Discover Chatham & Pitt Islands — Beautifully Rugged. Authentically Raw.
Let us design a tailored Chatham & Pitt Islands experience that aligns with your interests, pace and budget — delivering authentic, beautifully rugged and truly memorable moments.
Explore Our Range of Tour Options
If you’re searching for a truly unforgettable escape — one that restores, inspires and excites — the Chatham & Pitt Islands deliver it all, beautifully.
With Travel With Lesley Whyte, every journey is thoughtfully curated to showcase the very best of this remarkable destination. From fully escorted small-group tours and bespoke private itineraries to specialised fishing, hunting and outdoor adventures, our experiences are designed to be as unique as the islands themselves.
Indulge in culinary escapes, explore by bike, immerse yourself in extraordinary wildlife and birding encounters, uncover rich cultural and historical stories, or join one of our seasonal specialty departures — each crafted with exclusive access and authentic local connections at its core.
Whether you’re looking to slow down and reconnect with nature, or embrace the raw, adventurous spirit of Rēkohu, we tailor every detail to suit your interests, pace and style of travel.
This is where relaxation meets adventure. Where remote becomes remarkable. Where every moment feels personal.
Beautifully rugged. Authentically raw - your Chatham Islands experience starts here.
Classic Chatham Island Tour
Our Classic Chatham Islands Tour is the perfect introduction to Rēkohu — intimate, immersive and rich in genuine island hospitality.
With a maximum of just 10 guests, this small-group journey offers a relaxed pace and personalised attention throughout. You’ll experience the Chathams not as a visitor, but as a welcomed guest — enjoying warm, home-hosted hospitality that reflects the heart and generosity of island life.
Stay in a spectacular South Coast waterfront location, where dramatic skies meet rolling ocean views and the rhythm of the sea sets the tone for your stay. Each day begins and ends surrounded by the beautifully rugged landscape that makes the Chathams so unforgettable.
Meals are a true highlight — thoughtfully prepared, generous and showcasing fresh local produce and seafood. Expect stunning flavours, shared stories around the table and the kind of dining experiences that bring people together.
Your island exploration is conducted in comfort aboard our luxury Mercedes Sprinter vehicle ensuring seamless, stylish travel between remote beaches, historic sites, cultural landmarks and breathtaking coastal viewpoints.
This is Chatham Islands travel done properly — small numbers, genuine connection, exceptional comfort and authentic experiences.
Personal. Exclusive. Unforgettable.
Seafood Exgtravaganza
Indulge in the ultimate ocean-to-plate experience on our Chatham Islands Seafood Extravaganza Tour — a celebration of the freshest seafood in one of New Zealand’s most beautifully rugged destinations. With a maximum of just 18 passengers, this small-group journey ensures an intimate, immersive and truly memorable experience.
Famed for blue cod, pāua, crayfish and kina, the Chatham Islands deliver world-class seafood straight from pristine waters.
Enjoy a variety of seafood dining experiences throughout your journey — from a welcoming crayfish dinner on arrival, to a relaxed seafood BBQ, a traditional hāngī, and a memorable seafood farewell dinner showcasing the very best of island flavours.
This experience also includes a fishing excursion, where you’ll head out onto the rich surrounding waters — and the best part? What you catch is professionally filleted and packed for you to take home.
Combined with guided island exploration and authentic local encounters, this tour is more than a culinary escape — it’s a genuine taste of Rēkohu.
Fresh. Local. Unforgettable.
Photography Tours
Discover the Chatham Islands through light, landscape and creative connection.
Our Chatham Islands Photography Tours & Retreats combine immersive photographic experiences with authentic island exploration — creating a journey that inspires both creativity and connection. Guided by our capture to print philosophy, these small-group experiences are designed to help you confidently create beautiful, display-worthy images straight from camera.
From dramatic coastlines and windswept farmland to rich birdlife and ever-changing skies, Rēkohu offers endless photographic opportunity. Whether you’re drawn to landscapes, textures or the remarkable endemic bird species of the islands, every day presents something unique to capture.
With guidance from experienced photography mentors, you’ll refine your skills in composition, light and camera settings — learning how to see and capture a scene with intention. Our approach minimises heavy editing, focusing instead on getting it right in-camera, with optional support in Lightroom to enhance your final images.
Beyond photography, you’ll explore remote beaches, historic landmarks and culturally significant sites with knowledgeable local guides. Each day balances learning with discovery — connecting you not only to your craft, but to the land, the wildlife and the stories of the islands.
These tours are fully escorted and thoughtfully paced, welcoming solo travellers (own room guaranteed at no additional cost) as well as those seeking a creative, supportive and inspiring environment.
Capture. Create. Print.
Experience the Chatham Islands in their truest form — beautifully rugged and authentically raw.
Fishing Adventures
For those drawn to the water, the Chatham Islands offer some of New Zealand’s most rewarding and remote fishing experiences.
