September Chatham Islands Adventure & Seafood Extravaganza

Fully Escorted Tour | 20 September – 27 September 2027

Prepare for an unforgettable journey to one of New Zealand’s most remote and captivating destinations. Located more than 800 kilometres east of the mainland, the Chatham Islands offer a remarkable blend of spectacular coastal scenery, fascinating history, warm local hospitality and some of the finest seafood found anywhere in the world.

This is not a luxury resort destination. Instead, it is an authentic island experience where rugged landscapes, pristine coastlines and a strong sense of community combine to create something truly special. Life moves at a different pace on the Chathams, allowing visitors to slow down, reconnect with nature and experience a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for generations.

Throughout your stay, you’ll enjoy an extraordinary variety of seafood sourced directly from the surrounding waters. Depending on seasonal availability and local conditions, this may include pāua, blue cod, crayfish, kina, hapuku and other local delicacies. What makes these experiences even more special are the stories, traditions and knowledge shared by the people whose lives and livelihoods are intrinsically linked to the sea.

Beyond the exceptional food, you’ll discover dramatic cliffs, windswept beaches, historic settlements, remarkable wildlife and stories that have shaped these unique islands. Along the way you’ll meet local farmers, fishermen, artists and community members whose passion for the Chathams shines through in everything they do.

Many guests consider the exclusive experiences a highlight of the tour. From a memorable degustation dining experience at Kopi Bush Retreat with renowned chef Kaai Silbery, to time spent exploring the beautiful Admiral Gardens and learning firsthand about the islands’ celebrated fishing industry, these are the moments that transform a holiday into a truly meaningful experience.

As with all island destinations, flexibility is essential. Weather, sea conditions and operational requirements can occasionally require adjustments to the itinerary. These moments are simply part of the Chatham Islands experience and often create unexpected opportunities and memorable encounters that cannot be planned.

One of the greatest joys of travelling to the Chathams is the sense of exclusivity. Relatively few visitors make the journey each year, allowing you to experience places that remain untouched by mass tourism. There are no crowds, no traffic lights and no rush — just vast open spaces, welcoming locals and an abundance of natural beauty.

Whether you’re enjoying a seafood feast overlooking the ocean, discovering hidden corners of the islands with knowledgeable locals, strolling through magnificent gardens, learning about life in one of New Zealand’s most remote communities, or simply taking in the breathtaking landscapes, you’ll quickly understand why so many visitors leave with a deep affection for these extraordinary islands.

All Travel With Lesley Whyte Chatham Islands tours include your own private room with ensuite at no additional cost, making them an ideal choice for solo travellers who value comfort, privacy and independence.

The Chatham Islands Seafood Extravaganza is far more than a holiday. It is an immersive journey celebrating the people, produce, landscapes and traditions of one of New Zealand’s most unique and treasured destinations — a place that leaves a lasting impression long after you return home.

Perfect Timing for Forget-Me-Not Season

Our September Seafood Extravaganza is perfectly timed to coincide with the flowering season of the Chatham Islands’ iconic Forget-me-not (Myosotidium hortensia). Renowned for its striking clusters of blue flowers and large glossy leaves, this rare and much-loved plant is found naturally only on the Chatham Islands. During spring, visitors may have the opportunity to see these spectacular blooms flourishing along coastal areas and in protected gardens, adding an extra layer of colour and beauty to an already unforgettable island experience.

Tour Highlights

Waterfront Accommodation

Enjoy seven nights Hotel Chathams. Located just on the foreshore in Waitangi, these comfortable hotel rooms provide the perfect base from which to explore the islands. Wake to the sound of the sea, enjoy coastal views and embrace the relaxed pace of island life.

Solo Traveller Friendly

Enjoy the comfort and privacy of your own room throughout the tour at no additional cost. Whether travelling independently or simply appreciating your own space at the end of each day, this is one of the features our guests value most.

Exceptional Seafood & Dining Experiences

The Chatham Islands are renowned for producing some of New Zealand’s finest seafood, and this tour has been carefully designed to showcase the very best the islands have to offer.

Daily Meals Included

Enjoy daily cooked or continental breakfasts, delicious lunches and hearty dinners, allowing you to relax and immerse yourself in the experience while we take care of the details.

Welcome Seafood Feast

Begin your Chatham Islands adventure with a memorable seafood dining experience showcasing the fresh flavours and produce that have made the islands famous.

Signature Degustation Dinner at Kopi Bush Retreat

One of the highlights of the tour is an exclusive degustation dining experience at the beautiful Kopi Bush Retreat. Created by acclaimed Chatham Islands chef Kaai Silbery, this carefully curated multi-course menu celebrates local ingredients, island traditions and the unique flavours of the Chathams in an unforgettable setting.

