The Chatham Islands in New Zealand could be the only location globally currently grappling with overtourism

The travel sector has been devastated by the coronavirus pandemic, with hotels, restaurants, and airlines worldwide facing bankruptcy or drastic cost-cutting measures as they struggle to stay afloat.

However, there is one place where the number of tourists has become overwhelming: the Chatham Islands.

Never heard of them? Don’t worry, you’re not alone.

This secluded archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, located near the international date line, is officially part of New Zealand.

With New Zealand’s borders largely closed and locals urged to stay within the country, the Chatham Islands—located about 500 miles off the South Island—have become the hottest destination for Kiwis in 2020.

Rising to the top of the list

Normally, the Chathams—comprising Chatham Island and Pitt Island—attract around 2,000 visitors annually. This contrasts with the roughly 700 full-time residents, most of whom reside on Chatham Island, the archipelago’s largest island.

But 2020 is far from an ordinary year.

The Chathams’ isolation usually means it’s a destination New Zealanders rarely visit. This year, however, that isolation has become a selling point, with travel-deprived Kiwis flocking to the islands to enjoy a sense of escape without the need for quarantine or Covid testing.

The tourism boom in the Chathams happened fast, according to Jackie Gurden, the islands' tourism manager. 'It’s more costly to travel here, so you won’t see young backpackers looking for budget getaways, and there are no beach resorts to draw them in,' she explains.

With international borders remaining closed due to the pandemic, Tourism New Zealand – the official national tourism agency – shifted from promoting the country to overseas visitors to focusing on encouraging local travel. This shift transformed the once-quiet Chathams into a sought-after destination.

However, demand is far surpassing the available accommodations. Gurden estimates there are only 150 beds across various hotels, lodges, guesthouses, and Airbnb listings. Most properties are privately owned, and camping is not allowed.

Air Chathams is the only airline servicing the islands, offering a limited number of weekly flights between Chatham Island and what locals call 'the mainland.' (Fun fact: to Kiwis, the 'mainland' usually refers to the South Island, but to Chathamites, both islands qualify.)

Typically, the tourism season runs from November to March, which corresponds to summer in the Southern Hemisphere. However, now all accommodation on the island is fully booked until June 2021. Even Gurden, who resides on New Zealand’s North Island, is unsure she’ll be able to secure a place to stay when she visits next.

Things to do there

Historically, most visitors to the Chathams were older tourists seeking a peaceful retreat. The cost can be high, as much of the food and fuel must be shipped from mainland New Zealand.

But once you manage to get there, the stunning landscapes make the journey worthwhile.

Pitt Island is thought to be the first inhabited place on Earth to witness the sunrise every day. As the easternmost part of the ancient Gondwanaland supercontinent, the Chathams boast a diverse landscape, with features like basalt columns reminiscent of the Giant’s Causeway and striking volcanic cones.

The islands are also home to some of the rarest bird species on the planet, as well as a large and charming seal colony.

What’s next on the horizon?

Before becoming the tourism manager for the islands, Gurden was tasked with a consulting project on the future of the local hospitality industry—though no one could have predicted how quickly some of those plans would be put to the test. Fortunately, part of her work included the development of the islands' tourism website and official brochure, which reached potential visitors just in time.

In many ways, the surge in tourism has been a positive development for the islands, where the majority of people work in farming or fishing. The lack of a high school means local teenagers often leave for Christchurch to continue their education.

The islands also received a government grant from New Zealand to support infrastructure projects, including the construction of public restrooms and upgrades at the airport. Even without the pandemic, 2020 was already shaping up to be a pivotal year for the Chathams.

Gurden explains, 'It’s not about pushing for growth, but rather managing it. Tourism growth is necessary to create job opportunities for young people. This means young islanders can actually envision a future on the island.'

However, she advises potential visitors to respect the island’s fragile ecosystem and the tight-knit community that gives the Chathams their unique charm.

'There’s some resistance on the island to tourists entering their space,' she explains. 'Tourism is often about taking, but we’ve ensured there’s a way for visitors to give back.'