Festival of Science – Chatham Islands

Optional Activities

During the festival, guests may choose to participate in optional activities such as a fishing experience or a Pitt Island visit. These experiences incur an additional cost, are weather dependent, and are paid directly on the island. Fishing charters are available for 8-10 people at $200 each.

To enjoy 2-3 hrs of Chatham Island deep sea fishing, hand lining for Blue cod and Hapuka. All fish will be gutted and processed and comes back to the hotel and frozen in packs for pax to take home on the last day. Optional Day tour out to Pitt Island. $475 per person. A stopover on Pitt Island is also an option. All bookings are done through Hotel Chatham. 

Inclusions

• Return air travel on Air Chathams
• Five nights accommodation
• Airport transfers on Chatham Islands
• All meals including continental breakfast / picnic lunches / buffet dinners
• $25 Visitor Levy
• Visitor Map
• 188-page explanatory book
• Free Wi-Fi
• All sightseeing and entry fees as per itinerary
• Daily guided tours
• A fulltime tour leader as well as a local Chatham guide for bus tours

Cost

*This is a cash price. Credit cards will incur a 1.5% fee
*Itinerary and costs subject to change, airline and fuel charges and currency fluctuations prior to final payment

Exclusions

• Items of a personal nature 
• Travel Insurance (Highly recommended) 

Booking Conditions

• A non-refundable deposit of $500 per person is required along with your completed booking form to secure your place
• Full payment (45 days prior to departure) 
• Both deposit and final payment are non refundable – substitute travellers are acceptable

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is strongly recommended for travel to the Chatham Islands due to their isolation and changeable weather. Insurance should cover weather-related flight delays. Air Chathams, Pukekohe Travel, and Hotel Chathams accept no responsibility for additional costs or time lost due to flight disruptions. Surcharges may apply for age and/or pre-existing medical conditions. New Zealand credit cards do not provide travel insurance cover for the Chatham Islands.

General Information

• Casual clothing is recommended. The climate is temperate although exposed, so layers are recommended along with a warm water-proof jacket. Be prepared for four seasons in one day!
• Comfortable walking shoes are adequate for the daily walks / sightseeing
• Sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended
• EFTPOS and credit card facilities are available at the Hotel, Bank and the General Store. Cash is also available from the hotel
• Internet is available at the Hotel
• There is a four-bed hospital on the island and a resident doctor on duty. You are covered by the NZ Health system
• Baggage allowance is 23kg + 7kg hand luggage. Excess charges will apply
• There is NO public transport on the island

NOTE: 90% of the land is privately owned. Prior approval and fees to the land owner are required. These are included in the tour price. Remember to be open-minded and flexible. 

Health and Mobility

A good standard of fitness and health is required for this tour. Clients must be independently mobile with the ability to walk on uneven ground and unaided for 30 minutes. Please note that mobility frames and wheelchairs are not practical or permitted on our tours. It is expected you will arrive on tour fit, healthy and ready to travel.

Terms and Conditions

For full terms and conditions please visit our website Terms and Conditions or please ask our tour consultant for a copy.