Meet the Locals

Throughout the tour you’ll have the opportunity to meet local fishermen, farmers, growers and community members who proudly call the Chatham Islands home. Their stories, knowledge and hospitality provide fascinating insights into life on these remote islands.

Scenic Landscapes & Hidden Gems

From rugged coastlines and sweeping beaches to dramatic cliffs, historic sites and hidden local treasures, you’ll discover the remarkable diversity of the Chatham Islands. Travelling with an experienced local team allows access to places and experiences many visitors never get to see.

Small Group Touring

Travelling in a small group creates a more personal and enjoyable experience, allowing greater flexibility, easier access to local experiences and the opportunity to connect with like-minded travellers.

Fully Escorted Experience

From the moment you depart Wellington, until we return you to Wellington, your journey is fully hosted and carefully organised. Our goal is simple: for you to relax, enjoy the experience and create lasting memories while we take care of the logistics.

Itinerary

Included in Your Adventure: Signature Experiences

The experiences below are all included as part of your Chatham Islands Seafood Extravaganza. Through our long-standing relationships with local families, businesses and community members, we’ve created a collection of authentic experiences that showcase the very best of the Chatham Islands. Many of these experiences are exclusive to Travel With Lesley Whyte guests and provide access to people, places and stories that most visitors never have the opportunity to encounter.

Seafood Extravaganza

The Chatham Islands are renowned for producing some of New Zealand’s finest seafood, and throughout the tour you’ll enjoy an exceptional variety of local delicacies. Depending on seasonal availability and conditions, this may include crayfish, blue cod, pāua, kina, hāpuku and other fresh seafood harvested from the surrounding waters. Every day offers new flavours and opportunities to learn about the islands’ rich fishing heritage.

Gourmet Island Lunch

Enjoy a memorable outdoor dining experience featuring freshly prepared local produce and island flavours. A highlight is the famous hot-smoked blue cod chowder created by Chef Kaai Silbery and Kopi Bush Retreat’s Bridget Preece, showcasing ingredients sourced directly from the Chatham Islands. Set against the backdrop of the islands’ spectacular landscapes, this is dining at its most authentic.

Durham Farm Woolshed Morning or Afternoon Tea

Visit Durham Farm on the rugged south coast for a warm and welcoming country-style morning or afternoon tea. Hear stories of island farming life, learn about the challenges and rewards of living in this remote environment, and experience the genuine hospitality for which the Chatham Islands are known.

Tommy Solomon Memorial & Foreshore Experience

Visit one of the islands’ most significant cultural sites and gain a deeper understanding of Moriori history and heritage. Hear stories shared by descendants of Tommy Solomon, recognised as the last known full-blood Moriori, and learn about the remarkable restoration and regeneration work taking place along the foreshore. This experience also includes our exclusive pop-up lunch and a visit to the nursery, where you’ll see firsthand the efforts being made to protect and restore this important environment.

Seafood Degustation Dinner at Kopi Bush Retreat

An undoubted highlight of the tour is the exclusive farewell degustation dinner at Kopi Bush Retreat. Prepared by acclaimed Chatham Islands chef Kaai Silbery, this multi-course dining experience celebrates the finest local seafood and seasonal produce. Set within one of New Zealand’s most unique homes, featured on Grand Designs New Zealand, this unforgettable evening provides the perfect finale to your Chatham Islands adventure.

Chatham Islands Fishing Adventure

Experience the waters that have made the Chatham Islands famous with a 2–3 hour fishing excursion. Whether you’re an experienced angler or trying fishing for the first time, this is a fantastic opportunity to gain insight into the industry that forms the backbone of the islands’ economy and culture. What you catch divided between all fishers, filleted, bagged and frozen ready for you to take home.

Unique Island Experiences

Waitangi West Beach

Walk one of the islands’ most spectacular beaches and search for the famous Queen Pink Pāua shells that have made the Chathams renowned among collectors worldwide.

Basalt Columns

Discover dramatic volcanic formations sculpted by nature over thousands of years and witness the giant kelp forests that thrive along the coastline.

Moriori Dendroglyphs

Visit one of the most culturally significant sites on the islands and view rare Moriori tree carvings located within a sacred forest setting.

Ocean Mail Reserve

Explore the site of a historic shipwreck and learn about the challenges of transport, communication and survival in the early years of island settlement.

Blind Jim’s Lagoon

Wade through shallow lagoon waters in search of fossilised shark teeth, kina spines and other fascinating reminders of the islands’ unique geological history.

PLUS more!

Accommodation

Your Accommodation

Hotel Chatham

You can view the accommodation and room options by clicking here.

Enjoy seven nights at the Hotel Chatham, conveniently located in the heart of Waitangi on the foreshore. Hotel Chatham looks out across Waitangi Bay to the wharf, broad sweeping beach and Red Bluff in the distance. With its restaurant, timber-lined bar and relaxed atmosphere, it’s where the heart of the island beats..

