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Region · Canterbury and the West Coast
Chatham Islands
The Chatham Islands lie about 800 km east of the South Island: an isolated archipelago, with Moriori culture, rare birds and seafood, and a clock 45 minutes ahead of the rest of the country.
In the photo: Basalt columns at Ohira Bay on the Chatham Islands
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
The region
Get to know Chatham Islands
As Ilhas Chatham (Rekohu, para os moriori, e Wharekauri, para os maori) formam um arquipélago no Pacífico, a cerca de 800 km a leste da Ilha Sul. Só duas ilhas são habitadas, Chatham, a maior, e Pitt (Rangiauria), e a população é de poucas centenas de pessoas. As ilhas não pertencem a nenhuma região e têm conselho próprio, sediado em Waitangi, a principal vila.
Os primeiros habitantes foram os moriori, povo polinésio que desenvolveu uma cultura própria nas ilhas. O Kopinga Marae apresenta essa história aos visitantes, e uma reserva histórica da ilha principal guarda árvores com entalhes moriori (rakau momori). Depois chegaram baleeiros e caçadores de focas europeus e, mais tarde, maori do continente.
A paisagem é de pastagens, lagoas e falésias, com a grande lagoa de Te Whanga no centro da ilha Chatham. As ilhas abrigam aves que não vivem em outro lugar, e o mar em volta é conhecido pelo bacalhau-azul (blue cod), pelo hapuku, pela paua e pela lagosta, que chegam às mesas locais.
O relógio das ilhas fica 45 minutos à frente do resto da Nova Zelândia. A visita pede planejamento: há poucos voos por semana, hospedagem e carros de aluguel são limitados e a maior parte das terras é particular, por isso passeios e transporte costumam ser combinados com antecedência, em geral com a própria hospedagem.
When to go
The busiest season runs from October to March, with longer days and mild temperatures, rarely hot. Winter, from June to August, is cold, wet and windy. In any season the weather changes quickly: bring waterproof clothing and warm layers.
Getting there
The only regular way to reach the islands is by plane: there are flights to Tuuta Airport on Chatham Island from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch on a few days each week, more often in summer. The flight takes about two hours, and there is no passenger ferry. The airport is about 20 km from Waitangi. For Pitt Island there are small-plane flights, bookable by phone.
Your questions
Frequently asked questions about Chatham Islands
Do you need a passport to go to the Chatham Islands?
No. The islands are part of New Zealand, and flights from Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch are domestic, with no passport control. Carry a photo ID for boarding.
How many days should you stay on the Chatham Islands?
Because flights are not daily and there are no same-day return options, stays usually last three to seven days depending on flight days. Plan your dates around the flight schedule.
How do you get around the Chatham Islands?
There are no taxis or buses. airport transfers and car hire are arranged through accommodation providers, and many visitors take guided tours with locals.
What time zone are the Chatham Islands in?
The islands are 45 minutes ahead of the rest of New Zealand year-round, including during daylight saving. Set your clock on arrival so you don't miss tours and flights.