Chatham Islands · Travel guide · Updated 2026

Chatham Islands: New Zealand's Remote Paradise

Discover the Chatham Islands in New Zealand: A secluded paradise with stunning landscapes, rich history, and endless adventures for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

The Chatham Islands are a hidden gem located about 800 kilometers east of New Zealand's mainland. This archipelago is made up of ten islands, with Chatham and Pitt being the two largest. It is a place where time seems to stand still, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and a tranquil lifestyle that is hard to find anywhere else. Visitors to the Chatham Islands can explore stunning landscapes ranging from rugged coastlines to serene lagoons. The islands are a haven for birdwatchers, with many rare and endangered species calling this place home. Fossil hunters will also find the Chathams fascinating, as the islands boast some of the oldest and most unique fossil records in the world. The Chatham Islands are steeped in history, particularly the Moriori culture, which dates back centuries. Tourists can visit ancient sites and learn about the Moriori people, their traditions, and their resilience. The islands also have a European history that is evident in the architecture and heritage sites scattered throughout. Adventure seekers will not be disappointed either. The islands offer excellent fishing, diving, and hiking opportunities. The local cuisine, particularly the fresh seafood, is another highlight that visitors should not miss. Whether you're looking to relax, explore, or learn, the Chatham Islands provide a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Tuku Nature Reserve

Discover the Chatham Islands in New Zealand: A secluded paradise with stunning landscapes, rich history, and endless adventures for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

Henga Scenic Reserve Walk Trail Head

Discover the Chatham Islands in New Zealand: A secluded paradise with stunning landscapes, rich history, and endless adventures for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

Ocean Mail Picnic Area

Discover the Chatham Islands in New Zealand: A secluded paradise with stunning landscapes, rich history, and endless adventures for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

Kaingaroa Beach

Discover the Chatham Islands in New Zealand: A secluded paradise with stunning landscapes, rich history, and endless adventures for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

Point Munning

Seal colony

Discover the Chatham Islands in New Zealand: A secluded paradise with stunning landscapes, rich history, and endless adventures for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

Nikau Bush Conservation Area

Discover the Chatham Islands in New Zealand: A secluded paradise with stunning landscapes, rich history, and endless adventures for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

Chatham Islands

J.M. Barker Hapupu National Historic Reserve

Discover the Chatham Islands in New Zealand: A secluded paradise with stunning landscapes, rich history, and endless adventures for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

Chatham Island

Tikitiki Hill Conservation Area

Discover the Chatham Islands in New Zealand: A secluded paradise with stunning landscapes, rich history, and endless adventures for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

Basalt Columns

Discover the Chatham Islands in New Zealand: A secluded paradise with stunning landscapes, rich history, and endless adventures for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

When is the best time to go to Chatham Islands?

Weather at a glance

Use the monthly temperature and precipitation trends to compare typical conditions across the year before planning countryside walks, town visits, and heritage days.

Temperature

°C

Precipitation

mm
Warmest monthsNov–Mar
Longest daylightNov–Feb
Driest periodNov–Mar

Explore places in Chatham Islands

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    Iconic landmarks you can't miss

    Classic Chatham Islands sights that mirror the landmark pins above, with a little more context before users explore further.

    Queen Elizabeth Park

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    Queen Elizabeth Park

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    Te Waipounamu / South Island

    Auckland Island / Motu Maha

    Discover the untouched beauty of Auckland Island, a wildlife haven and UNESCO World Heritage Site, perfect for adventure and exploration in New Zealand.

    Auckland Island / Motu Maha

    Flowerpot Bay Lodge

    Explore the unspoiled beauty of Pitt Island at Flowerpot Bay Lodge, where nature, adventure, and comfort unite in a unique retreat.

    Flowerpot Bay Lodge

    Chatham Island

    Experience the breathtaking landscapes, unique wildlife, and rich Maori culture of Chatham Island, New Zealand's hidden paradise.

    Chatham Island

    Henga Lodge

    Discover serenity at Henga Lodge in the Chatham Islands, where stunning landscapes and rich local culture create an unforgettable retreat experience.

    Henga Lodge

    Glory Cottage / Home of the Almighty D

    Explore the historical essence of Glory Cottage, the oldest timber building in the Chatham Islands, and delve into New Zealand's rich past.

    Glory Cottage / Home of the Almighty D

    Basalt Columns

    Explore the breathtaking Basalt Columns of Chatham Islands, a stunning natural wonder showcasing unique geological formations and captivating coastal views.

    Basalt Columns

    J.M. Barker Hapupu National Historic Reserve

    Explore the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of J.M. Barker Hapupu National Historic Reserve in the Chatham Islands, a nature lover's paradise.

    J.M. Barker Hapupu National Historic Reserve

    Unmissable attractions to see

    These cards mirror the attraction list in the map, while adding enough context to help users prioritise.

    Essential places to dine

    The dining ideas below match the food pins above, making the map and editorial recommendations work together.

    Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

    Each shopping card aligns with a mapped browsing area, from major retail streets to market-led detours.

    Essential bars & hidden hideouts

    The evening cards below match the bars layer in the map, so browsing and orientation stay connected.

    Milford Sound landscape in New Zealand image - Free stock photo - Public  Domain photo - CC0 Images
    Destination guide

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    Explore Chatham Islands in Photos

    A quick visual route through countryside views, towns, gardens, and regional day-trip atmosphere.

    File:View from Chatham Islands.jpg - Wikipedia
    File:Chatham Island Waitangi.JPG - Wikipedia
    File:Kaingaroa Beach.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:Chatham Islands photo, 1910, Canterbury Museum, 2016-01-27.jpg -  Wikipedia
    Rangatira Island - Wikipedia
    File:Hikurangi Channel, Te Whaanga Lagoon.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:柱狀玄武岩.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:KahuitaraPoint.JPG - Wikipedia

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