CHATHAM ISLANDS - A LAND APART - DISCOVER THE HEART OF NEW ZEALAND'S EASTERNMOST ISLANDS - cloudfront.net
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CHATHAM ISLANDS
– A LAND APART
DISCOVER THE HEART OF NEW
ZEALAND’S EASTERNMOST ISLANDS
EXPEDITION DOSSIER
21 – 28 March 2021
© D Brown
CHATHAM ISLANDS – A LAND APART DISCOVER THE HEART OF NEW ZEALAND’S
EASTERNMOST ISLANDS
© Heritage Expeditions
© A Breniere © J Gurden
rest of the country. The first part of New Zealand and the
first inhabited landmass around the globe to be greeted
by the morning sun, the history of these islands and their
rich natural history is unique. It is only by visiting and
experiencing these remarkable islands that one can truly
appreciate what they have to offer. During explorations
around the archipelago we will hear remarkable stories of
rediscovery and population recovery with the Black Robin
Christchurch and its rescue from the brink of extinction and the once
Chatham
Islands
thought to be extinct Chatham Island Taiko (Magenta
Petrel). The ongoing careful management of these critically
endangered species serve as beacons of hope and
inspiration for conservationists everywhere.
Visiting the Chatham Islands is not difficult – there are
D
regular flights to and from New Zealand and several travel
iscover amazing endemic wildlife, meet the
companies offer guided tours – but this expedition is unique
locals and experience conservation in action on
and rare, as it includes the seldom visited (and almost
an unforgettable journey through New Zealand’s
impossible to get to) outlying islands where much of the
Chatham Islands.
story of the Chatham Islands can be seen and experienced.
Our journey is also guided by a team of Chatham Islands’
Their first inhabitants, the Moriori, called them ‘Rekhou’
experts whose knowledge will add another dimension to
(misty skies), the Europeans who rediscovered them in
your experience.
1791 named them the Chatham Islands after their ship,
while Maori, who didn’t settle the islands until 1835,
This expedition includes some designated UNESCO World
called them ‘Wharekauri’. Today, we know them as the
Heritage sites which are afforded the highest conservation
home of the endangered Black Robin.
status and protection by the New Zealand Government.
While no landings are possible at some of these remote
The Chatham archipelago (made up of at least 12
outcrops, islets and stacks, we plan to Zodiac cruise their
islands, plus numerous islets) lies 870 kilometres east
shorelines. The daily itinerary will be determined by weather
of New Zealand and runs 45 minutes ahead of the
and sea conditions.
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H O U S E O F T R AV E L W A N A K A WA N A K A @ H O T. C O . N Z
CHATHAM ISLANDS – A LAND APART DISCOVER THE HEART OF NEW ZEALAND’S
EASTERNMOST ISLANDS
ITINERARY
Day 1: Christchurch
Make your way to your
overnight accommodation in
Christchurch where you will spend
the first night with your fellow
expeditioners. (Reporting times
and accommodation details will
be confirmed with your voyage
documents).
© O Liodden
Day 2: Waitangi
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel Barker (Hapupu) National Historic including the Weka. Continuing
before being transferred to Reserve, one of only two National further south to the Tuku River and
Christchurch Airport for your flight Historic Reserves in New Zealand, Taiko Town where you will be able
to Chatham Island where your where a short walk takes us to to learn about the discovery and
adventure begins. view ancient dendroglyphs (tree conservation work done on the
carvings), which date back to the Chatham Island Taiko, one of the
Chatham Island’s charming and Chatham Island’s earliest settlers – world’s most endangered seabirds.
friendly hub, Waitangi features the Moriori.
