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 at a Glance#
Address: Chatham Island (main island), Chatham Islands Territory, New Zealand
Website: https://www.airchathams.co.nz/
About Chatham Island#
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).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 11° - 19° | 15° | 57 mm | - | - | 6.6 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 12° - 19° | 15° | 66 mm | - | - | 6.4 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 11° - 18° | 15° | 79 mm | - | - | 6.7 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 9° - 16° | 13° | 75 mm | - | - | 6.7 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 7° - 13° | 10° | 96 mm | - | - | 6.8 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 6° - 11° | 5° | 108 mm | - | - | 7.1 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 5° - 11° | 4° | 95 mm | - | - | 6.8 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 6° - 11° | 5° | 87 mm | - | - | 6.7 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 7° - 12° | 6° | 91 mm | - | - | 7.0 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 8° - 14° | 11° | 67 mm | - | - | 7.2 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 9° - 16° | 12° | 70 mm | - | - | 7.2 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 10° - 18° | 14° | 70 mm | - | - | 6.7 m/s | - | - |