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Discover the Chatham Islands Thursday 9 - Thursday 16 December 2021 7 Nights

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Discover the Chatham Islands Thursday 9 - Thursday 16 December 2021 7 Nights DISCOVER NZ Discover the Chatham Islands Thursday 9 - Thursday 16 December 2021 7 nights TOUR OVERVIEW Don’t let Covid-19 prevent you from taking a trip ‘overseas’ and experiencing a different culture. The Chatham Islands environment is special, rich in its variety of indigenous plants and animals, historic relics and landscapes. Prepare to be surprised as these mysterious islands yield up their secrets. Landscapes with volcanic peaks thrusting up out of rolling peatland, towering seacliffs, the vast expanse of Te Whanga Lagoon, endless kilometres of sandy beaches and the ever-present ocean. Situated in the South Pacific Ocean, about 800km east of Christchurch, the Chatham Islands are New Zealand’s most easterly region. An archipelago of 11 islands, Chat- ham Island is inhabited by about 660 people. Meet the Chatham Islanders; a friendly and easy-going local com- munity who extend warm hospitality to visitors. Visit heritage sites and learn of the fascinating history shaped by years of isolation; Moriori, Maori, sealers, whalers, missionaries, farmers, and settlers. We will encounter plenty of plants and birds, including species native to the Chatham’s, some of which are quite rare. Enjoy plentiful fresh seafood: crayfish, paua, and blue cod. Prepare to be impressed by the contrasting landscapes: karaka forests, farmland, rocky coastlines, dunes, sandy beaches, expansive wetlands and conservation areas. You will stay in the recently opened Forget Me Not suites. IS THIS TOUR FOR ME? On the Chatham’s, it is possible to experience four seasons in one day. The changeable weather conditions and accessibil- ity issues may mean there are adjustments to the itinerary. Daily itineraries will be based on local advice and the latest weather information. For this reason, we have listed the activi- ties that are likely to be included in our programme but not the exact running times. At an evening or morning briefing, we will discuss the plan for the day. Although the tour is not physically demanding, the ability to manage your own lug- gage, walk and stand for extended periods, and climb steps and stairs will ensure you get the maximum enjoyment from your tour. TOUR INCLUSIONS TOUR EXCLUSIONS • The services of an experienced Calder & Lawson • Domestic flights/travel to/from Auckland Tours tour manager (arrangements can be made for you at an • Return airfare ex Auckland to Chatham Island additional cost) • 7 nights accommodation on Chatham Island (twin • Travel insurance share) in the Forget Me Not suites at Hotel Chatham • Meals not specified in the itinerary • Meals as specified in the itinerary • Beverages during included meals, unless • All group transfers specified • Activities and sightseeing tours as detailed in the • Personal expenses itinerary • A 2.5% surcharge if you wish to pay by credit • Daily guided tours card • A beautiful 180 page book “Discover & explore the Chatham Islands - First to see the sun” • Pre-tour material TOUR PRICE (Ex Auckland) Share twin per person NZD $5,190 Single supplement NZD $790 Please contact Calder & Lawson Tours if you are interested in a single occupancy place. GROUP SIZE Minimum 8, maximum 18 VARIATIONS IN TRAVEL We can make arrangements for any travel you would like to do before or after this tour. Please contact us to discuss your requirements. TOUR MANAGER Malcolm Campbell will be your tour manager. He is a professional naturalist, birder, outdoor pursuit’s enthusiast, who worked for 20 years on conservation and environmental issues in New Zealand’s national parks, forests, and coastal marine environments. He has led many tours in New Zealand and will share his in-depth knowledge with you. Malcolm was the first permanent DOC ranger stationed on the Chatham’s in the 1980’s and has long-time links with the is- land. Malcolm is a natural storyteller, a friendly and enthusiastic travel companion, and possesses an encyclopaedic knowledge of our country, which he imparts with warmth and zest. He is fond of quoting Mark Twain's quip from Journeys across the Equator, "When God finished