Air Chats Spring 2019 Inflight Magazine by Air Chathams

Air Chats A I R C H AT H A M S I N F L I G H T M AG A Z I N E

Spring 2019 // ISSUE 02

C H AT H A M I S LA N D S

KĀ P I T I COA S T

Your complimentary copy

W H A KATĀ N E

WHANGANUI

N O R F O L K I S LA N D

A U C K LA N D

ALL OVER

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Welcome The home of Air Chathams

Folks, it’s been another very busy quarter for Thefamily Chatham Islands are New mostthe eastern our owned airline - notZealand’s to mention islands, located over 800to kilometres (500 miles) east great response we had the inaugural edition of ‘Air southern New Zealand. About 600 people live on of Chats’ inflight magazine. the two largest islands, Chatham and Pitt, and we So much so that we have been flooded with requests have officially been a part of New Zealand since 1842. not only to advertise, but to include great stories and events happening in all the ports we connect The islands are volcanic in regional origin with diverse with on our scheduled air services. Therenowned challengefor landscapes and a fascinating history, for our teamseafood was deciding which include in this a bountiful industry and to conservation efforts edition, andmany we hope with ourspecies. selections! protecting rare you andagree endangered We are also due to hit some significant milestones in this with the commencement of international Topquarter, tips before making a visit: scheduled flights to Norfolk Island and marking the • No passport is necessary when firstflying year of scheduled services between Auckland from New Zealand. and the Kāpiti Coast. • There are no mobile phone networks on the island - bring phonecharter for photographs While we’ve beenyour providing flights between and enjoy unconnected forpast a while. Auckland and being Norfolk Island for the 18 months, September willissee the first scheduled • Electricity standard forpassenger New Zealand at service This has required a largeso investment 240 begin. volts AC, but can be unreliable we recommend surge to protection on meet your devices. in time and resources ensure we the many requirements of both countries, as well as thelayers • Pack clothing for variable weather. Think customs and immigration entry and protection from therequirements sun, wind andforrain. andSturdy departure. It’s shoes been aare very busy time for our walking recommended. team and we are really excited! • The Chatham Islands are 45 mins ahead of mainland New Zealand standard time. • There are no shuttles or taxis. Transport from the airline needs to be arranged with your accommodation as will any rental vehicle prior to your visit. • Check with your accommodation provider about any specialist needs or allergies as the Chatham Islands often have limited supplies for specific requirements. • There is a small hospital with a resident doctor and nurses available. Air Chathams always recommends travel insurance for any air travel. • With deep family connections and local heritage, many places of interest are on private land and require the owner’s permission to visit. If you are unsure, please ask first. A family affair: Craig, Marion, Matthew and Duane Emeny of Air Chathams

0800 580 127 www.airchathams.co.nz

Just like our first year in Whanganui, the first twelve months of scheduled flights for Kāpiti have flown by (no pun intended). It has been a great year getting to know the new market and meeting the regulars boarding the Saab to travel to Auckland. And while it’s still early stages for Kāpiti, we are seeing a trend developing that gives us confidence we can continue to provide ongoing connectivity to Auckland. With the opening of Transmission Gully next year, Porirua City will also have a short ten minute commute to Kāpiti Airport rather than battling the traffic through the Wellington CBD.

SILKS AUDIT

Travel agents and the internet-savvy may have noticed in July this year, our flights are more visible due to connections on the travel booking Global Distribution System. So next time you’re browsing the internet, have a look at the House of Travel and Flight Centre websites (amongst others) to check out our schedules and fares.

Chartered Accountants

We really hope you enjoy this second edition of Air Chats, and thank you all for your continued support of our air services. Ka kite anō and safe travels! Duane Emeny, General Manager Air Chathams

Silks Audit providing audit and assurance services all over New Zealand.

Silks Audit Chartered Accountants 156 Guyton Street, Whanganui Phone. 06 345 8539 www.silksaudit.co.nz

Each year Air Chathams carries more than 140,000 passengers around New Zealand, and in each edition of our inflight magazine Air Chats, we celebrate the very best of the regions we cover: from art and culture, to business, history and lifestyle. Air Chats tells the stories of the people who make those places great. If you’d like to be a part of Air Chats, get in touch - the team would love to hear from you.

marketing@airchathams.co.nz airchathams.co.nz

fb.com/airchathams

Publisher Plenty Limited - airchats@plenty.co.nz Editor/Kaiwhakatika Tuhinga Andy Taylor - info@plenty.co.nz Design & Production/Kaiwhakatauira Sarah Lane - design@plenty.co.nz Advertising Enquiries airchats@plenty.co.nz +64 (0)27 932 5515 Cover image Norfolk Island - Image Kyle Bowman

Air Chats is published by Plenty Limited on behalf of Air Chathams Limited. Copyright 2019 by Plenty Limited. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without the prior consent of the publisher. Advertising statements and editorial opinions expressed in Air Chats do not necessarily reflect the views of Plenty Limited or Air Chathams Limited. ISSN 2624-4179 (print), ISSN 2624-4861 (digital).

11 06

Contents AIR CHATS

SPRING/SEPTEMBER/2019

04 06 11 16 24

EVENTS/NEWS

From the airline that brings New Zealand together.

IMPROVING PERFECTION

Chatham Island’s busy bees have come up with something very special – freeze dried honey.

AN ISLAND OF SURPRISES

ART FOR ART’S SAKE

HIT THE TRAIL

For nearly 20 years the Kāpiti Arts Trail has been the perfect excuse for a weekend away.

THE RIVER QUEENS There’s no better way to enjoy the Whanganui River and revisit the past than a riverboat cruise.

THE WHAKAARI CONNECTION

A new Kiwi-built boat in Whakatāne is making it easier than ever to walk on an active volcano.

34 37 38

White sands, blue lagoons, great food – and Thanksgiving. Norfolk Island really is full of surprises.

Matakana’s Sculptureum is a great family destination - and it’s resetting the bar on what an art gallery looks like.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

Take a look behind the scenes and meet some of your Air Chathams Flight Crew.

DESTINATIONS

Air Chathams is New Zealand’s largest privately owned airline, flying to some of New Zealand’s best regional destinations.

OUR FLEET

From single engine light aircraft to our turbo-prop planes, we’ve something for every occasion.