the island’s main wharf and is Day 5: Pitt Island
normally bustling with activity. Also nearby is the Te Whakaru At Pitt Island, spectacular scenery
Near our landing in Waitangi graveyard which is considered waits on this jewel in the Chatham
there is a good chance of one of New Zealand’s oldest Islands’ crown. The easternmost
observing the endemic Chatham European cemeteries and the inhabited island in New Zealand,
Island Shag. With a new remains of the first German it is situated approximately 22
generation of Chatham Island missionary settlement built in 1843. kilometres south-east of the
people there has come a new At Point Munning a large New main Chatham Island. Named
awareness and a willingness to be Zealand Fur Seal colony can be ‘Rangihaute’ by the Moriori, it is
part of a concerted conservation observed and, during the summer separated from the main island
effort. A number of private months, migrant Turnstones and by Pitt Strait and is officially the first
reserves have been established, Banded Dotterels have also been inhabited place on Earth to be
extensive replanting has taken spotted here. We will also be on greeted by the sun each day.
place and predator control the lookout for endemic plants
initiatives have been instigated including the famed Chatham The island’s rugged coastline and
on the island. Island Forget-me-not. bush-clad valleys are home to
a variety of birdlife including Tui,
In the afternoon you will be Day 4: South Coast Tomtit, Red-crowned Parakeets,
transferred to the ship where the We plan to visit the Awatotara Warblers, Fantails and other rare
captain and expedition team Valley, one of the original private and endemic birds. Listen to stories
will be waiting to greet you and reserves established by a local
show you to your cabin. You will family on the south coast of
have the opportunity to familiarise the main island, where there
yourself on board and there will is a very good chance to see
be formal introductions to the the endemic Chatham Island
team followed by safety briefings. Pigeon, Chatham Island Warbler
and Tui. The pigeon was close to
Day 3: Kaingaroa extinction, though now supports
This remote fishing village has a a healthy population. Travelling
picturesque harbour historically by local bus, the road takes us
used by early sealers, whalers through developed farmland
and trading ships. Points of where we will undoubtedly see
interest here include the J.M. numerous introduced species © D Stavert
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H O U S E O F T R AV E L W A N A K A WA N A K A @ H O T. C O . N Z
CHATHAM ISLANDS – A LAND APART DISCOVER THE HEART OF NEW ZEALAND’S
EASTERNMOST ISLANDS
will appreciate when you see
it) but great views of birds can
be had from the ship and there
will also be hundreds of birds
following behind.
Day 7: Owenga
History and nature combine at
Owenga Village, a small port
settlement and fishing village
on the northeastern side of the
© L Gwynn main island. Owenga’s rugged
coastline is a popular diving and
of life on the island and its rich for pelagic birding as we fishing spot and offers excellent
history as we explore this natural approach Pyramid Rock. In opportunities to observe seabirds.
wonderland. particular, we will look out for the Owenga is also the location
Chatham Island Petrel, and in of New Zealand’s only Moriori
Day 6: Outlying Islands the past we have observed the marae, Kōpinga which is located
Today we have a day of small very rare Chatham Island Taiko on nearby hilltop Te Awatea.
island and rocky outcrop in this area too. Endemic to the
exploration planned including a Chatham Islands, the Chatham Today we also plan to Zodiac
Zodiac cruise of South East Island, Island Taiko – also known as the cruise several of the outlying
arguably one of the world’s Magenta Petrel – is among New islands including The Sisters. This
greatest nature reserves. While Zealand’s most endangered clutch of three islands are the
landings are not permitted, we species. It is one of the world’s northernmost in the Chatham
can expect good views of the rarest seabirds with a population Archipelago, have the second
world’s rarest wader the endemic estimated at less than 150. largest breeding colony of
New Zealand Shore Plover, and Northern Royal Albatross and
Chatham Island Oystercatcher. This afternoon we plan to cruise an endemic species of stag
We should also see the Pitt Island around the spectacular basalt beetle. Laying claim to being
Shag which nests on the island. outcrop of Pyramid Rock, south the easternmost point of New
of Pitt Island – the only breeding Zealand, the Forty-Fours islands
Situated to the west of Pitt Island, place of the Chatham Island are important breeding sites
Mangere Island is one of only two Albatross. Landings are not for the Chatham Fulmar Prion,
sites in the world where the Black possible (nor practical – a fact you Buller’s and Northern Royal
Robin (once the world’s rarest
bird) are found. We will hear the
story of how this endemic species
was rescued from the brink of
extinction in the 1970s when the
total population consisted of
just six birds. The recovery of this
little bird is a remarkable tale of
persistence, passion, courage
and a little luck.