Surrounded by rich, nutrient-filled seas, Rēkohu is a true frontier for anglers seeking both challenge and abundance. Whether you prefer land-based casting, surf fishing, or heading offshore with experienced local skippers, each day is shaped around the conditions and the opportunity to target prized species.
Fishing enthusiasts can expect to encounter iconic blue cod, along with a variety of other species in pristine, uncrowded waters. Guided by local knowledge and expertise, every outing is designed to maximise both success and experience — all delivered with a strong focus on safety and sustainability.
These fishing adventures are available for individuals or private groups of up to six guests, ensuring personalised attention, flexibility and exclusive access to some of the islands’ best-kept fishing locations.
Your stay is based at the beautiful Kopi Bush Retreat, where luxury and comfort meet the ruggedness of the islands. After a day on the water, return to warm hospitality, thoughtfully designed spaces and exceptional private chef dining that showcases the very best of Chatham Island produce — often featuring your own catch.
With dedicated vehicle use included, you’ll have the freedom and flexibility to move seamlessly between locations while enjoying the privacy and exclusivity of your surroundings.
Remote waters. Expert local knowledge. Exclusive access.
Authentic fishing experiences in a destination that is beautifully rugged and authentically raw.
Cycling Tours
Discover the Chatham Islands by bike — through landscape, freedom and connection.
Our Chatham Island Cycling Tours combine active adventure with immersive island exploration, creating a journey that is as rewarding as it is unforgettable. Whether you choose to organise a private cycling tour tailored to your interests or join one of our three annual departures, these experiences are designed to showcase the beautifully rugged character of Rēkohu in a truly unique way.
Ride through wide open landscapes, along dramatic coastlines and into remote parts of the islands that few visitors experience in the same way. With the support of experienced guides, quality bikes and thoughtfully coordinated logistics, you can enjoy the freedom of the ride while taking in the remarkable scenery, fresh air and sense of space the Chathams are known for.
Along the way, you’ll connect with local stories, meet islanders, discover significant landmarks and enjoy memorable hospitality that reflects the warmth and authenticity of the community. Each day blends cycling with exploration, giving you the chance to experience both the natural beauty and the character of the islands at a relaxed and enjoyable pace.
These tours are fully escorted and thoughtfully paced, welcoming solo travellers and small groups seeking an active, enriching and genuinely different escape.
Ride. Explore. Connect.
Experience the Chatham Islands in their truest form — beautifully rugged and authentically raw.
Hunting & Shooting Adventures
iFor those seeking a true off-grid experience, the Chatham Islands offer some of New Zealand’s most remote and rewarding hunting and shooting adventures.
Rēkohu is a frontier destination where wide open landscapes, rugged terrain and carefully managed environments create the ideal setting for authentic, guided hunting experiences. Whether you’re pursuing wild boar, feral cattle or wild Pitt Island sheep, each expedition is shaped by local knowledge, seasonal conditions and access to exclusive private land.
Guided by experienced locals, every outing is professionally coordinated with a strong focus on safety, compliance and respect for the environment. These are not staged experiences — they are real, raw and deeply connected to the land and its rhythms.
Available for individuals or private groups of up to four guests, these adventures are highly personalised, offering flexibility, exclusivity and access to areas few ever experience.
Your stay is based at the beautiful Kopi Bush Retreat, where luxury and comfort meet the ruggedness of the islands. After a day in the field, return to warm hospitality, thoughtfully designed spaces and exceptional private chef dining that showcases the very best of Chatham Island produce.
With dedicated vehicle use included, you’ll have the freedom and flexibility to move seamlessly between locations while enjoying the privacy and exclusivity of your surroundings.
Remote landscapes. Expert local knowledge. Exclusive access.
Authentic hunting and shooting experiences in a destination that is beautifully rugged and authentically raw.
Bird Tours
Discover one of the world’s great birding frontiers — the Chatham Islands.
Join our annual Bird Tours, held across January, February and March, and experience the remarkable diversity of birdlife that calls Rēkohu home. These fully escorted journeys are designed for those passionate about birding, nature and conservation — offering rare access to species and habitats found nowhere else on earth.
The Chatham Islands and surrounding outliers are home to an extraordinary concentration of seabirds — around 30% of the world’s seabird species can be found in this region. From endemic land birds to pelagic and shorebird species, each day brings new sightings and unforgettable encounters.
Accompanied by a Chatham Island expert ornithologist, you’ll explore key birding locations across the islands and venture out on the water to observe pelagic species in their natural environment. These boat excursions provide a unique opportunity to view remote nesting sites — including locations that are the only known breeding grounds in the world for certain species.
Whether you’re an avid birder or a passionate observer, or photographer, these tours offer an immersive and deeply rewarding experience, with small groups, expert guidance and thoughtfully curated itineraries throughout.
Observe. Discover. Protect.
Experience the Chatham Islands in their truest form — a sanctuary for birdlife that is beautifully rugged and authentically raw.