A I R C H AT H A M S . C O . N Z // S P R I N G 2 0 1 9

Kāpiti Arts Trail 2019 Saturday, 2nd & Sunday, 3rd November Saturday, 9th & Sunday, 10th November www.kapiticoast.govt.nz An explosion of colour and creativity in all different mediums! More than 100 local artists will be displaying art of all types including pottery, painting, jewellery, sculpture, mixed media and photography to name a few. A great weekend away with friends, a perfect way to engage with artists and their work and wonderful Christmas shopping! See page 11 for more information.

WHANGANUI

�� Whanganui Heritage Month Friday, 2nd August to Sunday, 15th September www.whanganuiheritagetrust.org.nz A series of exciting events to celebrate Whanganui’s architectural heritage including the celebration of 100 years of the Sarjeant Gallery and Durie Hill Elevator. Tours, dinners, exhibitions, talks, a tram weekend, heritage market and the Runway Mile event. Lots to do and see in one of NZ’s oldest towns.

‘Gina’s Legacy’, by Ashling Aileron

CHATHAM ISLAND

KĀPITI COAST

Events Norman Kirk Memorial Reserve Art Exhibition Saturday, 31st August Monday, 2nd September An art exhibition of all art mediums from Chatham Islanders throughout the world. A first and wonderful occasion celebrating the diversity and creativity of Islanders.

Norman Kirk Memorial Reserve Annual Pig Hunting Competition Friday, 4th October - Sunday, 6th October The annual and toughly contested hunting competition for wild pigs, eels and possums. Eels are caught by the children and judged by length, the winner of the possum section is the person who traps the most and the pigs are judged on weight.

AUCKLAND

��

Sarjeant Gallery 100th Birthday Ceremony Friday, 6th September from 3pm - 4pm www.whanganuiheritagetrust.org.nz A formal public ceremony on the steps of the Sarjeant Gallery to celebrate the Gallery’s 100th year. Speeches, a birthday cake and a dual choir performance. All are welcome.

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NZ Fashion Week Monday, 26th August Sunday, 1st September www.nzfashionweek.com NZ Fashion Week enables local and international designers to showcase and promote their collections. It has become a multifaceted style showcase engaging thousands of fashion-focused delegates throughout the week before inviting the style-savvy public to the party during NZ Fashion Weekend. 55 shows and sessions for an audience of 30,000 attendees! Check out the Designer Pop-Up Sales, Beauty Hub and Resene Designer Runway.

News New Kāpiti distillery “indiginous” wins UK Award New craft gin distillery “indiginous” launched in 2018 and achieved the highest score for a New Zealand gin in the Australasian section of the UK’s Gin Guide Awards after just a few months of operation. A lucky break was being able to utilise the site of the original Tuatara Brewery, and the fledging business that was founded by friends Chris Charteris and Simon Wilson now makes up to 500 bottles a month. This gin has enough great flavour to allow it to be enjoyed with only a little ice and no sugary tonics.

�� Whanganui Te Manu Atatū Business Awards The Te Manu Atatū Māori Business Awards celebrated eight business category winners including retail, environment, rising stars, tourism and hospitality, trades, manufacturing and digital and technology. Winners were Four Square Aramoho, Jax Hair Studio, Heeni Investments, Unique Whanganui River Experience, IHI Design, The Reno Man and rising stars Lads Brewing Company. The winners of the manufacturing category and Supreme Award overall was Kaitahi who produce smoothie drops in a range of flavours featuring traditional Māori foods.

�� Chatham Island trials world-leading IoT network As part of a major upgrade to the Chatham Island satellite network for internet, an IoT (Internet of Things) network has been rolled out by Wireless Nation. Zariff Ali, Premium Service Manager at Wireless Nation, says the network will unlock a lot of economic opportunities and greater safety for Islanders. “Things like temperature sensors, humidity sensors, soil moisture probes and rain gauges can become invaluable tools to smart resource management and efficiency when they’re connected to the internet.” Also recently launched is the Fox Tracker, an inexpensive and small GPS device that can constantly transmit it’s location for up to seven years on a single charge. The Fox Tracker has great potential for tracking vehicles and boats when people are working alone in an outdoor environment or are out at sea.

Auckland Airport begins Northern Network Northern Network is a roading project that will upgrade the main entrance way into the airport, ensuring it continues to get people to, from and around the airport precinct efficiently and reliably as passenger numbers increase. Changes will be evident from August 2019. George Bolt Memorial Drive will be widened with high occupancy vehicle lanes added to better enable public transport, along with shared paths for pedestrians and cyclists. New roads and intersections on or around George Bolt Memorial Drive and Tom Pearce Drive will also be added and a new one-way loop road will be built so that traffic can flow efficiently through a pick up/drop off zone at the International Terminal, before connecting back into George Bolt Memorial Drive. The project is expected to be completed by mid-2021.

�� Milestones for Air Chathams August and September 2019 see a few milestones for Air Chathams. It has now been two years since scheduled passenger flights to and from Whanganui began, with passenger numbers continuing to grow, and August 20 marks the first anniversary of services to and from the Kāpiti Coast beginning. The Kāpiti Coast route has had a few adjustments since commencement as Air Chathams has settled on flight times to suit the community. September 6th sees the airline’s first scheduled international passenger flights begin with the departure at 9am of a Convair 580 to Norfolk Island.

�� 2019 Air Chathams Charters A significant part of Air Chathams service is providing charter flights for a range of purposes. Upcoming charters include travel packages for the Jazz Festival on Norfolk Island, a DC3 flight from Auckland to Kerikeri with Pukekohe Travel, a Whanganui to Chatham Island charter with Merv’s Chatham Island Tours, Te Anau to Nelson with Unparalleled Journeys, and private charters to Blenheim. We’re also flying for rugby! In July we flew the Chiefs Under 18’s to Blenheim to take on the Crusader Knights, Wanganui Rugby is heading to Westport and Timaru in September for games, and we’re also taking the Taranaki crew to Dunedin from New Plymouth. And we’ll be flying Horowhenua-Kapiti to Hamilton to play King Country in September as part of a new sponsorship arrangement. Special trips this coming quarter include the Te One School Kapa Haka group travelling to Invercargill to participate in the Murihiku PolyFest and a golf charter from Queenstown to Napier and Kerikeri. A I R C H AT H A M S . C O . N Z // S P R I N G 2 0 1 9

CHATHAM ISLAND

EXPERIENCE THE REAL RĒKOHU

AT HENGA LODGE

Set in the peaceful surrounds of Henga reserve, Henga Lodge offers affordable Chatham Island accommodation, tasty dining and expert local guides. Whether you are into nature walks, fishing, bird-watching, cultural history or meeting the locals - we can create the perfect holiday to ensure you experience the very best the Chathams has to offer.

