They are 45 minutes ahead of New Zealand time and Chatham Islanders are also ahead when it comes to friendliness and hospitality. Being 800km east of the mainland gives the 700-strong
community a sense of independence, but they are willing to share their lives with visitors. For the past fi ve years, our groups have enjoyed mixing with the locals including descendents of the Moriori, have eaten superb food, caught fi sh, walked along wind-swept
landscapes, listened to stories, taken unique photos, stayed in comfortable accommodation and generally been taken in by its ruggedness and beauty of A Land Apart. The air trip (weather permitting) to Pitt Island is also available. This is a place to visit.
Air Chatham's Convair is a dual service plane for passengers and cargo, spacious, noisy and fun. The Chatham Islands are one place to visit before you die - but expect the unexpected!!  After all, it is the first place to see the sun.

February - March 2011
Saturday
Auckland - Wellington - Christchurch - Chatham Islands D
An early afternoon departure onboard Air Chatham's turbo prop Convair. Refreshments will be served during the 2hour 15 minute flight. The interior of the plane is spacious and comfortable, although a little noisy (ear plugs are provided). Arriving Chatham Islands mid afternoon you will be met by your Hosts and taken to your accommodation via a short tour around town. A buffet seafood dinner tonight will be at either the Kaingaroa Sports and Social Club or at the Hotel.
Sunday
Morning fi shing trip - the included 1/2 day boat fishing trip is very Chatham Islands and 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 who do not want to fish you may enjoy a cliff walk to Tikitiki Hill.  Afternoon tour to the incredible Basalt Columns where you will also see seabirds including oyster catchers. Visit the Port Hutt fishing village and Waitangi West - a good photo opportunity. A BBQ will be held tonight at Admirals
Farm.
Monday 
An optional Pitt Island Tour will depart this morning (weather dependent). Highlight (weather and fitness permitting) is a climb up Mt Hakepa, offi cially the first inhabited place to see the sunrise.
Visit Kopinga Marae and enjoy morning tea while hearing about the Moriori people (the first human inhabitants of the island around 400-600 years ago).  Drive through Owenga Village and onto the Rangika Cliff Top for lunch. Walk on the Reserve and visit Tommy Solomon Statue (the last full blooded Moriori).
Tuesday
Depart for Wharekauri, visiting Blind Jims at Te Whanga Lagoon and search the shoreline for fossilised sharks teeth and see limestone deposits characteristics of open-ocean conditions and of Palaeocene to early Oligocene age (58-35 million years) Continue on to Cape Young and Nikau Scenic Reserve.
Wednesday
Travel to Torotoro Memorial, Hapupu National Reserve (home of the Moriori Tree Carvings (Dendroglyphs) and Kaiangaroa. Take a short walk to the only accessible seal colony and site of Broughton Landing 1791 (early whaling village). This full day tour will help you appreciate the size, beauty and culture of the Chatham Islands.
Thursday
Depart on a tour travelling down the South Coast. You will see spectacular coastal scenery and some of the islands finest sheep and cattle farms. Visit Tuku Reserve and spot the endemic Wood Pigeon. Visit Ohinemana Gardens for lunch and enjoy delicious food after being shown around the historic homestead.
Friday
Travel to Te Matarae and have an enchanting wander through the Mayors garden. Walk in the Henga Reserve and see the Rock Carvings.
Saturday
This morning you will be transferred to the airport for a mid morning flight home. Arrive on the mainland around lunchtime.
 

* Note: This itinerary is a guide only.   Weather dictates -
especially flights to Pitt Islands.
Val Croon at Hotel Chatham is very skilled at fitting everything in, but you may find your itinerary differs from the one outlined
Footnote:
There will be enough time for an extra fi shing trip or enjoy a
four hour walk. 98% of the Chathams is in private ownership,
so permission is required to walk across private farmland.