Overview
Chatham Island (Rekohu in Moriori, Wharekauri in Māori) is the largest of the Chatham Islands, an archipelago sitting roughly 800 km east of mainland New Zealand in the South Pacific Ocean. With a permanent population of around 600–700 people, it is one of the country's most remote inhabited places — and one of its most rewarding to visit for travellers who make the effort.
The island carries enormous cultural weight as the homeland of the Moriori people, the indigenous Polynesian inhabitants who developed a unique pacifist society here over centuries. This history, combined with the island's wild coastlines, shallow Tē Whanga Lagoon, prolific birdlife, and unhurried pace, makes Chatham Island a genuinely different kind of New Zealand destination.
Chatham's landscape is shaped by wind, sea, and geological drama. Rocky reefs, sand dunes, wetlands, peat bogs, and dense bush all sit within a compact area. The light is extraordinary — photographers and naturalists frequently single it out. Because the island sits east of the International Date Line, it is among the first inhabited places on Earth to greet each new day.
This is not a destination for those seeking resort infrastructure or packaged tours. Accommodation is limited, roads are largely unsealed, and visitors need to plan carefully. Those who do will find a place that feels genuinely apart from the modern world.
Before You Go
Visas
Chatham Island is part of New Zealand, so standard New Zealand entry requirements apply. For specific visa guidance relevant to your nationality, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult Immigration New Zealand's official website.
What to pack
- Waterproof and windproof outer layers — weather changes rapidly and wind is near-constant
- Sturdy waterproof boots suitable for muddy tracks and coastal terrain
- Sunscreen and sunglasses (UV exposure is high)
- Any prescription medication you require; the island's pharmacy and medical supplies are limited
- Cash, as EFTPOS availability is limited and ATM access is not guaranteed — verify current banking options locally before travel
- A good camera and binoculars for wildlife
Health and medical
There is a small health facility on the island, but serious medical cases require evacuation to mainland New Zealand. Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is strongly recommended. Bring sufficient supplies of any medication you use regularly.
Permits and access
Some areas of Chatham Island, including certain private farmland and conservation sites, require permission from landowners or the Department of Conservation (DOC) before visiting. Check with DOC and local operators before planning walks or wildlife visits.
Getting There
By air
Flying is the practical way to reach Chatham Island. Air Chathams is the principal carrier operating scheduled services between the Chatham Islands and several mainland New Zealand cities, including Wellington, Auckland, and Christchurch. Flight times and schedules vary by season and are subject to weather disruptions — verify current timetables and book well in advance directly with Air Chathams, as capacity is limited.
By sea
Occasional cargo and charter vessel services operate to the Chatham Islands, but there is no regular passenger ferry from mainland New Zealand. Sea conditions in this part of the Pacific can be challenging. Verify locally if a sea passage is something you are specifically seeking to arrange.
Arriving
Chatham Island has a small airport (Karewa Airport, also referred to as Chatham Islands Airport) near the main settlement of Waitangi. Immigration and customs formalities are those of New Zealand. Accommodation providers and tour operators often assist with meeting flights — confirm arrangements in advance, as taxi and hire-car options are very limited.
Getting Around
Getting around Chatham Island independently requires either a hire vehicle or a quad bike — both available in limited numbers locally. Verify current availability and booking requirements with local operators before you arrive, as supply is genuinely constrained during peak periods.
Most roads outside Waitangi are unsealed and can become rough or muddy after rain. A vehicle with reasonable ground clearance is advisable. Distances are not enormous, but travel times can be longer than maps suggest due to road conditions.
Some visitors explore on foot or by bicycle, though the windy conditions make cycling demanding. Guided tours by local operators are a practical and informative option — guides provide access to private land and cultural sites that independent travellers may not be able to reach. Ask your accommodation for current operator recommendations.
There is no public transport on the island. Planning each day's movements in advance, especially around tides for coastal access, is worthwhile.
Where to Stay
Chatham Island has a small number of accommodation options, ranging from self-contained cottages and lodge-style stays to homestays with local families. Supply is limited, and booking well ahead — particularly for summer and holiday periods — is essential. Some fishing lodges operate on a packages basis that includes meals and guided activities; confirm what is included when booking.
Waitangi, the island's main settlement, is the hub for most accommodation and services. Staying centrally makes it easier to access the wharf, shops, and the island's limited eating options.
A number of farm stays and rural properties offer accommodation away from Waitangi, which can provide a more immersive experience of the island's landscape. These sometimes require guests to be more self-sufficient with meals. Verify current listings through local tourism contacts or the Chatham Islands Enterprise Trust, which provides visitor information.
Things to See & Do
Culture and history
- Moriori heritage: The Moriori Covenant tree carvings (Rakau Momori) in Hapupu National Historic Reserve are among the most significant cultural sites in New Zealand. These carved dendroglyph trees are protected and deeply meaningful — visit respectfully and follow all DOC guidelines.
