Welcome to our April 2024 newsletter! This month, we’re thrilled to highlight the exciting events and experiences offered by Hotel Chathams Tours.
There’s a plethora of activities happening on Chatham Islands, catering to every interest. From Cooking Classes & Workshops to the cozy Mid Winter Christmas celebration, the delectable Seafood Extravaganza, captivating Photography Retreats, rejuvenating Artists Retreats, and the enchanting Weavers, Felters & Spinners tour—there’s something for everyone.
Mark your calendars for our annual Concert in the Garden in January, featuring performances by renowned artists like Hello Sailor, Tiki Taane, and Black Robin. Additionally, we’re excited to announce our inaugural Annual Chatham Island Bird tour, offering a unique opportunity to explore the island’s avian wonders.
Stay tuned for more updates and exciting events from Hotel Chathams Tours!
January 2025 – Annual Concert in the Garden
The line up of performers for 2025 has been confirmed, with a choice of a 3-night Concert package or 7-night Concert & Tour to choose from.
For Concert in the Garden, we’ve been so fortunate to secure three stunning & awesome acts to entertain you for over three hours. Hello Sailor, Tiki Taane, and Black Robin all on one stage must make for an unforgettable experience – this sounds like an incredible event!
Tiki Taane’s influence on New Zealand’s music scene is undeniable, and Hello Sailor’s longstanding presence in the industry adds a rich layer of history to the concert. Having Black Robin as the opening act must set the perfect tone for what promises to be an amazing afternoon of music. How did we manage to secure such an impressive lineup you might ask!
Click here for details on the 3-night concert package which includes VIP concert tickets
Click here for details on the 7-night tour package which includes VIP concert tickets
Click here if you’re already going to be on island and looking for concert tickets – both VIP & General Admission.
June is photography month on the Chatham Islands
We’ve just returned from leading a Chatham Island photography retreat – the images that were captured were outstanding.
We have 2 awesome photography retreats for you to choose from.
Drone Photography Retreat
Combining drone operation with photography in such a rugged and raw location sounds like a dream come true for enthusiasts. Exploring new landscapes while honing skills with professionals like Ryan Groves [RPA Skills] and Lesley Whyte sounds like an amazing experience. We’d love you to be a part of it as it’s an incredible opportunity!
Click here for details or download the brochure here which has other locations for Drone Photography Retreats. Note that we have only 3 places left for Chatham Islands.
Check out this short 30 seconds drone video of how stunning the Chatham Islands are to capture amazing footage.
Winter Wonderland Photography Retreat
This is an incredible opportunity! The Chatham Islands indeed boast stunning natural beauty and unique wildlife, making it a dream destination for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike. Lesley’s photography retreat seems like a fantastic way to explore and capture the essence of this hidden gem. The combination of breathtaking landscapes and endemic birdlife surely promises unforgettable experiences and amazing photo opportunities. This is going to be an enriching and inspiring retreat for anyone passionate about photography and adventure! Come join Lesley on 24th – 28th June as she shares one of her favourite photographic locations with you.
Check out a selection of images that previous attendees have captured!
Mid Winter Christmas
Embark on an eight-day adventure traversing the primary island, immersing yourself in breathtaking vistas, delving into the rich history of Chatham Island, mingling with locals, and discovering the diverse wildlife and flora. Indulge in delectable cuisine that will surely delight your taste buds. And let’s not forget the highlight—an exquisite Christmas dinner awaits you at Hotel Chatham’s restaurant, adorned with festive decorations from the twinkling Christmas tree to the elegant table settings and Santa’s presence. You’ll be serenaded by the enchanting voice of Jackie Clarke, filling the air with beloved Christmas melodies.
Click here for more details, but note that we have only 7 places left.
Weavers, Spinners & Felters Tour
Attention all enthusiasts of felting, spinning, and weaving! Join us on a meticulously guided tour to the Chatham Islands. Immerse yourself in an experience where you’ll have the opportunity to select from an abundant assortment of raw wool straight from the bales, showcasing a vibrant array of hues. The wool hails predominantly from the esteemed Pitt Island sheep lineage, stemming from Saxony Merinos, promising a diverse range of textures. Don’t forget to pack your hand carding brushes, spindles, and felting needles, as we’ll be welcomed by local hosts who will graciously share their expertise and hospitality. Engage in lively conversations while skillfully crafting with your chosen wool.
