Day 31. The last in the series of Feature Down Under: Chatham Islands

 We have really enjoyed putting together this month's programme, and hope that you have found it interesting and informative. We are taking a short break, as right now we are on holiday in Taupo, and will resume our features in a few days. There was so much more to show you that we have decided to do a story on the Auckland Islands, the Galapagos, Hawaii, and several more islands. There will be more on gardens to visit (the botanical reserve here in Taupo is stunning, planted and maintained by volunteers for many years), a big series on South America, the parts of Australia we couldn't fit in this month, and Fionna's pilgrimage through Spain on the Via de la Plata, the Silver route, which goes from Seville to Santiago de Compostela. In the northern spring next year we are working on a project in Spain, which we are very excited about.
But, back to today's story...

The Chatham Islands are the furthest south in the Pacific in this series.
They form an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean about 680 kilometres consisting of ten islands within a 40-kilometre radius, the largest of which are Chatham Island and Pitt Island.

 The nearest mainland New Zealand point to the Chatham Islands is 650 km away, at Cape Turnagain in the north Island. Hastings is the nearest city on the mainland, 697 kilometres to the North-West. The islands cover a total of 966 square kilometres, almost all of which is in the two main islands.

The archipelago is called Rekohu ("misty sun") in the indigenous language  Moriori, and Wharekauri in Maori . It has officially been part of New Zealand since 1842, and includes the country's easternmost point, the Forty Fours.
You can read the history of the Chathams HERE.

What to do:

Seek out the Rakau Momori (meaning psalm or memory tree) bark carvings.

These carvings were made on Kopi trees, Corynocarpus laevigatus, called karaka in New Zealand, over 200 years ago. Every glyph is different and unique and is dedicated to a specific ancestor or spiritual deity. In the 1950s, 1145 glyphs were recorded. However because of forest destruction today there are in all only 150 kopi trees remaining that bear living carvings. There are also about 30 examples in museums worldwide.

Go to the museum.
Chatham Island  museum is where an old RNZ  Air Force Sunderland flying boat is being restored.  In 1959 it struck submerged rocks whilst taxying, and sank in shallow water after landing on the Te Whanga Lagoon at the Chathams.When I was very little (18 months old, to be precise) I flew on a Sunderland from Tauranga to Wellington. Unfortunately I don't remember a thing about it! It was certainly a big deal. The photos my mother had showed everyone dressed in their best for the flight.

NZ Civic Air  blog has some great photos - here is one of them. Thanks to Marty Flanagan for the image.


Take any number of walks on the 100,000 hectare island.
Formed from volcanic activity 65 million years ago the Chatham Islands endemic flora and fauna has evolved unqiue adaptations that make a visit to the islands a must for ornithologists, natural historians, photographers and artists. The coastline teems with marine and bird life.

Visit volcanic outcrops, sand dunes, lagoons and peat bogs, and see for yourself the unique flora and fauna.

Weka

Walks include:

Waitangi Bay Beach

This is a 6km beach walk from Waitangi to Red Bluff and can be undertaken in any tide (except high seas).
Highlights: sea birds, including giant petrels and Chatham Island oystercatcher

Thomas Mohi Tuuta (Rangaika) Scenic Reserve and Cliffs

Chatham Island Snipe

The Rangaika Scenic Reserve, managed by the Department of Conservation, has a number of bush walks and is located next to the privately owned Rangatika Cliffs. These cliffs enable a view, on a clear day, of both Pitt and the Pinnacle islands.

Ocean Mail Scenic Reserve

The Ocean Mail Scenic reserve is situated 12 km from the Wharekauri turn off and is set in 831 ha of peat dome and wetland. Located north of Te Whanga Lagoon, the walk enables amazing beach and ocean vistas.

The reserve is part of a Department of Conservation and community group funded regeneration project and vistors are asked to take care walking onto the beach as the dune edge is eroding.
After the walk drive a further 4 km along the main road to the J.M. Barker (Hapupu) National Historic Reserve and a further 6km to Kaingaroa.
Highlights: Ocean and beach views

Henga Scenic Reserve

The loop walk features limestone outcrops, regenerating kopi (karaka) and mahoe bush, unique sand dune flora and spectacular views over Petre Bay.

The 170 ha reserve is situated on the North road, the track begins by the Henga Scenic Reserve sign on the roadside approximately 15 minutes drive from Waitangi.  There is also an option to walk from Henga Lodge which is on private land and a fee is required.It takes about 45 minutes to reach the limestone outcrops and sand dunes and there is regenerating bush on the return part of the walk. A shorter 30 minute bush walk can also be completed.
Highlights: limestone outcrops, sand dune endemic plants, and views over Petre Bay.

J.M. Barker (Hapupu) National Historic Reserve

Featuring  Moriori rakau momori (or tree carvings) this ten minute bush walk through mature kopi forest is a must for every visitor and is located only 6 km from Kaiangaroa.
Hapupu-J.M.Barker National Historic Reserve is one of only two New Zealand historic reserves and features Rakau momori carved into the trunks of many mature kopi trees.

Highlights: Moriori rakau momori (or tree carvings)

Nikau Bush Conservation Area

Chatham Island Forget-me-not

The Nikau Bush conservation area consists of 19 ha of lowland regenerating broadleaved forest.
This peaceful track has a nikau palm canopy and regenerating bush that open into forest glades.  In December and January the nikau palm is in bloom.
Highlights: Flowering Nikau Palm (Dec/Jan) and regenerating bush

You can also take guided tours to sites of interest.

Accommodation:
Book accommodation and tours at Discover the Chathams. The island has a range of comfortable accommodation options - Two Hotels, Six rural accommodations, Three B&B's, Four Homestays,  Two motels, Seven Farmstays, and Beach and Lookout Back Packers.

I've showcased just a couple of the accommodation options:
Awarakau Farmstays 

on a working farm just metres from the sea.

Chathams Hotel

Henga Lodge offers comfortable, quality accommodation with Hotel, Motel, Bed & Breakfast, Homestay and Lodge options available and is ideal for family holidays, group bookings or restful retreats.  Owned and operated by Hokotehi Moriori Trust, the organisation that represents the Moriori people, visitors will be treated to all that Rekohu (Moriori for “Chathams”) has to offer with the added attraction of authentic, cultural experiences including a visit to the architecturally famous and stunning Kopinga Marae.

Flowerpot Lodge on Pitt Island is brand new and looks great. Check out these  Images.

Be sure to book BEFORE you travel.



How to get there:

Fly on Chathams Air: The flight time is around 90 minutes in a Convair 580 aircraft and light refreshments are served during the flight. Check-in is located at the Air New Zealand terminals to locate your check-in gate enquire at the  Air New Zealand information desk.

Sail with Chatham Islands Shipping Limited: the ship leaves  every 10 -12 days, the trips takes approximately 2 days and offers a one way service of 2 berths (1 cabin) between Napier or Timaru to Waitangi with all bedding and meals supplied.