What's included

What’s Included

Your Chatham Islands Seafood Extravaganza has been designed to provide a seamless and worry-free travel experience, with all major components included from the moment you depart Wellington.

Return Air Chathams flights between Wellington and the Chatham Islands (valued at approximately NZ$1,300 per person). This includes one checked in bag, up to 23kg, one small carry on bag less than 7kg and a handbag size item. Note that Air Chathams weighs carry on luggage.
Seven nights’ accommodation at Hotel Chathams properties, including your own private room with ensuite
Daily cooked or continental breakfasts
Daily lunches and dinners as outlined in the itinerary
Welcome seafood dining experience
Fishing experience
Signature seafood degustation dinner at Kopi Bush Retreat
Airport transfers on the Chatham Islands
Fully escorted touring throughout by your Travel With Lesley Whyte host
Services of knowledgeable local guides and hosts
Exclusive experiences and activities as detailed in the itinerary
Department of Conservation concession fees
Landowner access and concession fees
Chatham Islands Visitor Levy

From spectacular seafood experiences and unique cultural encounters to accommodation, meals, flights and guided touring, we’ve taken care of the details so you can simply relax and enjoy everything the Chatham Islands have to offer.

What's not included

Tour Exclusions

The following items are not included in the tour price:

Travel to and from the tour departure and conclusion point, including any connecting flights, accommodation or associated travel arrangements required to join the tour
Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
All alcoholic beverages
Personal purchases, souvenirs and items of a personal nature
Optional activities not specifically listed in the itinerary
Additional meals or refreshments not included in the tour programme
Gratuities and tips (entirely at your discretion)
Costs associated with medical treatment, evacuation or personal emergencies
Excess baggage charges imposed by airlines
Any expenses incurred due to flight delays, cancellations, weather events or circumstances beyond the control of Travel With Lesley Whyte

Please note that all alcoholic beverages are at your own expense unless specifically stated as included within the tour itinerary.

Hotel Chathams provides complimentary guest laundry facilities; however, these facilities are shared with housekeeping operations and therefore have priority use by hotel staff. Access for guests is subject to availability.

Payment terms

Booking Information

Tour Price

NZ$7,600 per person

Deposit

A deposit of NZ$1,500 per person is required to secure your place on the tour.

Final Payment

The balance of your tour cost is due eight weeks prior to departure.

Solo Travellers Welcome

One of the features that sets Travel With Lesley Whyte apart is that all guests enjoy their own private room with ensuite at no additional cost. There are no single supplements to pay, making this tour an ideal choice for solo travellers who value comfort, privacy and independence.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended and should be arranged at the time of booking to provide protection against unforeseen circumstances, including cancellation, medical expenses, travel delays and personal emergencies.

Terms & Conditions

Please ensure you read and understand our Booking Terms & Conditions prior to confirming your reservation. Payment of your deposit constitutes acceptance of these terms and conditions.

As places are limited and demand for Chatham Islands departures is often strong, early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.

Other information

September 20, 2027 - September 27, 2027

Flight Information

20 September – Wellington to Chatham Islands

Your Air Chathams flight departs Wellington at 2:00pm, arriving at Tuuta Airport at approximately 4:30pm local time (please note the Chatham Islands are 45 minutes ahead of mainland New Zealand). Please meet your Travel With Lesley Whyte representative at the Air Chathams check-in counter by 12:30pm for group check-in and to receive your personalised itinerary. It is important that you do not check in independently, as special luggage tags will be attached to ensure your bags are correctly identified and delivered directly to your accommodation upon arrival.

27 September – Chatham Islands to Wellington

Your return Air Chathams flight departs Tuuta Airport at 9:30am and arrives in Wellington at approximately 10:45am local time. As weather conditions can occasionally affect flight operations to and from the Chatham Islands, we strongly recommend allowing a minimum of two hours between your scheduled arrival in Wellington and any onward domestic or international connections.

Pitt Island Day Adventure

For guests wishing to further enhance their Chatham Islands experience, an optional day trip to Pitt Island is available. Located approximately 20 kilometres south-east of Chatham Island, Pitt Island is New Zealand’s easternmost inhabited island and offers a fascinating glimpse into one of the country’s most remote communities. With spectacular coastal scenery, rich history, unique wildlife and a lifestyle shaped by isolation and resilience, Pitt Island provides an unforgettable addition to your Chatham Islands adventure.

Additional Cost: NZ$495 per person – click here for details

Important Information:

This experience is weather dependent
A minimum of 8 participants is required for the tour to proceed.

For those seeking a deeper understanding of island life, the Pitt Island day tour offers a unique opportunity to explore a destination few New Zealanders ever have the chance to visit.

Book now

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