2025 Annual Chatham Island Bird Tour

*** NO SOLO TRAVELLER SUPPLEMENT ***  Embarking on a 7-night Chatham Island Bird Tour is an unforgettable journey tailor-made for ornithologists and photographers alike. This tour is guided by ornithologist and conservationist Mike Bell – you will gain insight into the unique ecology of the Chatham Islands and the delicate balance required to protect its endemic birdlife.

From the moment participants set foot on this remote archipelago, you will be enveloped in a world teeming with avian wonders found nowhere else on Earth.

There are two highlights of this tour:

(1) A full-day boat trip to Pitt Island, where dramatic landscapes and pristine coastlines serve as the backdrop for unparalleled birdwatching opportunities. With binoculars and cameras in hand, enthusiasts will be scanning the horizon for rare species such as the Pitt Island shag and the Chatham albatross (Toroa), capturing breathtaking moments that will forever grace the pages of their photographic collections. Around Chatham Island we cruise secluded coves to windswept cliffs, each location offers a different glimpse into the rich tapestry of Chatham’s birdlife. Nestled amidst the lush foliage, the elusive black robin may reveal itself, a symbol of conservation success after teetering on the brink of extinction.

(2) Visit to the Taiko Bird Sanctuary, a sanctuary dedicated to the preservation of the critically endangered Chatham Island Taiko. Here, participants have the chance to witness conservation efforts firsthand as they observe these majestic seabirds in their natural habitat.

There are many other locations we visit, looking to see other endemic Chatham Island birdlife – Pipit, Oyster Catchers as well as the Parea.

As the tour draws to a close, participants depart with memories etched in their minds and hearts, forever inspired by the beauty and diversity of the Chatham Islands’ avian treasures.

Includes

• Air Chatham flights departing and returning to Auckland valued $1,300
• Seven nights accommodation – your choose from a selection of room types
• Taiko Bird Sanctuary – day trip
• Day boat trip – around Pitt Island and Chatham Island shoreline
• Own room if you’re travelling by yourself
• Coach transport and guides to all the activities
• Cooked and continental breakfast each day
• Dinners with wines & beer
• Chatham Islands airport transfers
• Coach transport with driver and Mike Bell as your host.
• Department of Conservation and landowner concession fees – $350 per person
• Voluntary Chatham Islands visitor levy which goes towards the island’s infrastructure maintenance is included – $25 per person.

From the time you step onboard the Air Chatham’s flight in Auckland until you step off back in Auckland, there are no other costs unless you want to buy something from one of the island’s local shops – simply pack your bag (including gum boots) and bring your credit card and some cash. An ATM at the local store allows you to take cash out during their opening hours.

Excludes

• Purchases of a personal nature
• Alcohol before & after dinners
• Wines, prosecco, beers or spirits over what is served with meal
• Coffee other than that available from the coffee station.

Information

If you are flying to Auckland to board the Air Chatham flights, please ensure you book flexible airfares as adverse weather conditions can alter Air Chatham’s flight departure times out of both Auckland and Chatham Island.

• Auckland/Chatham Island – flight departs 11.00am arrives around 2.00pm. At 9.00am please meet Lesley and Mike at the Air Chathams check-in counter to receive your baggage identification label.  Flight time 2 hours 15 min. Plan to depart from your home location early enough to take into account weather related hold-ups
• Chatham Island/Auckland – flight departs 4.00pm, landing Auckland around 6.00pm. Flight time 2 hours 45 min. Plan for homebound flight well after 7.30pm

Booking, cancellation & refunds

• A $500 deposit secures your place – once we receive your deposit we allocate your room
• If you choose to cancel your booking, your deposit is non-refundable unless we fill your place
• If we have to cancel we will give you a full refund or you can have your deposit transferred to any of our other events
• Full payment is due 6 weeks prior to the commencement date and is thereafter non-refundable in the event of your choosing to cancel, unless we are able to re-fill your place
• We strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out as soon as you have paid your deposit to cover you should you, due to illness, be unable to travel.

Want to know more, you can call Lesley on 027 4747 347 or email lesley@hotelchathamstours.co.nz

Per Person Cost – $5,100 [no extra for own room]

A maximum of 20 passengers, we have a variety of room types available at two of Hotel Chatham’s properties – Forget Me Not Suites and Travellers Rest, both approximately 60 seconds walk to the hotel.

$5,100 per person – Forget Me Not Suites king or two single beds, ensuite with shower, lounge area, fully equipped kitchen, veranda with sea views, Sky TV and WiFi. 60 seconds walk to hotel. [9 units in total – each sleep 1 couple or 2 single persons]

$5,100 per person – Travellers Rest Room 33 king size or two single beds, ensuite with shower, sea views, tea making facility, Sky TV, WiFi [sleeps 1 couple or 2 single persons]

$5,100 per person – Travellers Rest Room 32 king size or two single beds, ensuite with shower, garden views, tea making facility, Sky TV, WiFi [sleeps 1 couple or 2 single persons]

$5,100 per person – Travellers Rest Room 34 two queen beds, ensuite with shower, sea views, tea making facility, Sky TV, WiFi [sleeps 2 couples or 2 single persons]

$5,100 per person – Travellers Rest Room 36 & 37 king size or two single beds PLUS single bed in adjoining room with sea views, separate bathroom with shower, separate lounge and kitchen, tea making facility, Sky TV, WiFi [sleeps 1 couple and 1 single persons]

$5,100 per person – Travellers Rest Room 35 king size or two single beds, ensuite with shower, tea making facility, Sky TV, WiFi [sleeps 1 couple or 2 single persons ]