Itinerary
The experiences below are all part of your Chatham Islands Adventure. By partnering with trusted local experts, landowners and members of the Chatham Islands community, we have created a collection of authentic experiences that showcase the very best of the islands’ landscapes, culture, history, people and hospitality.
While weather, tides and local conditions may influence the order of activities, every experience listed below is included as part of your Chatham Islands adventure.
Chatham Islands Seafood Experiences
The Chatham Islands are renowned for producing some of New Zealand’s finest seafood, and throughout your stay you’ll enjoy a variety of fresh local delicacies including crayfish, blue cod, pāua, kina, hāpuku and other seasonal specialties.
Each day brings new flavours and opportunities to experience the remarkable bounty of the surrounding ocean.
Island Dining Experiences
Enjoy two unique signature lunch experiences created especially for our guests.
One features a rustic outdoor picnic-style feast including freshly prepared hot-smoked blue cod chowder, while the other is a special pop-up lunch showcasing local Chatham Islands ingredients.
These memorable dining experiences are lovingly prepared by acclaimed Chatham Islands chef Kaai Silbery together with Bridget Preece of Kopi Bush Retreat, providing an unforgettable taste of the islands.
Durham Farm Woolshed Morning or Afternoon Tea
Travel to the rugged south coast and visit historic Durham Farm, where you’ll enjoy a warm country-style morning or afternoon tea in the farm’s character-filled woolshed.
Hear stories of farming life on the Chatham Islands, learn about the challenges and rewards of living in such a remote location, and experience the genuine hospitality for which island residents are renowned.
Tommy Solomon Memorial, Foreshore Walk & Coastal Restoration Experience
One of the most meaningful experiences of the tour.
Visit the Tommy Solomon Memorial, dedicated to the last known full-blood Moriori, and gain a deeper understanding of Moriori history, culture and resilience through stories shared by descendants and local custodians.
Explore the foreshore restoration project, visit the nursery where native plants are propagated, and learn about the ongoing efforts to regenerate and protect this important coastal environment.
This experience also includes one of our exclusive lunch experiences.
Farewell Degustation Dinner at Kopi Bush Retreat
Your final evening on the Chatham Islands is celebrated with an extraordinary multi-course degustation dinner at Kopi Bush Retreat.
Hosted by John and Bridget Preece at their remarkable off-grid home, featured on Grand Designs New Zealand, this unforgettable dining experience showcases the creativity of Chef Kaai Silbery and the exceptional produce of the Chatham Islands.
Expect an evening of outstanding food, warm hospitality and memorable stories as we farewell this remarkable destination.
Experiences Included Throughout Your Stay
Waitangi West Beach
Walk this rugged and windswept coastline in search of the famous pink pāua shells for which the Chatham Islands are renowned.
Basalt Columns
Marvel at spectacular volcanic rock formations rising dramatically from the coastline and discover the giant kelp forests that thrive in the surrounding waters.
Hapupu National Historic Reserve
Visit one of New Zealand’s most significant cultural sites and view the sacred Moriori dendroglyphs — ancient tree carvings that provide a unique connection to Moriori history and identity.
Chatham Islands Museum
A visit to the Chatham Islands Museum provides a fascinating introduction to the islands’ unique history, culture and way of life.
Discover stories of Māori, Moriori and European settlement, explore displays showcasing the islands’ maritime heritage, farming and fishing industries, and gain insight into the events and people that have shaped this remarkable community over generations.
The museum’s collection offers a deeper understanding of the resilience, innovation and character of the Chatham Islands and its people.
Ocean Mail Reserve
Explore the site of the historic Ocean Mail shipwreck and learn about the challenges of maritime travel and communication in the islands’ early years.
Blind Jim’s Lagoon
Step into the shallows of this fascinating lagoon and search for fossilised shark teeth, kina spines and other natural treasures hidden within the sands.
Additional Locations Visited
As we explore the Chatham Islands, we’ll visit a variety of locations that provide insight into the islands’ unique landscapes, communities, industries and way of life.
Locations visited may include:
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- Waitangi Township
- Te Whanga Lagoon
- Kaingaroa Fishing Village
- Owenga Harbour
- Port Hutt
- Admiral Gardens
- Scenic coastal viewpoints and remote beaches
- Local seafood and fishing locations
- Historic farming properties and settlements
Each location offers a unique perspective on life in one of New Zealand’s most remote communities, from commercial fishing and farming through to conservation, heritage and the remarkable resilience of island life.
Combined with our dining experiences, local storytelling and exclusive access opportunities, these visits help create a genuine and memorable Chatham Islands experience.
Flight Information
Monday 20 September 2027 – Departure Day
Your Air Chathams flight departs Wellington Airport at 2:00pm, arriving at Tuuta Airport, Chatham Islands, at approximately 4:30pm local time.
Please note that the Chatham Islands operate 45 minutes ahead of New Zealand mainland time.
Guests are requested to meet their Travel With Lesley Whyte Tour Escort at the Air Chathams check-in counter by 12:30pm for group check-in and the distribution of personalised tour information.
To ensure luggage is correctly identified and delivered directly to your accommodation, guests should not check in independently.
Upon arrival, transfer to your accommodation and settle into island life before enjoying your first evening on the Chatham Islands.
Monday 27 September 2027 – Departure Day
Your return Air Chathams flight departs Tuuta Airport at 9:30am, arriving into Wellington Airport at approximately 10:45am local time.
As weather conditions can occasionally impact flight schedules to and from the Chatham Islands, we strongly recommend allowing a minimum of two hours between your scheduled arrival into Wellington and any onward flight connections.
For complete peace of mind, comprehensive travel insurance covering travel disruption and weather-related delays is strongly recommended.
As you depart the Chatham Islands, you’ll take with you unforgettable memories, new friendships, remarkable stories and, for many guests, a desire to return and experience these extraordinary islands once again.
