Unique Island Experience
Few places on earth remain that feel so remote, rugged and real – Rēkohu is one of them.
Rēkohu offers a unique experience to visitors, immersed in the Moriori culture of peace and hospitality and a history steeped in resilience and commitment that saved Moriori from the brink of extinction. The opportunity to visit sacred island sites including Hāpūpū (J.M. Barker National Historic Reserve) home to Rākau Momori (tree-carvings), Kōpinga Marae, Nunuku’s Cave, Basalt Columns and the Memorial to Tame Horomona Rehe (Tommy Solomon) at Manukau. These islands also provide as a conservation paradise, home to some exceptionally rare birds and plants that exist only here.
To experience the real Rēkohu, contact Henga Lodge on 03 3050 196 or by email info@hengalodge.co.nz.
Unique Flora and Fauna
Rēkohu, Rangihaute and other outlying islands boast some of the worlds most unique and rare flora and fauna. The Black Robin and Taiko (Tchaik’) are among the rarest in the world. Many species of land and seabirds became extinct after the arrival of humans and introduced species which predated on native species.
Endemic sea birds that have survived include hopo (northern royal albatross) which also breeds at Taiaroa Head near Dunedin, Chatham Island taiko (now confined to one tiny population), torea (Chatham Island oystercatcher) found around the shores, Chatham Island shag and Pitt Island shag, and Chatham petrel.
Surviving endemic land birds include parea (Chatham Island pigeon), Chatham Island warbler, Forbes’ parakeet, Chatham Island snipe, Chatham Island tui, Chatham Island tomtit and black robin. None of these birds are common and recovery programmes are underway for the most threatened of them.
Hāpūpū (JM Barker National Historic Reserve) and other kōpi groves on Hokotehi land contain the largest surviving remnants of Kōpi trees (known in NZ as “Karaka”) that were carved by our Moriori karāpuna (ancestors).
The unique biodiversity of our islands is also vulnerable to introduced pests and organisms. Please do not bring honey comb or used bee-keeping products to the island, or any plants that could be classified as ecological weeds, or plants from the Myrtaceae family (such as manuka, pohutukawa etc). If you are in doubt about whether a plant is classified as an ecological weed here please refer to this booklet on Chatham Island biosecurity. If you are sending items to the island via sea freight please make sure they have had a thorough clean and are free from any soil, insects or other biosecurity risks.
For more on Rēkohu flora and fauna, click here.
Getting here
Flights to Rēkohu are through Air Chathams or bookings can be made via Henga (Chatham) Lodge. Flights are direct from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch during the summer months and take between 1.30 – 1.45 hours on a 40 seater Convair plane. To learn more about what to do when you get to the island or to find information about living on Rēkohu visit the local island website: www.discoverthechathamislands.co.nz