making the world, he took the best of everything and made New Zealand”, which we are sure you will agree with. DAILY ITINERARY Thursday 9 December 2021 Depart Auckland in the early afternoon for your flight to the Chatham Islands. Auckland - Chatham Island Arriving after 5pm, we will have time to settle into our hotel before a Meals: D welcome dinner. Overnight: Hotel Chatham 10 - 15 December A range of activities will be chosen each day subject to prevailing weather Chatham Island conditions on the day. Please see a list of expected activities below. Daily meals: B/L/D Overnight: Hotel Chatham - Forget Me Not Suites Thursday 16 December After breakfast this morning, we will transfer to the airport for our morning Chatham Island to Auckland flight to Auckland, arriving around 11.30am. Meals: B ACTIVITIES During your time on the Chathams you will visit all ‘four corners’ of the main island. Exact itinerary and timings need to be flexible for weather but you can expect to see the following: The Enigmatic East: • Stop to see the locally owned working fish factory at Owenga Village, • Visit the commemorative statue of Tommy Solomon, the last known full blooded Moriori • Spend time at local artist Eva Cherie’ impressive gallery. Her works represent a spiritual connection to the landscapes, seascapes and bird and fish life of the islands. • Visit Kopinga Marae and learn the history of the first inhabitants of the Chatham Islands, known to Moriori as ‘Rekohu’ • See the 200m sheer drop cliffs of Rangaiki. On a clear day you can see all the way to Pitt and surrounding islands. The Nuggety North East: • Spend a day at Kaingaroa via the Ocean Mail Wetlands Reserve, an 830ha conservation area including 4km of stunning coast line. • At Hapupu National Reserve view the Moriori Tree Carvings (Dendroglyphs) • Visit the stunning Muirson family farm and see the Sunderland Flying Boat which is being restored. The Wild West: • Tour to the incredible Basalt Columns, similar to the giants causeway in Ireland • Visit Waitangi West and the early settler’s Stone Cottage built with local stone and timber and held together with mortar made of burnt pipi shells The Natural North: • Visit Wharekauri, Splattered Rock (the amazing volcanic formation on the beach) and Mt Chudleigh Reserve, keeping an eye out for the Chatham Island oyster catcher. ACTIVITIES - Continued OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES • Town walk to include the Museum, Craft The Sultry South Shop, Waitangi Store • Round of golf (own expense) at the ‘very • Explore Awatotara Reserve to see the Parea, Chatham much Chathams’ course Island wood pigeon and endemic plants • Deep Sea Fishing trip – own expense • Pitt Island – own expense Plus more: • An exclusive BBQ at ‘Admiral’s Farm’ – the homestead, NOTE - only available if weather permits. stunning garden and endemic plant restoration nursery of Val Snr and Lois Croon • Learn local history and view a collection of interesting artefacts at the Chatham Island museum • Comb Blind Jims at Te Whanga Lagoon and search the shoreline for fossilised sharks’ teeth HOW TO SECURE YOUR PLACE ON THIS TOUR A deposit of $1,000 is required to secure your place on the tour. When minimum numbers are reached, the tour will become a ‘confirmed departure’ and your deposit will be non-refundable. At that point we will advise when the tour payment is due. If the tour is unable to operate as a result of government travel restrictions due to Covid- 19, you will have the choice of transferring your deposit to another tour or receiving a full refund. • Click here to complete the online registration form, pay the $1,000 deposit and your place in this tour is secured. • Or you can complete a paper registration form. You can download one from the website www.calderandlawsontours.co.nz, or give us a call and we will email or post one to you. • TERMS & CONDITIONS Can be found on the website www.calderandlawsontours.co.nz, on the back of the paper registration form or on the summary page when you complete an online registration. There is a 2.5% surcharge if you wish to pay by credit card. VARIATIONS This itinerary is Version 1 dated 20/07/2021 and is subject to change. Exchange rate fluctuations may result in a change to the tour price. .
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