Pitt Island
Island Remote Chatham Island with rugged coast and small population
Pitt Island in the Chatham Islands offers remote beaches, pastoral landscapes and birdlife; access is limited, so visitors come for isolation, fishing, seabirds and to experience a tiny settled island community.
Pitt Island is a remote island in New Zealand’s Chatham Islands territory, lying southeast of the main Chatham Island and forming part of the archipelago’s outer group. The island is sparsely populated and dominated by farmland, cliffs and coastal terraces.
The landscape is rugged and largely pastoral, with limited infrastructure and long distances between properties; the island sees very few visitors compared with mainland New Zealand. Native and introduced birdlife is present in less-developed coastal and cliff habitats.
Pitt Island lies in the south Pacific as part of New Zealand’s Chatham Islands territorial area, remote from New Zealand’s main North and South Islands and accessed via the principal settlement and transport links on Chatham Island.
- Remoteness: Pitt Island is the second-largest island of the Chatham Islands group and is remote with a very small resident population, limited services and primarily pastoral land use.
- Access: Access is typically by boat from Chatham Island or via small aircraft to the main Chatham Island followed by local transport; plan logistics well in advance.
How to Get to Pitt Island #
Access to Pitt Island is via boat or occasional charter from the main Chatham Island settlement at Waitangi. Flights to the Chathams land on Chatham Island (via Auckland or Christchurch), and onward access to Pitt requires local arrangements. Check with Chatham Islands Council for current transport options.
Tips for Visiting Pitt Island #
- Travel only with authorised transport - crossings are long and weather-dependent.
- Bring supplies and be prepared for basic accommodation; the island has limited services.
- Respect local rāhui (restrictions) and consult the Rekohu/Pitt Island community on permitted activities.
Best Time to Visit Pitt Island #
Summer months afford the most reliable access by sea or charter flight to the Chathams.
Weather & Climate near Pitt Island #
Pitt Island's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in February) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 4°C to 18°C. Abundant rainfall (1048 mm/year), wettest in June.
January
January is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and breezy conditions.
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February
February is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm) and breezy conditions.
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June
June is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 5°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (119 mm) and breezy conditions.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm) and breezy conditions.
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August
August is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm) and breezy conditions.
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September
September is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm) and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm) and breezy conditions.
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