Saturday
An early afternoon departure from the Mainland onboard Air Chatham’s turbo prop Convair. Refreshments will be served during the 2 hour 15 minute flight. The interior of the plane is spacious and comfortable. On arrival mid afternoon you will be met by your hosts and taken to a buffet dinner either at the Kaingaroa Sports and Social Club or at the Hotel. Check in to your accommodation for the week.
Sunday
Morning fishing trip - the included boat fishing trip is very ‘Chatham Islands’ - a great experience. You will have loads of fun and can expect to catch blue cod and groper on your ‘rope’ line (gloves are recommended). For those not fishing, you may enjoy a cliff walk to Tikitiki Hill and or attend a local church service.
This afternoon the group departs for Wharekauri, Splattered Rock and Mt Chudleigh Reserve. A BBQ will be held tonight at ‘Admiral’s Farm’ – home of Val and Lois Croon.
Monday
Depart for Awatotara Reserve to see the Parea Wood pigeon and endemic plants, on to Owenga Village, spending time at local artist Eva Cherie’ impressive gallery before stopping at the Rangi ika Reserve for lunch.
Travel on to the most Eastern point of the Chatham Islands (Millenium Site) for views of Pitt Island and Shelley Beach to look for shells before returning to the hotel for dinner.
Tuesday
Morning departure for either an optional Pitt Island tour or the included fishing trip. (weather permitting).
Visit the DOC Nursery to meet staff and see their extensive work programme on the islands.
Continue on to Te Matarae (private) Reserve where many Chatham Islands endemic plants can be seen. Return to hotel for dinner.
Wednesday
Visit Blind Jims at Te Whanga Lagoon and search the shoreline for fossilised sharks’ teeth, travel on to Kaingaroa via the Ocean Mail Reserve and Torotoro Memorial - home of the Moriori Tree Carvings (Dendroglyphs).
Lunch at Hapupu National Reserve, take a short walk to the only accessible seal colony, Kaingaroa town and the site of Broughton Landing 1791 (early whaling village) and see the Sunderland Flying Boat which is being restored. This full day tour will help you appreciate the size, beauty and culture of the Chatham Islands.
Thursday
Morning tour to the incredible Basalt Columns where you will also see seabirds including oyster catchers. Visit the Port Hutt fishing village, Waitangi West and the early settler’s Stone Cottage - A good photo opportunity.
Friday
Walk in the Henga Reserve with coastal views of Petre Bay and see the Moriori Rock Carvings (Petroglyphs). Return to the hotel for a fresh fish and chips lunch.
Afternoon free. Options include Paua hunting off the rocks around Waitangi Wharf; a town walk to include the Museum, Craft Shop, Waitangi Store or an extra fishing trip (own expense). Farewell dinner at the hotel.
Saturday
This morning you will be transferred to the airport in time for a mid morning flight home arriving on the mainland around lunchtime