AFF O R D A B L E A C C OM M OD A T I O N F R I E N D L Y S T A FF LICENSED RESTAURANT RENTAL VEHICLES P E A C E F UL L OC A T I O N S I G H T S E E I N G PA C K A G E S

Phone: 033050196 Email: info@hengalodge.co.nz

www.hengalodge.co.nz

A I R C H AT H A M S . C O . N Z // S P R I N G 2 0 1 9

Improving Perfection

UST W H E N YOU T H I N K you’ve seen it all, along comes Chatham Island freeze dried honey. Light and crunchy – think hokey pokey without the super sweet aftertaste – with rich, unique floral flavours, this beguiling little innovation is making waves on the culinary landscape in New Zealand and overseas. But if you think it’s just another flash in the pan foodie novelty, then think again; there are some very good reasons to take Chatham Island freeze dried honey very, very seriously.

Freeze dried honey. Light and crunchy – think hokey pokey without the super sweet aftertaste

One Stop Shop Located in the CBD Hotel Chatham offers the best choice of accommodation, airport transfers, rental vehicles, guided bus tours. Restaurant, public bar and gift shop on site. Additional accommodation options:

For a start, there’s the honey itself. The whole world seems to be going mad for mānuka, but Chatham Island honey is something even a little more special. Separated from mainland New Zealand – and pretty much everywhere else – for millions of years, Chatham Island has plant species found nowhere else on earth, so much so that testing of Chatham Island honey fails to identify known varieties of pollen; instead, the local bees are doing what they do with a unique mix of flowers and plants found only on the island and largely unknown to mainstream testing regimes.

Travellers Rest

Chatham Rise Motels

Lookout

Coming soon... Forget-me-not suites

Hotel Chatham

Your Host, Toni Croon 1 Waterfront Road, Chatham Island Phone: 03 305 0048 info@hotelchatham.co.nz

www.hotelchatham.co.nz For a ‘Forget-me-not’ holiday A I R C H AT H A M S . C O . N Z // S P R I N G 2 0 1 9

Chatham Islands

P U K E K O H E T R AV E L

Our all inclusive escorted 8 day tours include: • Return Airfares • Waterfront accommodation • All meals • All sightseeing & entrance fees • Expertise of a local tour guide The result is a honey with a flavour all of its own; it is often described as being rich and subtly sweet with floral tones and a reddish colour, but you really have to try it to understand why many honey aficionados think Chatham Island honey is so unique.

2020 Tour Departures • Auckland • Auckland • Auckland • Tauranga • Auckland • Auckland • Auckland • New Plymouth • Wellington

25 Jan - 01 Feb 01 - 08 Feb 08 - 15 Feb 15 - 22 Feb 22 - 29 Feb 05 - 12 Mar 12 - 19 Mar 19 - 26 Mar 27 Mar - 02 Apr

Toll Free: 0800 785 386 | E: gina@pukekohetravel.nz www.pukekohetravel.co.nz/chathamislands

A I R C H AT H A M S . C O . N Z // S P R I N G 2 0 1 9

The bees responsible for this honey are a bit special too. Just as the geographical isolation has given rise to unique plants, so too has it saved Chatham Island’s bees from the voracious Varroa mite that is one of the leading causes of bee colony death around the world. Chatham Island’s bees arrived way back in the early 1800s with early settlers (yes, apparently they travelled with bee hives) and largely ran wild up untill 20 years ago when local bee keepers Michele Andersen and Mana Cracknell started to reign them in and manage hives to supply Varroa free queens to the mainland. The importance of these Chatham Island queens is hard to overstate: since the arrival of Varroa sometime before 2000, ‘the destructor’ has virtually wiped out all wild bees in New Zealand, meaning that all our honeybees – and all the crops, fruits and plants that require pollination – are now totally dependent on beekeepers and managed hives.

AWARAKAU LODGE Luxury accommodation on the Chatham Islands

Looking for somewhere special for a relaxing getaway? The whole world seems to be going mad for mānuka, but Chatham Island honey is something even a little more special.

The Chatham Island hives that were created to produce queens also produce honey of course, but it was largely a by-product until local chef Kaai Silbery – grandniece of Mana Cracknell – decided that this very special honey deserved a very special treatment. “I work with a lot of freeze dried products as a chef – coffee, tea, fruits and berries in cereals – so I knew the benefits of the process. It locks in the flavour and colour and nutrients, so it’s a much better way of preserving something. I use it throughout the dishes in the Hotel Chatham restaurant, whether as garnishes for desserts or in beverages – it’s a great way to replace processed sugar.”

Chatham Island’s Awarakau Lodge is just 8km from Waitangi, with great coastal views from our rooms and dining area, and the spectacular shoreline just a short walk away. We specialize in small group package tours, with expert local guides covering the island’s culture, history and conservation - we’ve been on the island for six generations so we know our way around. So check out our great seven night holiday packages and competitive rates and come on over.

Awarakau Lodge - Hosts; Greg & Rosemarie Phone: 0064 3 3050176 Email: enquiries@awarakau-lodge.nz We are a family owned and operated business

www.awarakau-lodge.nz A I R C H AT H A M S . C O . N Z // S P R I N G 2 0 1 9

Flowerpot Bay Lodge

Beachfront Lodge Accommodation Pitt Island, Chatham Islands. The Ultimate Getaway for Outdoor Enthusiasts, Couples and Groups. Specialising in:  Birding & Walking tours  Flora, Fauna & History  Outer Island Boat & Fishing charters  Hunting & fishing  Geology & Photography  The “Original Pitt Island Day Tour” Let us organize your next Holiday Email: bnb@flowerpotlodge.co.nz

Flowerpot Adventures Ltd Pitt Island - Chatham Islands Tel: 03 3050212. www.flowerpotlodge.co.nz

A I R C H AT H A M S . C O . N Z // S P R I N G 2 0 1 9

“It really is very versatile, but to be honest I think it’s great just on its own! It’s a high-end product, like caviar, so it adds something really special...”

“It really is very versatile, but to be honest I think it’s great just on its own! It’s a high-end product, like caviar, so it adds something really special to a cheese platter or as a side on a honey panna cotta dessert or a mousse. But I’ve also crumbled it onto blue cod ceviche and used it on beef tartare. It’s raw, organic and unpasteurised so it’s just as nature made it.” And thanks to the freeze drying process – and the gowild.shop online store – you can enjoy it just as nature made it anywhere in New Zealand. Blue cod ceviche with freeze-dried honey garnish does sound like an excellent excuse for a trip to Chatham Island however.

