On arrival to the Chatham Islands, we are met by one of our hosts, Greg or Rosemarie Horler and we are transferred to our accommodation which is located 9km south of the main township Waitangi. You will have time to unwind, relax and take in the great sights from the accommodation with the possibility of a walk along the coastal rocks before the evening meal. 

Today we head to the North East of the island. First we stop at Ocean Mail Scenic Reserve and enjoy a picnic lunch followed by a walk in the DOC reserve where we learn about the regeneration of the wetlands. From here we visit Hapupu National Historic Reserve – home of the Dendroglyphs (Moriori tree carvings). Afterwards, we travel on to Skirmish Bay, the place of the first landing of Europeans in 1791 and visit the site of the missionaries and whalers. Our last visit of the day will be to the only accessible seal colony at Port Munning. 

Tonight, like every night our hosts treat us to a lovely meal at the lodge.

Today we travel to the North West of the Island to the fishing village of Port Hutt. On the way, we stop to view the five sided Basalt Columns (one of only two sites in the world). Continuing on, we visit the Moravian Missionaries stone cottage at Maunganui, this was built around 1866 by German missionaries. From here we travel to Waitangi West beach, which is the most westerly point on the Island before making our way back to the lodge.

After breakfast we travel further South to Awatotara for a bush walk. This walk takes us out through native bush to the rugged coastline. We then head to Henga Farm for another lovely walk out to Long Beach through the sand dunes. Our last visit for the day is at the Admiral Gardens - a beautiful garden created for birds, bees and butterflies. 

 After breakfast we travel East. First we visit Kopinga Marae (meaning ‘Grove of Kopi Trees’ where Moriori would often hold large gatherings) for morning tea and an informative talk on the history of this special place. We then travel onwards to Owenga to view the statue of Tommy Solomon, the last full blooded Moriori. Then in the afternoon we visit the museum and wander take a wander around the town.

Today is your choice; either opt to do a 4WD adventure on Pitt Island (minimum numbers required) or alternatively, relax at the lodge, or go for a visit to the local museum, craft shop and other places around Waitangi Township.

Today we travel North. The north of Chatham Islands is where spread white sand beaches are offset by aquamarine waters. First we stop to visit Te Whanga lagoon which fills the Chatham Island torso, home to hundreds of black swans. Here, you can find fossilised shark teeth at Blind Jim’s Beach. We also visit the Nikau Bush Conservation Area - an area that contains 19 hectares of lowland broadleaved forest and since it was fenced, regeneration has been prolific. Aftwerwards we head out to Cape Young which is home to Wharekauri station, this literally means “kauri house” and was first used in the 1830s as the name of the Moriori coastal village where some Maori living with Moriori at the time built a house from kauri timber salvaged from the beach. From here we can also check out Splattered Rock - an interesting volcanic rock formation. 

After breakfast you will be transferred back to the airport for your flight back to Auckland. When back in Auckland, you will be met by your shuttle and returned home.