Exploring the Remote Chatham Islands
***SOLD OUT***
This tour we explore the Chatham Islands, a remote ocean-bound wilderness, most famous for plentiful fresh seafood and fascinating marine and wildlife. With outstanding scenery and welcoming hosts, these islands will leave a lasting impression on you.
On this “foodie & photography” tour, we are at the remotest eastern point of New Zealand and the furthest internal flight possible, which will take around 2 hours.
This tour will focus on marine and wildlife and with the abundant sea colonies our day long cruise will be a “must” for the photographers joining us. Geographically isolated for millions of years, the Chathams have witnessed the evolution of unique bird species that make the islands important to conservation nationally and internationally.
While we are here, let’s do a little treasure hunting on the shores of beautiful Te Whanga lagoon where careful fossicking is likely to be rewarded by the discovery of fossilised shark teeth. Around 30 million years old, these teeth are a treasure of the island. Some, from the jaws of prehistoric megaladon (an extinct species of shark), are around 10 centimetres long.
Visiting the Basalt Columns at Ohira Bay parallel those of Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway that has been given UNESCO World Heritage Site status. The unique pillow lava formation is known as Splatter Rock and the impressive vista of cones that comprise the Northern Volcanics in north-west Chatham are simply stunning geological works of mother nature. On Pitt Island, the contrasting views from the ‘Mars’ lookout of the 65 million-year-old Red Bluff Tuff formations at Waihere Bay to 5 million year old Mangere lsland are also impressive.
The “foodie” side is of course seafood – fresh local sourced cod, groper, crayfish (rock lobster) and shellfish is just a start.
Tell me about the photography?
All levels of photography expertise are catered for (digital and smart phones) and beginners are VERY welcome. Lesley offers a great learning environment with expert guidance, instruction and personal attention. You will leave with increased confidence, motivation, inspiration and having met some new photography BFFs.
Lesley will help you make the most of the wonderful photographic opportunities on this tour.
All attendees received an A5 photo journal, an invaluable notebook to make notes of camera settings plus a quick reference guide for each photography genre. If you don’t use a camera, and are bringing your start phone, there are quick reference guides on how to get the best from your phone. A quality coffee table photo book containing images of this amazing tour will be produced and available for purchase
What do I need to bring?
An equipment list will be provided on booking, but you’ll need your smart phone or camera and lenses such as 18-55 and 55-250, tripod and ND filters.
Want to know more – contact Lesley
M: 027 4747 374
E: lesley@girlsontheroadagain.com
Want to book – phone or email House of Travel’s Pam Young
M: 021 352 705
E: pammy@hot.co.nz