Yes, the ‘Chats’ are isolated but with regular flights from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch on a comfortable Air Chathams aircraft, access has become easier in recent years. And, its popularity as a tourist destination for Kiwis has increased significantly since the COVID pandemic temporarily ended international travel. Earlier this year, my 15-year-old son Angus and I had the opportunity to visit Dylan and Kane Shaw, extended family living and working on the main island, and what we saw and experienced left us wanting more trips in the future.
Despite all the background reading and internet sleuthing, there was still some trepidation as we checked in bags, rods and freediving equipment one February morning at Christchurch Airport. I really did feel we were venturing into the unknown. While passengers can individually check in 23kg of luggage, the excess gear that most divers or anglers require could hit you harder in the pocket – in our case by well over $300.
As we boarded the aircraft I noticed that Angus and I both had the same allocated seat and I made a mental note to mention this to the flight attendant. However, as soon as we stepped onboard she said simply, “Welcome aboard, sit wherever you like.” Welcome to the Chats…
Our ATR72 aircraft tracked north from Christchurch for a short while before turning right and flying 800km east for a little over two hours.
