| Where: | Southern Pacific Ocean 44o, 800 km due east of Christchurch, New Zealand |
| What: | South Pacific archipelago. Home to rare birds and unique plant species. Centre of major fishing grounds and home to 750 islanders (New Zealand's eastern-most community) |
| Total ocean area: | 500 sq km |
| Main islands: | Chatham:
area 90 sq km, 700 people Pitt: 6.2 sq km, 50 people |
| Climate: | Temperate,
moist Summer temps 15-24o Celsius Winter temps 6-10o Celsius |
| Economic base: | Fishing, pastoral farming, tourism (especially eco-tours) |
| Visitor attractions: | Eco-tourism - unique and rare species, Island ecosystems |
| Scenery: | Changeable, spectacular, moody - the photographer's delight |
| History: | The ancestral home of the Moriori people |
| Seafood: | Renowned fishing area - lobster, abalone (paua), cod, groper (hapuka), kingfish, etc |
| Hospitality: | Traditional Chatham Island hosting of visitors is personal and generous |
| Language: | English |
| Currency: | New Zealand dollar |
| Best time to visit: | September-March (spring/summer) |
| Special significance: | The Chatham Islands are the first inhabited land in the world to greet the first dawn. The Millennium event at 4.00 am (NZST) January 1, year 2000, was celebrated with a major international ceremony linking all the nations of the world, as well as other exciting events. |
| NOTE: Accommodation on the Islands is very limited. Access to the Islands can be guaranteed only on confirmation of accommodation. | |
| Map of the Chatham Islands | |