DAY 1 — ARRIVE ON THE CHATHAMS
On arrival at Tuuta Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your hosts, Greg & Rosemary Horler and transferred to Awarakau Lodge, their coastal haven overlooking the wild South Coast.
Settle into your ensuite room, enjoy the sound of waves rolling in, or stretch your legs along the rocky shoreline before your first home-style dinner.
Meals Included: Dinner & welcome drink
DAY 2 — KAINGAROA, WETLANDS & DENDROGLYPHS
After a wholesome breakfast, we travel north to the remote Kaingaroa region.
Highlights include:
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- A relaxing picnic at Ocean Mail Scenic Reserve
- A walk through regenerating wetlands
- Visiting the historic Hapupu Dendroglyphs — ancient Moriori tree carvings
- Exploring Skirmish Bay, the first European landing site (1791)
- A coastal walk to the island’s accessible seal colony
Return to Awarakau Lodge for another delicious three-course dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3 — PORT HUTT & THE BASALT COLUMNS
Today’s outing takes us northwest to one of the island’s most fascinating regions.
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- Wander the impressive Basalt Columns, a phenomenal geological wonder
- Visit Port Hutt — shipwrecks, fishing stories, and history
- Explore the historic stone mission house (circa 1866)
- Enjoy sweeping views along Waitangi West Beach, the westerly edge of the island
Return home for a cosy evening at Awarakau Lodge.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4 — WAITANGI, MUSEUM, GALLERIES & ADMIRAL GARDENS
Spend the day uncovering the artistic, cultural, and historical heart of Waitangi.
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- Visit the Waitangi Museum
- Explore local galleries and unique craft stores
- A scenic wander through the lush and iconic Admiral Gardens
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5 — MORIORI HERITAGE, OWENGA & HENGA RESERVE
Today is all about stories, culture, and nature.
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- Visit Kopinga Marae for an insightful introduction to Moriori history
- See the poignant Tommy Solomon statue in Owenga
- Walk the beautiful Henga Scenic Reserve track
- Return via the inland road with sweeping landscape views
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6 — FULL DAY PITT ISLAND ADVENTURE
A highlight for many travellers. Board your charter from Owenga and head to the stunning offshore islands.
Depending on sea conditions, activities may include:
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- Scenic cruising around Pitt Island
- Birdlife encounters — petrels, albatross, and more
- Fishing opportunities
- A relaxing lunch in a sheltered bay
- A beach landing at Flowerpot Bay
- Seal and seabird spotting throughout the day
NOTE: If weather prevents travel, we offer a wonderful alternative programme featuring birdwatching, museums, galleries, and historic experiences.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7 — CAPE YOUNG, NIKAU RESERVE & FOSSIL SEARCHING
Your final full day takes you north:
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- Stop at Blind Jim’s Creek, where shark-tooth fossils often wash up
- Explore the beautiful Nikau Scenic Reserve
- Visit Wharekauri Station to see the remarkable Splatter Rocks
- Take in panoramic views along the Cape Young coastline
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner
DAY 8 — FAREWELL TO THE CHATHAMS
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred back to Tuuta Airport to connect with your Air Chathams flight. With hearts full and new friendships formed, your Chatham Island experience draws to a close.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Departing Wellington – 12 November
Your Chatham Islands adventure begins at Wellington Airport, where you will be met by your Travel with Lesley Whyte representative and tour escort at 12.00noon / 12.30pm who will guide you through the group check-in for your Air Chathams flight departing at 2:00pm. You will arrive at Chatham Islands – Tuuta Airport at approximately 4:45pm (Chatham Islands time), where you’ll be warmly welcomed and transferred to your accommodation, approximately a 40 minute drive.
Returning to Wellington – 19 November
Your return flight departs Tuuta Airport at 9:30am, arriving at Welllington Airport around 11:30am mainland New Zealand time. If you are continuing on a connecting flight, please ensure your onward fare is fully flexible and you allow a minimum of 2 hours between landing and your next departure.