Jaki Marston

Hit the Trail N

EW ZEALANDERS HAVE ALWAYS PUNCHED WAY ABOVE

their weight in the creativity stakes. From popular music to fine art, we’ve produced some world-class talents, but with typical Kiwi modesty most of our creative types tend to fly under the radar, out of sight and out of mind. This spring Kāpiti has the perfect remedy for that – and it’s another excellent excuse to spend a weekend (or two) over on the Coast.

KĀPITI COAST

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to spend a weekend not just viewing art, but entering the creative spaces of the people who make it.”

For nearly 20 years, the Kāpiti Arts Trail has been shining a light on the many artists that call Kāpiti home – and actually taking you into their homes! Over two weekends – 2-3 and 9-10 November 2019 – the Kāpiti Arts Trail opens the doors of more than one hundred studios, workspaces and galleries for an unrivalled glimpse of some truly great creative talents. From the traditional to the cutting edge, soul-soothing or challenging, comfortable or provocative, decorative, awe-inspiring or simply functional, there is literally something for everyone: ceramics, painting, photography, textiles, sculpture, carving and more, pretty much every creative form can be found on the Trail. “The Arts Trail started off nearly 20 years ago as a celebration of the huge range of artistic talent on the Coast, opening the doors of our artists’ studios to the community,” says Rosie Salas, Arts, Museums and Heritage Advisor at Kāpiti Coast District Council. “It’s remained a wonderful community event, but as one of our visitors said last year, has grown from strength to strength, attracting visitors from the greater Wellington region and all over the country. It’s a wonderful opportunity to spend a weekend not just viewing art, but entering the creative spaces of the people who make it.”

Micheline Robinson

open gardens and specialist nurseries breathtaking walking trails adventure sports family friendly cycling world renowned golf course unspoilt beaches gourmet food and local craft beers specialist fashion and interior design shops arts trail beach boat and fly fishing the bird capital of the world beach baches to luxury B&Bs planes trains and automobiles

kapiticoastnz.com

Diane Connal Hohepa Thompson

Cerid Jones

HAT SETS THE KĀPITI ARTS TRAIL APART from most

Paula Archibald Bradley Kuiper

others is not only the huge range of art forms and styles it covers, but also the incredible natural setting that artists are working in. Many of the artists have moved to Kāpiti for the creative inspiration they gain from the bush-clad and birdsong-filled hills, the wide open beaches, and of course the iconic Kāpiti Island, and the rich cultural history of the district. Visitors to artists’ studios can often see for themselves the beautiful surroundings that the artists often reflect in their artworks and artforms.

Mikey Hurman

“Art-lovers have the chance to see work from a host of artists, enter into the artist’s world and see their creative processes,” Rosie says. “This can be in the artist’s studio or in a gallery, and in one of our four ‘hubs’ – a larger venue where several artists have gathered specially for the Trail. We encourage our artists to demonstrate creating their artwork, which can be very exciting – last year, we had pot-throwing, jewellery-casting and tattoo demonstrations. This year, artists will be outside painting murals, demonstrating fine woodwork art, using a printing press, and many other forms of creating artworks. The fantastic thing is that you get to talk to the artist about how they are forming their work and what drives and inspires them. This is often the reason visitors end up walking away with a lovely, interesting piece of art for their home or a gift!” With more than 100 artists taking part in the Trail, it can be hard to decide what to take in, but as Rosie says the Trail has been fine tuned for a user friendly experience. Jennifer Turnbull

A I R C H AT H A M S . C O . N Z // S P R I N G 2 0 1 9

“You can pick up our beautifully-designed Kāpiti Arts Guide from Kāpiti libraries and service centres, and many other locations throughout the greater Wellington region, and also in i-SITES in neighbouring districts. The Guide lists all the artists and sites you can visit, and has maps you can use while planning or actually on the Arts Trail. Elisabeth Vullings

Art-lovers have the chance to see work from a host of artists, enter into the artist’s world and see their creative processes

“You can also visit our website (search Kāpiti Arts Trail) to download a digital version of the Guide, individual artists’ pages with more images, information about them, and links to their websites and Facebook pages. Each artist’s page has the artistic medium they work in, so if you like you can make your selection based on that. There’s also links to an interactive map you can use during the Arts Trail. And do follow us on Facebook and Instagram – Kāpiti Arts Trail – to see not only info about the artists but also what support packages local businesses might be putting up for visitors during the Arts Trail.” Artists’ studios and the galleries and hubs are open on the Arts Trail from 10am to 5pm on each day of the Trail. Many of them are also open by appointment at other times during the year. If you’re looking for the perfect weekend getaway with a difference, then you’ve found it on the Kāpiti Coast. It’s definitely time to hit the trail.

A I R C H AT H A M S . C O . N Z // S P R I N G 2 0 1 9

Journey your way on Te Awa O Whanganui, immerse yourself in our vibrant arts culture, explore our rich heritage and experience our warm, friendly culture.

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WHANGANUI An early photograph of the Paddle Steamer Waimarie fully loaded with passengers

The River Queens 16

A I R C H AT H A M S . C O . N Z // S P R I N G 2 0 1 9

When visiting Whanganui, be sure to board the Paddle Steamer Waimarie for a cruise on the Whanganui River. Whanganui’s most visited attraction.

HANGANUI WAS ONCE THE RIVERBOAT CAPITAL OF THE COUNTRY, and thanks to dedicated locals it is regaining its crown. For local Māori the Whanganui River was sacred, considered an ancestor and a living being. But for Māori and the early settlers alike it was also a vital way of connecting communities; instead of dividing the land, the river provided a means to reach towns and villages that would otherwise take days of overland travel.

“A riverboat trip was more than just transport, it was a bit of an occasion.”

A I R C H AT H A M S . C O . N Z // S P R I N G 2 0 1 9

The Whanganui River was a perfect example. Waka traversed it for generations and from the late 1800s through to WWII, a small fleet of riverboats plied it between the coast and Taumarunui, carrying trade and fuel, post and people to the settlements along its banks. As Phil Pollero, manager of the restored Paddle Steamer Waimarie and the excellent Riverboat Museum, puts it, the Whanganui was vital for local communities and of national importance. “Back in time the Whanganui was like State Highway 1,” he says, “linking Auckland and Wellington. People could travel to Taumarunui, then down the river to Whanganui and on to Wellington. There was also a lot of tourist traffic – the trip was known as the Rhine of New Zealand, and old photos of the riverboats show everyone dressed up with the men in hats and ties and the women in their Sunday best. A riverboat trip was more than just transport, it was a bit of an occasion.”

