Chatham Island
Island Remote Pacific island, administrative center of Chatham Islands
Largest island of the Chatham group east of New Zealand, known for seabird colonies, Moriori and Māori heritage sites, fishing and wide beaches. Visitors reach it by small flights for wildlife, cultural visits and solitude.
Chatham Island is the largest island in the Chatham Islands group, a remote territory east of New Zealand. It is the principal island of the archipelago and the center of human settlement and activity in the territory.
Settlement and service activity is concentrated in the principal village, with limited visitor facilities and opportunities for wildlife watching, coastal landscapes and cultural encounters. The island is notable for its isolation and species that are distinct from mainland New Zealand.
The island has long been inhabited by the Moriori and later by Māori settlers; European contact and subsequent settlement occurred from the late 18th and 19th centuries. It has remained administratively linked to New Zealand as the Chatham Islands territory.
Chatham Island lies in the South Pacific roughly several hundred kilometers east of New Zealand’s South Island, and it forms the main inhabited landmass of the Chatham Islands group.
- Main settlement: Waitangi is the main settlement and administrative center on the island, providing the primary air and sea links to the rest of the Chatham Islands and New Zealand.
How to Get to Chatham Island #
Chatham Island (Rekohu) is served by Air Chathams with flights from Christchurch and Wellington to Chatham Islands Tuuta Airport (CHT). Flight schedules are limited-book well in advance. Maritime access is possible but weather‑dependent.
Tips for Visiting Chatham Island #
- Book Air Chathams flights early-seats are limited and services can be weather‑sensitive.
- Pack for changeable weather-Chatham Islands experience strong westerlies and rapid changes in temperature.
- Respect local tikanga and biosecurity measures-bring no fresh produce without checking rules.
Best Time to Visit Chatham Island #
Summer (Dec-Feb) is the most comfortable time for visiting, with calmer seas and extended daylight; flights can be irregular so plan carefully.
Weather & Climate near Chatham Island #
Chatham Island's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in February) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 5°C to 19°C. Moderate rainfall (961 mm/year).
January
January is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and breezy conditions.
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February
February is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm) and breezy conditions.
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June
June is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (108 mm) and breezy conditions.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 11°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm) and breezy conditions.
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August
August is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm) and breezy conditions.
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September
September is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm) and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and breezy conditions.
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