Click here for more details, but note that we have only 5 places left.
Seafood Extravaganza Tour
Join us for our annual Chatham Island Seafood Extravaganza from Monday, August 5th to Tuesday, August 13th, spanning eight nights of indulging in the delectable seafood offerings of this ruggedly picturesque locale.
The scenery of Chatham Islands is uniquely raw and captivating, boasting greenery unlike anything found on mainland NZ, accompanied by an inspiring history that beckons us back year after year.
During this Seafood Extravaganza, treat your palate to sumptuous seafood feasts each day, featuring a variety of delicacies including crayfish, Chatham Island Blue Cod, Paua, Hapuka, sashimi, and more! Indulge in signature dishes like the mouthwatering Chatham Island Blue Cod curry or the classic Blue Cod & chips.
Come experience the best of Chatham Islands’ seafood and hospitality with us!”
Click here for more details, 12 places left.
Cooking Classes & Workshops
Join us for our 2024 five-night cooking classes & workshop tour, where we’ll embark on an immersive culinary journey using the finest Chatham Island ingredients. Indulge in a seafood extravaganza accompanied by guided tours to historically significant locations. This year, renowned chef Martin Bosley will lead you through two days of culinary mastery, refining your skills and tantalizing your taste buds. Experience the perfect blend of bush exploration, shoreline walks, and interactive food discovery sessions on this unforgettable culinary adventure.
Click here for more details, 8 places left.
Artists Retreat
Attention all artists! Join us on a fully escorted tour to the Chatham Islands, where we’ll be hosted by the talented Chatham Island artist, Lois Croon. Nestled within the serene Admiral Gardens, amidst the breathtaking landscape of Admiral Farm and Lake Marakapia, Lois’s art studio is a haven of creativity. Drawing inspiration from the island’s natural beauty, Lois crafts stunning paintings, jewelry, crafts, and her signature forget-me-not ceramics, which adorn the walls of Hotel Chathams.
Throughout our journey, we’ll explore captivating locations that will ignite your artistic spirit, allowing you to capture the rawness and allure of Chatham Island life, from its landscapes to its farmers, livestock, and seascapes. Pack your artistic essentials—pastels, pencils, charcoal, watercolour and acrylic paints, pen and ink, sketch pads, artists’ paper, portable easel, and a small stool—as a second checked-in bag is included, ensuring you can bring everything you need.
Don’t forget your camera to capture reference images for our art workshops. After our invigorating outdoor painting sessions, we’ll transition to indoor art workshops, where we’ll have the opportunity to refine our Chatham Island masterpieces. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, this journey promises to ignite your creativity and leave you with cherished memories and stunning creations.
Click here for more details.
Annual Bird Tour
Embarking on a 7-night Chatham Island Bird Tour is an unforgettable journey tailor-made for ornithologists and photographers alike. This tour is guided by ornithologist and conservationist Mike Bell – you will gain insight into the unique ecology of the Chatham Islands and the delicate balance required to protect its endemic birdlife. From the moment you set foot on this remote archipelago, you will be enveloped in a world teeming with avian wonders found nowhere else on Earth.
There are two highlights of this tour:
(1) A full-day boat trip to Pitt Island, where dramatic landscapes and pristine coastlines serve as the backdrop for unparalleled birdwatching opportunities. With binoculars and cameras in hand, enthusiasts will be scanning the horizon for rare species such as the Pitt Island shag and the Chatham albatross (Toroa), capturing breathtaking moments that will forever grace the pages of their photographic collections. Around Chatham Island we cruise secluded coves to windswept cliffs, each location offers a different glimpse into the rich tapestry of Chatham’s birdlife. Nestled amidst the lush foliage, the elusive black robin may reveal itself, a symbol of conservation success after teetering on the brink of extinction.
(2) Visit to the Taiko Bird Sanctuary, a sanctuary dedicated to the preservation of the critically endangered Chatham Island Taiko. Here, participants have the chance to witness conservation efforts firsthand as they observe these majestic seabirds in their natural habitat.
Click here for more details.