Stan, LZ1GC will be active as ZL7/LZ1GC from Chatham Island, IOTA OC - 038, 3 - 20 November 2025.
He will operate on HF Bands, CW, SSB, Digital modes.
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The Chatham Islands – a paradise for birds and tourists
The Chatham Islands archipelago is located 680 kilometers from New Zealand. It consists of two relatively large islands inhabited by humans and eight reefs and smaller land areas. The archipelago has a population of about 700 people. Most of them are descendants of Europeans, Maori Indians who conquered the archipelago before the arrival of “white” people, and indigenous Māori who have mixed with the newcomers over the centuries.
The nature here is exceptionally beautiful, almost untouched by humans, with colorful fishing villages inhabited by surprisingly friendly people. Visitors to the islands are greeted with special warmth. Picturesque volcanic peaks and cliffs, sandy beaches against a backdrop of green vegetation, exotic trees bent to the ground by the wind—all this creates a unique atmosphere that attracts tourists.
Chatham Island. Author - Christine Jacobson.
The mysterious Chatham Islands are a treasure trove for flora and fauna enthusiasts
This archipelago attracts scientists from around the world who specialize in the study of rare and exotic birds. There are many species of birds that can only be found on these islands.
These include oystercatchers and tufted ducks on the coast, local cormorants, and other endemic bird species. In addition, the archipelago is home to a large number of unique plants and invertebrates, and the coastal waters are home to “exclusive” fish species.
Interestingly, due to animals brought to these islands by humans, such as rats, dogs, possums, cats, and other animals, many unique birds are threatened with extinction, as the “newcomers” began to actively exterminate them. Today, about a third of the 64 endemic species have already disappeared. These include Chatham penguins, ducks, swans, and several other bird species.
However, as part of nature conservation programs, local residents are removing introduced animals that threaten unique local populations of endemic species from the habitats of these unique birds.
Thanks to this, the Chatham albatross, the Magenta storm petrel, and the most important living attraction, a species of petrel found only on these islands, have been preserved. In addition, many marine mammal species can be seen in this archipelago. Twenty-five types of dolphins and cetaceans live here, as well as five species of seals. Even white sharks can be seen in the Chatham Islands area. They are sometimes encountered by fishermen and diving enthusiasts.
Chatham Island. Author - Maureen Pierre.
All the pleasures of a vacation far from civilization
Tourists usually stay on two inhabited islands, Chatham and Pitte. There are no luxury hotels or developed infrastructure for recreation and leisure. But according to many visitors, this is part of the charm.
Most of them live in the settlement of Whaitangi, located on the coast of a beautiful bay. A whole network of bungalows has been prepared for vacationers in this place. In addition, Whaitangi has a pier where yachts and small boats can moor.
In summer, you can enjoy sunbathing on the beaches and swimming in the sun-warmed waters of Te Whanga Lagoon. When the storm season begins in late September, surfers from New Zealand, the USA, Australia, and other countries flock to the islands to enjoy the incredible thrill of riding the waves on their boards.
Fishing enthusiasts also get indescribable pleasure from this activity. The coastal waters of the islands are teeming with a wide variety of exotic creatures.
Tourists can also take advantage of kayaks for short trips. Some foreigners enjoy spending their time yachting in Petre Bay.
Chatham Island. Author - Harold Moses.
Many visitors to the islands are interested in hiking. They enjoy the picturesque landscapes, and some find interesting items, such as the fossilized teeth of a giant predatory shark that inhabited these waters about 300 million years ago.
Some tourists who have settled on Chatham Island take a sea voyage to Pitt. Here, there are amazingly beautiful sunrises that mark the birth of a new day on Earth, as this piece of land is located on the date line.
The archipelago is most visited by tourists between September and March. This is spring and summer in the Southern Hemisphere. The Chatham Islands have amazingly beautiful wildflowers that bloom during this period, delighting locals and visitors with their incredible rich colors. In October, tourists can watch and even participate in the very unusual and colorful “Forget-Me-Not Festival,” which is incredibly popular with locals and visitors alike.
It is for these reasons that the Chatham Islands are considered a true paradise for lovers of magnificent nature, as well as a secluded, peaceful, and quiet vacation spot.