- Chatham Islands Museum: Located in Waitangi, the museum holds collections on Moriori and Māori history, island natural history, and the stories of European settlement. Verify current opening hours locally.
- Cemetery and historic sites: The island's cemeteries and early mission sites offer insight into its layered history.
Wildlife and nature
- Tē Whanga Lagoon: One of New Zealand's largest lagoons, it supports large populations of wading birds and waterfowl. Shore-based viewing and, in some areas, kayaking or small-boat exploration are options.
- Birdwatching: The Chatham Islands are internationally significant for birdlife, including the Chatham albatross, Chatham petrel, black robin (historically saved from extinction), and shore plover. Several species are endemic to the archipelago. Some nesting sites are on protected offshore islands and require permits or guided access.
- Coastal walks: Rugged coastal scenery, including blowholes, sea stacks, and surf beaches, is accessible from various points around the island. Conditions and access points vary — ask locally.
- Fishing and diving: Chatham Island is well-regarded for blue cod, crayfish, and deep-sea fishing. Local operators run charter fishing trips. Diving in the surrounding waters is rich but should only be undertaken with local knowledge of conditions.
Pitt Island day trips
Pitt Island (Rangiauria), a short flight from Chatham Island, offers even more remote scenery and wildlife. Charter flights operate; arrange in advance through local operators.
Food & Drink
Food options on Chatham Island are limited compared to mainland New Zealand. Waitangi has a small number of cafes and a takeaway or two; verify what is currently open before your visit, as businesses can change. Most visitors staying in self-contained accommodation do a significant amount of self-catering.
The island's waters produce excellent seafood, and locally caught blue cod and crayfish (rock lobster) are the culinary highlights. If you are staying with a local family or a lodge that provides meals, fresh seafood is likely to feature.
Grocery supplies are available from a small store in Waitangi, but range and availability depend on supply shipments. Bring any specialty foods or dietary requirements you will need. Alcohol is available to purchase but, again, supply may be limited — check locally.
The island has its own crayfish industry and some local produce. Supporting local food businesses where possible is appreciated by the small community.
Practical Information
Money
The currency is the New Zealand Dollar. Cash is important to carry on Chatham Island, as EFTPOS terminals are limited and may not always be reliable. ATM availability is not guaranteed — withdraw sufficient cash before leaving the mainland.
Communications
Mobile phone coverage exists in parts of the island but is not comprehensive. Wi-Fi is available at some accommodation, but speeds and reliability vary. If staying connected is important, discuss options with your accommodation provider before arrival.
Electricity
New Zealand standard (230V, 50Hz, Type I plugs). No adapter needed for mainland NZ devices; international visitors should bring an appropriate adapter.
Emergency services
Dial 111 for police, fire, and ambulance, as in all of New Zealand. Medical evacuation to the mainland may be required for serious emergencies. Ensure your travel insurance covers this.
Shopping and supplies
A small general store in Waitangi provides basic supplies. There is no large supermarket or pharmacy. Stock up on essentials — including sunscreen, insect repellent, and any specialist gear — before departure from the mainland.
Safety
Chatham Island is generally safe, and serious crime is not a notable concern for visitors. The main safety considerations are environmental and logistical.
Coastal areas can be hazardous — surf, rip currents, and slippery rocks demand caution. Never swim alone, and heed local advice about safe swimming spots. The weather can deteriorate quickly; always tell someone your plans if heading into remote areas.
Medical facilities are minimal. Have comprehensive travel insurance that specifically covers emergency evacuation. Bring sufficient personal medication and a basic first aid kit.
Flight disruptions due to weather are not uncommon. Build flexibility into your travel plans — particularly your return date — so that a weather delay does not cause serious problems with onward travel commitments.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Chatham Island carries a history unlike anywhere else in New Zealand. The Moriori people, who settled here from eastern Polynesia, developed a culture centred on peace and non-violence — a covenant known as Nunuku's Law. In 1835, Māori from the mainland invaded the island, enslaving and killing much of the Moriori population in one of the most tragic episodes in New Zealand history. The Moriori people survived, and their descendants remain on the island today, actively working to revive their language and culture.
Visitors should approach Moriori cultural sites and heritage with deep respect. The Rakau Momori carvings are tapu (sacred) and are not to be touched or defaced in any way. The history here is living and painful — not a museum exhibit. Listening to and learning from Moriori perspectives, where the opportunity arises, enriches any visit.
Māori culture also has a significant presence on the island, with several iwi (tribes) holding connections to Chatham. The community as a whole is small and close-knit. Visitors are generally welcomed warmly, but it is worth remembering that you are a guest in a tight community where privacy and local customs matter.
Church and community events can be central to island life. If invited to participate in any local gathering, accept graciously and follow the lead of your hosts regarding protocols.
