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 An unexplained phenomenon is that of the fossilised
shark’s teeth that are pushed up by the waves in the Te
Whanga Lagoon. The teeth are about 40 million years old and are a
local heritage - not collector’s items! Shipwrecks
dotted around the islands are a scuba divers delight while
trampers will also find interesting country to explore with
Department of Conservation (DOC) walking tracks of anything up to
an hour to a full day in duration. There are many beautiful
beaches popular for fishing and for catching crayfish, one of the
major industries in the islands. Snorkelling for Paua (an
unusual, but superb shellfish known as abalone in other parts of
the world) is a treat for many New Zealanders, especially now as
they are hard to find on the mainland coastline.
There are 18 species of bird unique to the islands including the
endangered black robin and the rare taiko. DOC staff can give you
the best viewing spots for bird watching – something worth
doing given the efforts undertaken in protecting these species so
close to extinction. Pukeko’s and wekas, native to the
mainland, along with many species of duck are common.
 Seemingly dilapidated, the scruffy but
charming towns on the islands adequately service the inhabitants
of the islands. The only sizable town, Waitangi, hosts a couple
of shops, a hotel, motel, and a post office. Most roads are
unsealed and there is no public transport at all, but car and
4-wheel drive hire is available. Walking seems to be a popular
form of transport! Air Chathams offer sightseeing and trips to
Pitt Island, and it is possible to hitch lifts on fishing vessels
although with notoriously savage seas, this may not be your
preferred option!
Accommodation on the island includes the hotel in Waitangi, a
motel with self-contained units, a guesthouse, a lodge and a
backpackers hostel. Homestays with locals are also possible and
ask the locals for permission before camping anywhere! It would
be safer to make reservations in advance - do this when you
book your airfare.
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