We should also find the Forbes’
Parakeet (aka the Chatham
Parakeet) on Mangere and
Little Mangere Islands. This rare
parakeet is endemic to the
Chatham Islands, where it is
confined to these tiny islands.
There are excellent opportunities © J Gurden
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H O U S E O F T R AV E L W A N A K A WA N A K A @ H O T. C O . N Z
CHATHAM ISLANDS – A LAND APART DISCOVER THE HEART OF NEW ZEALAND’S
EASTERNMOST ISLANDS
DATES
Voyage #SOE2192
21 – 28 March 2021
PRICES
Heritage Suite NZ$8,450 pp*
Large lounge area, separate bedroom with double
bed and a single bed in the lounge, writing desk,
wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with
shower, toilet and washbasin. Large forward and
side facing windows allow great views.
Mini Suite NZ$7,495 pp*
Separate bedroom with a double bed and a single
bed or sofa in the lounge, writing desk, wardrobe
and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet
and washbasin. Mini Suites have windows.
© S Howell Superior Plus NZ$6,995 pp*
Two lower berths, writing desk, wardrobe and
drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and
Albatross, while the five rocky Day 8: Christchurch washbasin. These cabins have windows.
islets comprising the Star Keys After a final breakfast bid farewell Superior NZ$6,495 pp*
is another stronghold for the to your fellow voyagers and One bunk (one upper and one lower berth), writing
desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with
critically endangered Chatham expedition team. Transfer to shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have
Island Shag. Chatham Islands/Tuuta Airport for windows.
your flight back to Christchurch.
Main Deck NZ$5,495 pp*
It’s a good time to take the Two lower berths, writing desk, wardrobe and
opportunity to relax and reflect drawers. Private washbasin. Nearby shower and
Note: During our voyage, toilet facilities are shared with other Main Deck
on the expedition, and download circumstances may make it cabins. These cabins have a porthole.
and edit any remaining photos necessary or desirable to deviate * All prices are per person in NZ$
while they are fresh in your mind from the proposed itinerary.
and you have the experience of This can include poor weather
our expedition team on board for and opportunities for making
PRICE INCLUDES
questions. unplanned excursions. Your Flights from Christchurch to Chatham
Island and return, one night hotel
Expedition Leader will keep you
accommodation in a twin share room
Tonight enjoy a recap of the fully informed. (incl. breakfast), landing fees, pre/
highlights from your expedition post cruise transfers, all on board ship
followed by a farewell dinner. accommodation with meals and all
expedition shore excursions.
PRICE EXCLUDES
All items of a personal nature, laundry,
drinks, gratuities, visas and travel
insurance. For flights to and from
Christchurch please talk to your House
of Travel consultant.
2192260121CC
© L Gwynn
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H O U S E O F T R AV E L W A N A K A WA N A K A @ H O T. C O . N Z
© P Tyree
Heritage Suites: Large lounge area, separate bedroom with double bed and a single
bed in the lounge, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower,
toilet and washbasin. Large forward and side facing windows allow great views.
Mini Suites: Separate bedroom with a double bed and a single bed or sofa in the
lounge, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and
washbasin. Mini Suites have windows.
Superior Plus Cabins: Two lower berths, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers.
Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows.
*Cabin 411 has a double bed with upper bunk.
Superior Cabins: One bunk (one upper and one lower berth), writing desk, wardrobe
and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins
have windows.
Main Deck Cabins: Two lower berths, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private
washbasin. Nearby shower and toilet facilities are shared with other Main Deck cabins.
These cabins have a porthole.
Main Deck Triple: One bunk (one upper and one lower berth) and one additional lower
berth, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private washbasin. Nearby shower and
toilet facilities are shared with other Main Deck cabins. These cabins have a porthole.
House of Travel Wanaka
33-35 Reece Crescent, Wanaka
Tel (03) 443 6350 wanaka@hot.co.nz
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