A I R C H AT H A M S . C O . N Z // S P R I N G 2 0 1 9

“A riverboat trip was more than just transport, it was a bit of an occasion.”

One of the prime movers behind this was local identity Alexander Hatrick. Born in Australia, Hatrick worked his way into a profitable trading firm that eventually saw him set up his own shipping company. In 1892 he signed a deal with travel agency Thomas Cook to run riverboats up the Whanganui, and had the foresight to advertise the cruise nationally and overseas; the river soon gained something of an international reputation and business boomed – at its height Hatrick had more than ten vessels in his fleet.

A I R C H AT H A M S . C O . N Z // S P R I N G 2 0 1 9

Engineer John checking one of the Waimarie’s engines which drive the paddle wheels. Photo, Mark Brimblecombe

By the 1940s however, roading and rail was pushing river transport into the background. Soon air travel and cheap holiday packages would add to the mix and conspire to make riverboats a thing of the past. The stately, elegant queens of the river fell into disuse, then disrepair, and ultimately vanished; many were broken up for scrap, others were forgotten and ended up on the bottom of the river. If not for dedicated enthusiasts, that is where the story may have ended, but with that classic can-do Kiwi attitude (some might call it madness) volunteer groups formed and set about bringing the river queens back to life.

The Waimarie has been in use up until the early 50s when an accident left her damaged and listing, and before long she was flooded and filling with silt.

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M O U N TA I N S TO T H E S E A

Bridge Bridge to to Nowhere Nowhere Track Track

“If “If you you only only have have the the chance chance to to do do one one adventure adventure ride ride this this year, year, this this is is the the North North Island’s Island’s best.” best.”

M O U N TA I N S TO T H E S E A -- Simon, Simon, Jonathan Jonathan and and Paul Paul Kennett Kennett

The The Mangapurua Mangapurua -Bridge Bridge to to Nowhere Nowhere Track Track

M O U N TA I N S TOOTUHN E TA S E IAN S M

-- Simon, Simon, Jonathan Jonathan and and Paul Paul Kennett Kennett

TO T H E S E A

The The Mangapurua Mangapurua -Bridge Bridge to to Nowhere Nowhere Track Track

“If only have “If you youThe only Mangapurua have the the chance chance to to-The Mangapurua do one ride do one adventure adventure ride this this year, year, Bridge to Nowhere Track Bridge to Nowhere Track this this is is the the North North Island’s Island’s best.” best.”

The The Mangapurua Mangapurua -Bridge Bridge to to Nowhere Nowhere Track Track

Freepho

“If you only have the chance to

you only have the chance to M O U N TA I N S dodo“Ifone one adventure adventure ride ride this this year, year, this this is is the the North North Island’s Island’s best.” best.” TO T H E S E A -- Simon, Simon, Jonathan Jonathan and and Paul Paul Kennett Kennett

Bookings are essential | Tours depart

The The Mangapurua Mangapurua -Bridge Bridge to to Nowhere Nowhere Track Track

Freephone 0800 480 308

Bookings are essential | Tours depart from Pipiriki | Email info@bridgeto

-- Simon, Simon, Jonathan Jonathan and and Paul Paul Kennett Kennett

Freephone 0800 480 308 or 06 385 4622

Bookings are essential | Tours depart from Pipiriki | Email info@bridgetonowhere.co.nz | Web www.bridge

“If only the chance “If you you only have have theKennett chance to to -- Simon, Jonathan and Simon, Jonathan and Paul Paul Kennett

do do one one adventure adventure ride ride this this year, year, this this is is the the North North Island’s Island’s best.” best.”

Freephone 0800 480 308 or 06 385 4622

-- Simon, Simon, Jonathan Jonathan and and Paul Paul Kennett Kennett

Bookings are essential | Tours depart from Pipiriki | Email info@bridgetonowhere.co.nz | Web www.bridgetonowhere.co.nz

The MV Wairua was salvaged in0800 1987 by a group Freephone 480 308 or 06 385 4622 of locals who embarked on a challenging 19-year Bookings are essential | Tours depart from Pipiriki | Email info@bridgetonowhere.co.nz | Web www.bridgetonowhere.co.nz restoration. “The main challenge,” says Owner Sam Mordey, “was in trying to retain as much of the original Freephone 480 308 or 06 385 4622 vessel as possible. The key ethos was0800 sharing the history of the vesselare and the story the riverboat so Bookings essential | Toursofdepart from Pipirikiservice, | Email info@bridgetonowhere.co.nz | Web www.bridgetonowhere.co.nz during the restoration it was a case of repair not replace wherever possible.” The Paddle Steamer Waimarie, meanwhile, was rescued from her watery grave in 1993. MV Wairua docked at Hipango Park

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She had been in use up until the early 50s when an accident left her damaged and listing, and before long she was flooded and filling with silt. It would take 67,000 hours of volunteer work to get her back in shape, but the results speak for themselves. “I think part of the attraction is not just the Waimarie and the river cruise,” says Phil Pollero, “but the magic of steam. There’s something about a steampowered vessel that captures the imagination, the sounds of the engine and the paddle wheels making their way through the water. Sometimes when a steam train is running we’ll make sure the Waimarie meets the train as it crosses the river – when they are both doing their thing and the steam whistles sound, it really is special.”

MV Wairua with the PS Waimari in the background

Also special is the relative new kid on the riverboat block, the Adventurer II. In its original guise of Adventurer, it operated for several years before grounding and being taken on by local Hayden Potaka.

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Now she will once again ply the river, but with a different focus. “The Adventurer II will tell the stories of local Māori, and how important the river was and remains for us,” he says. “We’ll also be serving Māori kai like hangi when docked, in addition to things like canapés on board, so this is a pretty unique experience and we’re excited that it has all come together and we’ll be welcoming our first passengers in November.”

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“There’s something about a steam-powered vessel that captures the imagination.” The Whanganui riverboats were an intrinsic part of our history. And thanks to that part of our national psyche that isn’t afraid to take on the impossible, we can all enjoy a river cruise just like when they ruled the river.

