Visit the Chatham Islands.

When New Zealand is mentioned, many tourists will immediately think of Auckland, Dunedin, Christchurch, and dozens of other beautiful destinations.

However, few people mention the Chatham Islands because this archipelago in the far east of New Zealand remains largely unspoiled. But that's precisely what makes Chatham an ideal destination for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

The basalt columns at Chatham.

Amazing nature

The only way to get to Chatham is by flying to Tuuta Airport on the island. Air Chathams operates Christchurch-Chatham and Wellington-Chatham routes four times a week in winter and six times a week in summer. Because there are no return flights on the same day, visitors will need to spend at least one night on the island. It is best to book your hotel at least three weeks in advance to avoid delays in finding accommodation.

The Chatham Islands consist of the larger Chatham Island and the smaller Pitt Island. Only about 600 people live on Chatham Island. Much of the island is covered in forests, grasslands, lakes, swamps, and beaches. The density of diverse plant and animal species coexisting on Chatham Island is surprising to many. There are 388 plant species here, including 47 endemic species such as the Chatham forget-me-not, Chatham daisy, and Chatham Christmas tree.

Many visitors come to Chatham to see rare birds such as the purple petrel ( the world's rarest seabird), the Chatham shellfish, the Chatham parrot, the black warbler, etc. The Tuku Nature Reserve is home to these birds. If visitors want to see sea lions, seals, and whales, they should go to Munning Point. Thousands of seals are always crowded together there.

Te Whanga Lagoon is a destination for those who enjoy fishing. The brackish, shallow water teems with whitefish, eels, clams, mussels, and other shellfish. Visitors can simply rent fishing rods, shovels, buckets, and sieves to find the ingredients for their meal. Furthermore, the limestone sand beach of the lagoon is also a "graveyard" for hundreds of prehistoric sharks. Truly lucky visitors might even find a tusk while strolling along the sand.

Pitt Island is one of the must-see destinations in Chatham.

Not far from Te Whanga Lagoon is a basalt rock formation. Here, hundreds of hexagonal black rock columns are arranged side by side like a chessboard. They are actually volcanic rocks eroded by sea waves over time.

Pitt Island, home to only 40 people, is a fascinating destination. It's the place with the earliest sunrise in the world. Many visitors come to Pitt Island simply to stand on the island's easternmost point and be the first to see the sunrise. A beautiful spot to watch the sunrise on the island is the headland overlooking a rock formation in the middle of the sea that locals call the "pyramid." This rock is home to the Chatham albatross, a species found only in this area.

Explore the local culture.

Chatham, despite its small population, is home to three distinct ethnic groups: Moriori, Maori, and white. The Moriori are the indigenous inhabitants of Chatham. Currently, only about 1,000 Moriori remain throughout New Zealand, with nearly 40 on Chatham Island alone. Tame Horomona Rehe (English name: Tommy Solomon) was the last pure-blooded Chatham resident. He was a renowned agronomist, farmer, and philanthropist. After Tame's death in 1933, his descendants erected a statue of him and transformed his farm into a museum. Today, the statue and the Tommy Solomon Museum are must-see attractions on Chatham Island.

Another destination for visitors wanting to explore local culture is the Chatham Museum. The museum boasts a vast collection of artifacts and documents about the history and life of the people of Chatham from prehistoric times to the present day. The museum also features a "living exhibit" where local artisans and artists showcase their skills. The museum's traditional beekeeping area is also a popular attraction. Chatham honey is famous throughout New Zealand thanks to the bees that feed on the nectar of the native Tarahina tree. Visitors to the museum shouldn't forget to buy some honey.

The JM Barker National Historic Preserve in Chatham was originally a forest of great spiritual significance to the Moriori people. Instead of sculpting statues, they carved spiritual images onto tree trunks for worship. These carvings, still clearly visible after hundreds of years, demonstrate the meticulous craftsmanship and skillful hands of the Moriori people.

Near the JM Barker reserve lies the Nunuku Cave. Legend says this cave was the home of Chief Nunuku, who issued a ban on killing and brought centuries of peace to the island. However, the cave's history is even older than Nunuku's. Its walls are adorned with prehistoric carvings.

The historic German missionary house on Waitangi Road was built in 1866 by missionaries from Moravia (now part of the Czech Republic). The house has a unique appearance thanks to its four stone walls bonded together with plaster made from seashells. Besides being the missionaries' residence, it also served as the island's only school. The house and its surrounding land are now a Class I national historical monument.

Speaking of festivals, besides national holidays, the Chatham Festival is the biggest event on the island. Held annually in early March, it's an opportunity for islanders to gather, eat, and enjoy traditional arts performances. In recent years, with the development of tourism in Chatham, the Chatham Festival has also welcomed professional artists from across New Zealand.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/ghe-tham-quan-dao-chatham-673764.html