. We ventured to Owenga, where Megan and Glen of Owenga Charters demonstrated the professionalism that characterises island operators. Within hours, each guest had caught their five-cod quota, with Glen expertly filleting our catch for freezing and transport home.
The islands themselves comprise two main inhabited landmasses: Chatham Island (approximately ninety thousand hectares) and Pitt Island (six thousand three hundred hectares), plus numerous smaller islets. Te Whanga lagoon, covering roughly twenty thousand hectares, serves as a dramatic centrepiece—approximately one-fifth of the main island’s total area.
Five settlements dot Chatham Island: Waitangi, Te One, Owenga, Port Hutt, and Kaingaroa. The Chatham Island Council holds the distinction of being New Zealand’s smallest local authority, managing both district and regional responsibilities for this unique community.
A Thriving Remote Community
The statistics tell a remarkable story: with unemployment at just 1.4% for those over fifteen (compared to 5.1% nationally), the Chathams represent a thriving microcosm of New Zealand enterprise. During our visit, we encountered independent travellers who had hired vehicles for self-guided exploration. Whilst respecting their approach, our escorted tour undoubtedly provided deeper insights and access to experiences unavailable to casual visitors.
Bernie’s expertise proved invaluable throughout, her intimate knowledge transforming each excursion into an educational journey through Chatham culture and history. The isolation that defines the Chathams has fostered a unique community spirit, evident in every interaction from hotel staff to charter operators.
The Seasoned Traveller’s Verdict
The Chatham Islands deliver an authenticity increasingly rare in today’s tourism landscape. This isn’t a destination for those seeking luxury resorts or convenient connectivity—it’s for travellers who value genuine experiences over Instagram opportunities.
Pukekohe Travel’s escorted tour format proves ideal for this destination. The coordination required for activities like fishing charters, combined with Bernie’s local knowledge and Hotel Chatham’s exceptional hospitality, creates a seamless experience that independent travel would struggle to match.
For seasoned travellers seeking New Zealand’s last frontier, the Chathams offer unparalleled authenticity. The warmth of island hospitality, combined with stunning landscapes and unique cultural experiences, creates memories that linger long after departure. If you’re contemplating this journey, trust the professionals—this truly is the way to experience New Zealand’s remote paradise.
IMAGE CREDIT:
Map of the Chatham Islands [Land Tenure]. University of Auckland and National Library of New Zealand: Digital surrogates of New Zealand government agency maps. Ref: MPDL-001329. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/44638659