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WHAKATĀNE

The Whakaari Connection When Whakatāne’s White Island Tours decided that they wanted to expand their fleet they knew they needed a specialised, purpose-built boat – that would be called Te Puia Whakaari – and they wanted it to be made in New Zealand. “We had some really specific requirements,” says Patrick O’Sullivan, general manager at White Island Tours, “because we’ve been operating for some time and know exactly what our passengers need. And it was important to us that Te Puia Whakaari was built in New Zealand so that we could work closely with the builders on her design.”

Te Puia o Whakaari is the original name of Whakaari or White Island, our only active marine volcano that lies just off the east coast of Whakatāne. And it was over on the other coast that White Island Tours found the perfect match to build their new boat. “Whanganui’s Q-West do world-class work and have worked with Whale Watch Kaikōura and on New Zealand police boats,” says Patrick. “And the designer we chose – Nic de Waal at Teknicraft – has a lot of experience in specialised boats, so we felt confident they could deliver.”

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The Whakaari connection between Whanganui and Whakatāne will only get stronger. One of the main design requirements was incorporating a mechanism to load the tender that carries passengers to the island, and another was having passengers accessing that tender from the middle of the boat instead of via the stern, which is the usual method. “We wanted to make the whole embarking and disembarking process as smooth as possible for people,” Patrick says, “and having the gate amidships makes it much easier and more comfortable for passengers.”

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Te Puia Whakaari designed by Teknicraft and constructed by Q-West in Whanganui. Image: TumekeFM

“It was important to us that Te Puia Whakaari was built in New Zealand so that we could work closely with the builders on her design.”

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Comfort was also a major factor in the decision to make Te Puia Whakaari a catamaran. “With ride stabilisers, the catamaran design offers really good stability for a smoother ride, and Te Puia Whakaari is also quite a bit faster – 29 knots - so it takes about an hour off the transit time. This means we can fit in extra trips in summer – possibly with the later one returning in the evening, which would be a great way to end the day! Maybe best of all, the new boat has a shallow draft so it handles the Whakatāne river mouth better, meaning that we can get out more often. So Te Puia Whakaari is a pretty special vessel.”

Q-West’s chief executive Colin Mitchell agrees. “White Island Tours came to us with a series of problems to be solved and we worked through solutions with them. The result is a quality piece of kit that is going to last a long time and we’re really happy to have been involved in it.” “We’re still in the early stages of getting to know Te Puia Whakaari,” Patrick says, “but it’s looking like being a bit of a game changer for us and will allow us to do more trips and attract more visitors to Whakatāne, particularly in the peak summer period.”

Te Puia o Whakaari is the original name of Whakaari or White Island, our only active marine volcano that lies just off the east coast of Whakatāne. Te Puia Whakaari is shaping up so well that White Island Tours are hoping to add another catamaran in the not too distant future. So it looks like the Whakaari connection between Whanganui and Whakatāne will only get stronger.

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NORFOLK ISLAND

An island of surprises

ANY KIWIS KNOW OF ITS HISTORY, but few are aware of its blue lagoons and white sand beaches, it’s fantastic food, local dialect, and its unique flora and fauna. Even fewer know that this little piece of paradise just two hours out of Auckland celebrates Thanksgiving. It may be 12,000 kilometres from the US of A, but every November Norfolk Island puts that most American of holidays front and centre with church services and feasting on roasts, pumpkin pie and cornbread.

souls found immediate affinity with the locals, who had relied on a mastery of the ocean for their very survival for many years.

An early American trader, Isaac Robinson, is usually credited with formally introducing Thanksgiving to Norfolk Island in the 1880s. Robinson became Norfolk’s Registrar of Lands and the island’s first - and so far only - United States consul, and he was responsible for merging the traditional American celebration with the more English Harvest Home festival. The story goes that he and three friends decorated All Saints Church in There is actually a perfectly good the capital of Kingston with palm reason that Norfolk is one of the few leaves and lemons, and the rest, as places outside of the United States they say, is history; Thanksgiving to mark Thanksgiving. American continues to be a popular public whalers were frequent visitors to the holiday marked each year on the island, and these hardy seafaring third Wednesday of November. A I R C H AT H A M S . C O . N Z // S P R I N G 2 0 1 9

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The story goes that he and three friends decorated All Saints Church in the capital of Kingston with palm leaves and lemons, and the rest, as they say, is history. Image credit: Betty Matthews

As Tania Anderson, a seventh generation Norfolk Islander and descendant of John Adams, one of the Bounty mutineers, says, Thanksgiving is both in recognition of its American roots but also of the island’s unique history. “Thanksgiving is when we give thanks to the beautiful island we live on and remember our diverse history,” she says. “The church services that are held in the morning of Thanksgiving are so well attended that families have to make reservations for pews each year, and the produce and food that is brought to these services is sold to raise funds for the churches. So it is a really family and community oriented occasion.” Since 2014, the Norfolk Island Food Festival has coincided with Thanksgiving and it is a perfect fit: a celebration of food, culture and lifestyle that this year runs from 25 - 28 November, the Festival is the chance for us mainlanders to get a taste of island life.

“For Thanksgiving,” Tania says, “Norfolk Islanders cook traditional dishes to share with family and friends and this was one of the reasons that the Norfolk Island Food Festival was created: to give us a chance to share the way we live on an isolated island with visitors, and for them to enjoy the really fresh and wholesome produce we have here.” Norfolk is now quite rightly recognised as a foodie paradise, and one with a very important difference; while using local produce instead of mass-produced fare is largely aspirational in most places, in Norfolk it is a way of life. Because of strict biosecurity regulations, the island imports almost no fresh produce, so the vast majority of what you eat there has been grown, caught or made there, including artisan cheese, coffee, honey and of course the incredible Norfolk Island beef, pork and fresh fish.

Thanksgiving is when we give thanks to the beautiful island we live on and remember our diverse history.

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A PA RT M E N T S

It is not an event marketed to the masses like so many other places... Instead, it’s a personalised dining experience unique to Norfolk Island.

Norfolk Holiday Apartments offer a quiet, secluded tropical escape with spectacular views across the ocean to Phillip Island and the rural landscape. The centrally located apartments are set in subtropical gardens with pawpaws and bananas awaiting you in the right season as well as flowers and native plants. A three minute drive away from beautiful Emily Bay and the historic Kingston area on one side, with shops, restaurants and tour companies just a minute away on the other. The spacious, one and two bedroom self-contained apartments have well equipped kitchens, each with their own patio to relax and watch the sun set. It’s the perfect getaway for singles, couples and groups of up to 20 people, so make Norfolk Holiday Apartments your choice when you visit our little piece of paradise.

