Chatham Islands - A Land Apart itinerary:

Day 1:  Depart Christchurch
Board our Expedition Research Vessel Spirit of Enderby in Lytteton (Port of Christchurch). After we have sent our pilot home, you are welcome to join the Captain and officers on the bridge as we set a course for Waitangi, 460 nautical miles to the east.  Everybody must attend an expedition briefing, and in the afternoon you are invited to a lecture on the history of the Islands.

Day 2:  At Sea
We cross the “Chatham Rise” over the course of this day at sea – an elongated submarine extension of the New Zealand subcontinent.  It is here that the cold Antarctic currents meet warm tropical streams, resulting in an abundance of food. Identify some of the many different species of bird foraging in the area with the help of our onboard ornithologists and attend lectures on the natural history of these islands.

Days 3 – 6:  Chatham Islands
We arrive at the Islands after dawn. What we do there will depend on weather and sea conditions. We will be working closely with the local Hokotehi Moriori Trust and local people to offer you an extensive and varied program so that you can explore and gain a greater appreciation of these Islands.

Planned activities could include:

• Visit the Awatotara Valley on the south coast of the main island to see the endemic pigeon, Grey Warbler and Tui. Continue further south to Tuku River and Taiko Town to learn about the conservation work done on the Taiko, one of the world's most endangered seabirds.
• Travel to the fishing village of Owenga and the monument to Tommy Solomon, the last full-blooded Moriori. Search for fossilized shark teeth on the Te Whanga Lagoon.
• Visit the old stone cottages at Maunganui for a window into the history of the European settlement of the Islands, and view the Dendroglyphs at Hapupu.
• Examine aspects of the Islands’ unique natural history at Matarakau and Kaingaroa: see the Islands’ two endemic shags (cormorants) at Matarakau; observe endemic plants, including the famed Chatham Island Forget-me-not, at Kaingaroa.
• At South East Island we will cruise along in an attempt to locate the endemic Shore Plover, the world’s rarest wader. We may then see the Forbes parakeet at Mangere Island from the Zodiacs.
• See the steep cliffs of nearby Little Mangere Island, protectors of the rare Black Robin. Visit Pitt Island, and if weather and sea conditions permit we will visit a couple of outstanding reserves including the Glory Block.
• Cruise around the outlying islands of the Pyramid, home to the endemic Chatham Island Albatross, and the Forty Fours and the Sisters, which are home to the Northern Royal Albatross and Buller’s (Pacific) Albatross.
• For those of you interested in fishing and marine life, the fish and fishing here are legendary.  There will be a chance to fish and to enjoy the legendary diving as well. Dive to photograph or collect crayfish or spear fish for your evening meal.

We depart the Chatham Islands for the Port of Napier late in the evening of Day 6.

Days 7 and 8:  At Sea
During these days at sea, staff will hold a series of lectures and presentations, which will build on what you saw and experienced. You are welcome on the bridge, a great place from which to spot seabirds and possibly whales.

Day 9:  Port of Napier
We enter the Port of Napier where this expedition finishes. After breakfast a coach will transfer you to airport and/or hotels.