Chatham Islands in a day: North East & Waitangi

Its an early start! But worth it!
Our flight departs Auckland Airport at 6am in the morning, for a journey of approximately 2 ½ hours.

Upon arrival you will be greeted at the airport and we will depart for the North East side of the island and start our exploration.

Our first stop is a nearby Honey Apiary producing the renowned honey, where due to a disease-free environment and endemic native plants for the bees, the result is red-coloured, uniquely flavoured, Chatham Islands honey. We take a walk to check out how the bees are getting on and learn about the honey production and queen bee exporting!

We will then head off on a wetlands walk. A gentle 20 min loop walk with views of the wetlands and peat lakes. This walk provides a close look at endemic plants such as the Chatham Island spear grass and bamboo rush.

Next up is a visit to Hapupu- Barker Brothers Historical Reserve. This location is culturally and historically significant because of the rākau momori on the kōpī (karaka) trees, and because of the Moriori archaeological landscape they sit within. Rākau momori are carvings incised or bruised into living kōpī trees by Moriori.

We will then stop at Kaingaroa Village where you will have lunch. Known as the “Sunshine Coast” of the Chathams, the fishing village of Kaingaroa is where HMS Chatham first arrived in 1791, captained by William Broughton. Captain Broughton claimed the island for Great Britain, and it was used as a base for sealers and whalers.

With full bellies we continue our journey to the Point Munning Seal Colony where you will get up close one of the largest seal colonies on the island! This is followed by some time to explore the Sunderland aircraft flying boat museum. Kaiwhata Farm is home to the remains of a RNZAF Short Sunderland aircraft. The famous flying boat once provided a lifeline between Rēkohu and the mainland, until it was holed by a rock while taking off from Te Whanga Lagoon in 1959.

Having discovered the North East part of the Island, we will head back into town (Waitangi) for more exploring. We will stop at Tikitiki Lookout, a great spot to overlook the township of Waitangi and sprawling beach below. Tikitiki Hill walk provides a great lookout over Petre Bay, towards the Red Bluffs. You will also be able to look down onto Waitangi township, and have a bird’s-eye view of the new Waitangi Wharf.

Heading down into Waitangi Town you will have a short time to go and explore at leisure. You will feel like you have stepped back in time to a place with no supermarkets, retail stores, skyscrapers, traffic jams or McDonald’s. Take some photos or shoot down to the local pub for a quick drink.

Our last stop is Kopinga Marae where we will have dinner and a cultural tour. Kōpinga Marae, is the only Moriori marae in the world and is the central base for the revitalization of Moriori culture and language. A guided tour of Kōpinga will leave you inspired by the history of Moriori people.

For dinner enjoy some typical Chatham Islands dishes and warm hospitality before we head back to the airport for an 8.00pm departure. It will be a late arrival back into Auckland but you will take home with you memories of an incredible place like no other, the magical Chatham Islands.