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This is “farm gate to plate” at its very best, and the Food Festival brings all of the island’s taste sensations into sharp focus with great food in great locations: everything from canapés on the golf course greens and street food – island style – at the old heritage jail in Kingston, to a traditional Thanksgiving lunch and masterclasses with celebrity chefs, gourmet picnics, foraging tours, and traditional cuisine. For fantastic fresh food and authentic flavours this is hard to beat, but the knowledge that this is as home grown as it gets and that you are being welcomed into being a part of a very rare and special experience makes this unique. Forget your pretentious, deconstructed fusion flash in the pans, this is the real deal, a food experience to savour and tell your friends about. “I think what people like about the Food Festival,” says Tania, “is that it is not an event marketed to the masses like so many other places. Instead, it’s a personalised dining experience unique to Norfolk Island. It’s intimate, it brings you into contact with our culture, and it’s a great way to get to know the island and its people. And to enjoy some really great food on a beautiful island in the Pacific.” That’s something we can all give thanks for.

AUCKLAND

Art for Art’s Sake If you’ve ever walked through an art gallery and felt, well, underwhelmed, you’re not alone. Many modern galleries can be dispiriting affairs, airless and antiseptic, with their contents to be discussed in hushed tones and knowing nods rather smiles and gasps and exclamations. Auckland couple Sandra and Anthony Grant decided they wanted to change that. And Sculptureum is the result.

“Sculptureum is intended to show people myriad different art forms they’ve never seen before and help them realise how interesting art can be,” says Anthony, and that pretty much hits the nail on the head. Because Sculptureum is an art space like no other. Ten hectares of gardens and galleries, a function centre, a vineyard and a restaurant – Rothko – it took more than ten years of work to become a reality, but the result is inspiring. Located in Matakana about an hour north of Auckland, its galleries contain works by Cezanne and Chagall, Matisse and Rodin, as well as sculptures and contemporary works in plastic, metal and other materials by artists from all over the world, as well as works by New Zealand artists. There are more than 750 works in all, but it isn’t just the scale of Sculptureum that excites the viewer, it’s also the style. Pieces in the Galleries are arranged to inspire curiosity and humour, with serious European masters side by side with contemporary pop art and works that defy classification. And its layout is as much a tip of the hat to Disneyland and Dr. Seuss as it is to the Guggenheim Museum. A I R C H AT H A M S . C O . N Z // S P R I N G 2 0 1 9

Its layout is as much a tip of the hat to Disneyland and Dr. Seuss as it is to the Guggenheim Museum. “The Galleries are designed to be more theatrical than typical Galleries with black walls, bright lights and music,” Anthony says, and this unique style certainly helps make Sculptereum something out of the ordinary. The gardens - The Garden of Creative Diversity, The Palm Garden and The Pink Snail Garden - are just as startling, just as challenging. All were designed by Anthony Grant himself and each features a different focus. The Garden of Creative Diversity contains 46 works, huge prehistoric rocks, texts musing on art and music, and a walkway lined by quotes from Steve Jobs. A prominent feature in the Galleries is a large “Chandelier” by the American glass artist Dale Chihuly, which is exhibited in its very own gallery, and in keeping with the glass theme there are significant works by Italian master Lino Tagliapietra, USA artist Dante Marioni, and Australians Nick Mount, David Hay, Tim Shaw, Ben Edols and Kathy Elliott.

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A collision of ideas and concepts that shouldn’t make sense and yet are thought provoking and strangely satisfying. Animals also feature prominently – Grant is a firm believer that nature is the greatest creator of art – with exotic birds to be found in five aviaries located across the property, rabbits housed in a grassy arena that is aptly and wryly named Rabbiton, and turtles in a tank raised to eye height as opposed to being on the ground. If Sculptureum sounds like a peculiar hybrid, that’s because it is. It’s a collision of ideas and concepts that shouldn’t make sense and yet are thought provoking and strangely satisfying. In a world where art has become all too predictable and serious, Sculptureum is breathing some life back into the whole gallery concept.

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A DAY IN THE LIFE

Driving Seat: Captain Alex Carson-Holloway & First Officer Mitch Brady

Welcome Aboard

O MOST AIR TRAVELLERS, the flight crew are just friendly faces and a voice on the intercom telling you to ensure your tray table is folded away and your seat is in the upright position. But from getting you on board and settled, up in the air on time, and safely and comfortably to your destination, there’s a lot more to what they do than you might imagine. A day in the life of an Air Chathams flight crew is a moving feast of scheduling challenges, technical responsibilities and people skills – and any of the crew will tell you that no two days are the same.

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To begin with, when you’re feeling pretty chuffed that you’ve made it to your early morning flight with just enough time to grab a coffee, rest assured your flight crew have been up and at ‘em well before you left the house. “Early starts are pretty much part of the territory,” says Air Chathams’ flight attendant Nicki Hayes, “but there is a lot to do before we get airborne, and when it is safety related it can’t be rushed. Getting everyone settled and comfortable for the fight is really important, but safety is the main focus for all of us. The irony is that sometimes it can take more time getting across Auckland than getting across the country!” Nicki originally trained for a tourism career, but the lure of flight caught her attention and she has now been with Air Chathams three years. “I did a level three general tourism course, which covers hotels, travel agencies but also flight attending. I really like working with people – making them happy and helping them – so I’m just a people person I guess.

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Subdivisions Planning and Engineering Wastewater Consents Aerial Photography and Mapping Farm Mapping We are land development consultants specialising in planning, surveying and engineering design. We’re regularly making trips to the Chathams and we put the effort in up front to make sure you get the most from your land. Consult our experts to ensure your project gets off on the right foot. Contact Andrew Ledingham Call 03 339 0401 Email andrew.l@blg.nz

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Part of Nicki’s regular team are Captain Alex Carson-Holloway and First Officer Mitch Brady, and it’s fairly obvious that the love of flying is what brought them to Air Chathams. Like Nicki, Alex and Mitch will be in early, and often working late, with the myriad of jobs that go on behind the scenes to keep everything running to schedule.

“Getting everyone settled and comfortable for the fight is really important, but safety is the main focus for all of us.”

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And I have a love of flying and have always loved looking up at planes in the sky – so flight crew seemed a perfect fit. I like how everything has a procedure, a step-bystep process, and I like knowing that process and making sure it is carried out perfectly. There is a fair bit of responsibility to the role and you have to be happy being in sole charge, but I have a love of flying and we have a great team at Air Chathams – it’s like a family.”

