ABOUT THE CHATHAMS
Chatham Islands Map
The Chatham Islands Quick Facts.
. New Zealand's most eastern landscapes of approximately 10 islands with about 600
people inhabiting the two largest (Chatham and Pitt Islands).
. Over 800 kilometres (500 mi) east of southern New Zealand
. Officially part of New Zealand since 1842
. A truly unique history of whaling, sealing, Moriori and Maori
. Marvellous wildlife and birdlife with some of New Zealand's most successful
conservation programs
. Named the Chatham Island after the ship H.M.S. Chatham
. New Zealand's most eastern landscapes of approximately 10 islands with about 600
people inhabiting the two largest (Chatham and Pitt Islands).
. Over 800 kilometres (500 mi) east of southern New Zealand
. Officially part of New Zealand since 1842
. A truly unique history of whaling, sealing, Moriori and Maori
. Marvellous wildlife and birdlife with some of New Zealand's most successful
conservation programs
. Named the Chatham Island after the ship H.M.S. Chatham
The Islands of the Chathams.
Chatham islands are the only place in NZ where it is legal to hunt weka.
The islands are volcanic in origin and have a rugged and windswept vista with
delicate habitats that can be easily damaged by the elements and mankind.
The
Chatham Islands are home to many rare and endangered species.
Chatham Island
Chatham Island.
. The most populated island of the group
. Home to many rare and endangered species
. Much of the Chatham Island is largely flat with some small peaks towards the
northwest, and rising terrain with high cliffs to the southwest and southeast
. Te Whanga Lagoon dominates much of Chatham island covering 20,000 hectares -
about one-fifth of the island.
. Four reserves with numerous walking tracks
. The most populated island of the group
. Home to many rare and endangered species
. Much of the Chatham Island is largely flat with some small peaks towards the
northwest, and rising terrain with high cliffs to the southwest and southeast
. Te Whanga Lagoon dominates much of Chatham island covering 20,000 hectares -
about one-fifth of the island.
. Four reserves with numerous walking tracks
Pitt Island
Pitt Island.
. Named Pitt by the first Europeans in 1791 after William Pitt the first mate
aboard the HMS Chatham
. A short 15 min flight from Chatham Island and home to approximately 30 people
. Majestic cliff tops, many reserves and home to some of the world's rarest birds
and plants
. The first inhabited place in the world to see the new dawn
. Many conservation successes with heritage sites such as FlowerPot Jail,
re-vegetation of the landscape, birdlife programs
. A trip highligt
. Named Pitt by the first Europeans in 1791 after William Pitt the first mate
aboard the HMS Chatham
. A short 15 min flight from Chatham Island and home to approximately 30 people
. Majestic cliff tops, many reserves and home to some of the world's rarest birds
and plants
. The first inhabited place in the world to see the new dawn
. Many conservation successes with heritage sites such as FlowerPot Jail,
re-vegetation of the landscape, birdlife programs
. A trip highligt
Mangere Island
Mangere Island.
. Volcanic with steep peaks and cliffs
. A Nature Reserve managed by the Department of Conservation
. Seabirds which had previously declined markedly are now making a comeback along
with the natural vegetation
. Uninhabited
. Volcanic with steep peaks and cliffs
. A Nature Reserve managed by the Department of Conservation
. Seabirds which had previously declined markedly are now making a comeback along
with the natural vegetation
. Uninhabited
Rangatira Island (south East Island)
Rangatira Island
. Rangatira has been described as one of the world's premier bird islands
. A Nature Reserve managed by the Department of Conservation
. Last sheep removed from the land in 1961
. Virtually denuded during the farming period, it has since shown spectacular
forest recovery, led by Chatham Islands ribbonwood, mahoe, akeake, flax,
pohuehue, matipo and megaherbs.
. Gentler terrain than Mangere Island, it lies off the south-east coast of Pitt
Island. It is 219ha in area, rising to 224m above the western cliffs.
. Rangatira is a sanctuary for endangered invertebrates including the Rangatira
spider, Chathams giant click beetle, coxella weevil, Pitt Island longhorn and
giant stick insect. Skinks are abundant.
. Rangatira has been described as one of the world's premier bird islands
. A Nature Reserve managed by the Department of Conservation
. Last sheep removed from the land in 1961
. Virtually denuded during the farming period, it has since shown spectacular
forest recovery, led by Chatham Islands ribbonwood, mahoe, akeake, flax,
pohuehue, matipo and megaherbs.
. Gentler terrain than Mangere Island, it lies off the south-east coast of Pitt
Island. It is 219ha in area, rising to 224m above the western cliffs.
. Rangatira is a sanctuary for endangered invertebrates including the Rangatira
spider, Chathams giant click beetle, coxella weevil, Pitt Island longhorn and
giant stick insect. Skinks are abundant.
261SD/0 CHATHAM ISLANDS