Annual Chatham Island 1/2 Marathon
Experience one of the world’s most unique running events with our Chatham Island Half Marathon, 10km & 5km Run/Walk Tour Package — a fully escorted, small-group journey set in the beautifully rugged landscapes of Rēkohu.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner or prefer a relaxed walk, this event welcomes all fitness levels, combining a memorable race experience with genuine connection to the island’s community, culture and scenery. The course showcases the wild beauty of the islands, delivering an atmosphere that is as inspiring as it is rewarding.
This all-inclusive package takes care of every detail, featuring comfortable accommodation (own room, no extra cost), all meals showcasing fresh local produce and seafood, airport and event transfers, and guided sightseeing across the islands — allowing you to simply arrive and enjoy.
Beyond race day, you’ll explore dramatic coastlines, historic landmarks and remote landscapes, all while connecting with locals and hearing the stories that bring Rēkohu to life. More than just a race, it’s an immersive adventure — blending achievement, exploration and authentic island experiences in one of New Zealand’s most remote destinations.
Run. Explore. Connect.
Experience the Chatham Islands in their truest form — where beautifully rugged landscapes meet one of the world’s most unique running events.
Special Interest Tours
Bring your passion to the Chatham Islands — where shared interests become extraordinary experiences.
Do you have a special interest group looking for something truly different? Whether you’re farmers, beekeepers, spinners, weavers or part of a like-minded community, we specialise in creating fully tailored journeys to Rēkohu that connect your interests with the people, landscapes and traditions of the islands.
Through our long-standing local relationships, we open doors to authentic, behind-the-scenes experiences — from visiting working farms and understanding life in a remote environment, to exploring local wool, fibre and weaving practices, or connecting with those producing honey in one of New Zealand’s most unique ecosystems.
Each itinerary is carefully designed around your group’s passions, blending hands-on experiences with exploration of the islands’ dramatic coastlines, historic sites and vibrant local stories. You’ll meet the people who live and work here, gaining insights that go far beyond a typical visitor experience.
Our tours are fully escorted, thoughtfully paced and crafted to suit your group size, interests and level of activity — ensuring a seamless and enriching journey from start to finish.
Connect. Learn. Experience.
Create a journey that is uniquely yours in a destination that is beautifully rugged and authentically raw.
Why Travel With Us to Chatham & Pitt Islands
We invite you to experience the Chatham Islands your way, by joining one of our fully escorted tours or letting us craft a seamless, tailor-made escape just for you. Every detail is thoughtfully managed, from flights and accommodation to meals, activities and on-island logistics — allowing you to simply relax and immerse yourself in the journey.
Our deep-rooted local connections open doors to exclusive people, places and experiences not accessible to independent travellers.
Enjoy the ease of fully hosted travel, or the freedom of a personalised itinerary designed around your interests, pace and travel style.
With small groups, genuine connections and carefully curated experiences, you’ll discover Rēkohu in a relaxed, immersive and meaningful way.
However you choose to travel, your Chatham Islands experience will be authentic, seamless and truly unforgettable.
Why an Escorted Tour is the Best Way to Experience the Chathams
While the idea of a self-guided expedition might seem appealing, the reality of organising a trip to the Chathams can be complex and stressful. This is where the true value of an escorted tour shines, transforming a logistical puzzle into a seamless, enriching, and utterly unforgettable adventure.
Seamless Logistics, Zero Stress
Imagine arriving on the island with every detail already taken care of. With an escorted tour, the challenge of securing those limited flights and sought-after accommodation is handled by experts. All your ground transport, delicious meals, and access fees to private locations are pre-arranged. Your only job is to relax, immerse yourself in the experience, and soak in the incredible surroundings.
Exclusive Access and Local Knowledge
An escorted tour opens doors that would otherwise remain closed. Our deep local relationships grant you exclusive access to private land and hidden gems that independent travellers simply cannot find on their own. You’ll benefit from the profound insights of expert guides who share the stories, history, and ecology of the islands with passion and authenticity, ensuring you travel safely and efficiently with people who know the land intimately.
The Perfect Blend of Adventure and Comfort
We believe that adventure doesn’t have to mean discomfort. Our tours are built on a carefully curated itinerary that ensures you see all the highlights without feeling rushed. You’ll travel with a small, friendly group of like-minded adventurers, sharing in the discovery and creating lasting memories together. It’s the perfect balance of rugged exploration during the day and warm, comfortable hospitality at night.
Plan an Unforgettable Chatham Island Experience Today!
We’ll help you design your Chatham Islands experience through our carefully curated listed tours — from escorted small-group journeys and seafood extravaganzas to cooking classes, and outdoor fishing and hunting adventures. Each experience is crafted to showcase the beautifully rugged coastlines, authentically raw landscapes and genuine island hospitality that define Rēkohu.
We also develop bespoke experiences for private groups, with sizes ranging from 1 to 6 guests, allowing you to enjoy a personalised, exclusive island adventure tailored to your interests and pace.
Beautifully Rugged & Authentically Raw
Call now to chat about your chatham islands experience