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Flight attendant Nicki Hayes at Whanganui Airport

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Let’s unlock the potential in your property =

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Above from left, Mitch, Alex and Nicki. Below, Nicki at work.

In addition to logging flight plans, getting flight clearances and checking communications, they will also do a visual inspection of the aircraft before buckling in and beginning the start-up procedure and preparing for take off.

“No one is just a number and everyone has pride in what they do, and you just don’t get that at bigger companies.” Alex has been flying with Air Chathams for five years and before that flew surveying aircraft here and overseas, so has plenty of experience in the left hand seat (that’s where the captain sits for any non-plane spotters). “I’d always had an interest in aviation,” he says, “and was quite keen on the maintenance side but realised my hands were too big for working with aircraft engines! I was always skinning my knuckles so decided to be a pilot instead, and what I love about Air Chathams is the variation we get from day to day: different weather, different routes, different people, different aircraft. There are always lots of challenges – fog seems to be a regular factor in Auckland at the moment – but when you have a great support crew then working through those challenges and making sure we get people where they need to go is all part of the fun.”

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Talk to any of this flight crew and it’s a common refrain that working for Air Chathams is like being a part of one big team, virtually one big family that covers and connects the country. “The great thing about Air Chathams is that it is the perfect sized company – you can be really involved and it really is like a family,” says Mitch. “You can go to anyone at any level of the company and talk about how we can do what we do even better. No one is just a number and everyone has pride in what they do, and you just don’t get that at bigger companies. Air Chathams has a real Kiwi can-do mentality, and I think it sets us apart.”

DESTINATIONS AIR CHATHAMS

Norfolk Island

Whakatāne

Whanganui Kāpiti Coast Wellington

Chatham Islands

SERVI

N RE

PRO

Christchurch

GIONA

INCE Z S

Air Chathams is family owned and operated and is New Zealand’s largest privately owned airline, flying to some of the country’s best regional destinations. For 30 years we’ve been bringing New Zealand together.

Auckland

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The airline that brings New Zealand together

AIRCRAFT AIR CHATHAMS

Our fleet

Air Chathams has a fleet of 15 aircraft, ranging from single-engine light planes to turboprop passenger aircraft capable of speeds of over 500km/h. With this diverse fleet we can offer everything from scenic flights to charters, passenger services and freight.

Saab 340 Our Swedish princess Speed Max Altitude Pressurised Cabin No. of Pilots No. of Flight Attendants Inflight Catering Toilet

470 kilometres per hour 25,000 feet Yes 2 1 Available Yes

Convair 580 The fastest scheduled turbo-prop in NZ skies Speed Max Altitude Pressurised Cabin No. of Pilots No. of Flight Attendants Inflight Catering Toilet

520 kilometres per hour 25,000 feet Yes 2 1 Available Yes

Fairchild Metroliner Safe, fast, and efficient commuter aircraft Speed Max Altitude Pressurised Cabin No. of Pilots No. of Flight Attendants Inflight Catering Toilet

A I R C H AT H A M S . C O . N Z // S P R I N G 2 0 1 9

450 kilometres per hour 25,000 feet Yes 2 0 Limited No

ATR 72 Our newest regional airliner Speed Max Altitude Pressurised Cabin No. of Pilots No. of Flight Attendants Inflight Catering Toilet

500 kilometres per hour 25,000 feet Yes 2 2 Available Yes

Douglas DC-3 Our pride and joy. This remarkable aircraft has certainly ‘been there and done that’. Speed Max Altitude Pressurised Cabin No. of Pilots No. of Flight Attendants Inflight Catering Toilet

240 kilometres per hour 10,000 feet No 2 1 Available Yes

Cessna 206 The Chatham Island’s workhorse Speed Max Altitude Pressurised Cabin No. of Pilots No. of Flight Attendants Inflight Catering Toilet

230 kilometres per hour 10,000 feet No 1 0 No No

A I R C H AT H A M S . C O . N Z // S P R I N G 2 0 1 9

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Air Chathams brings New Zealand together! We’re the country’s largest privately owned airline, flying to some of New Zealand’s best regional destinations, and our inflight magazine Air Chats is a great way to build your brand and your business. We’d love to have you on board, so get in touch to find out about advertising - and come fly with us.

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The home of Air Chathams The Chatham Islands are New Zealand’s most eastern islands, located over 800 kilometres (500 miles) east of southern New Zealand. About 600 people live on the two largest islands, Chatham and Pitt, and we have officially been a part of New Zealand since 1842. The islands are volcanic in origin with diverse landscapes and a fascinating history, renowned for a bountiful seafood industry and conservation efforts protecting many rare and endangered species. Top tips before making a visit: • No passport is necessary when flying from New Zealand. • There are no mobile phone networks on the island - bring your phone for photographs and enjoy being unconnected for a while.

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• Electricity is standard for New Zealand at 240 volts AC, but can be unreliable so we recommend surge protection on your devices. • Pack clothing for variable weather. Think layers and protection from the sun, wind and rain. Sturdy walking shoes are recommended. • The Chatham Islands are 45 mins ahead of mainland New Zealand standard time. • There are no shuttles or taxis. Transport from the airline needs to be arranged with your accommodation as will any rental vehicle prior to your visit. • Check with your accommodation provider about any specialist needs or allergies as the Chatham Islands often have limited supplies for specific requirements. • There is a small hospital with a resident doctor and nurses available. Air Chathams always recommends travel insurance for any air travel. • With deep family connections and local heritage, many places of interest are on private land and require the owner’s permission to visit. If you are unsure, please ask first.

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0800 580 127 www.airchathams.co.nz

Welcome aboard - A I R C H AT H A M S -

A QUALITY, RELIABLE SERVICE HAS CEMENTED OUR REPUTATION FOR LOOKING AFTER OUR CUSTOMERS - ON EVERY FLIGHT, EVERY DAY. We offer regular air services operating 7 days a week. Fly the fastest direct route to Whakatāne, Whanganui, Kāpiti Coast, Norfolk and the Chatham Islands from Auckland all year round. Having 30+ years experience we know a thing or two about flying you around New Zealand. Book your flight with us today.

airchathams.co.nz | 0800 580 127

Air Chats Spring 2019 Inflight Magazine

Articles inside

Hit the Trail

Improving Perfection

The River Queens

An Island of Surprises

A Day in the Life

Art for Art's Sake