Karewa

Karewa Airport is not merely a transport hub but a true "lifeline" connecting the secluded Chatham archipelago with the "mainland" of New Zealand. Situated amidst rugged yet picturesque landscapes, it is one of the first places in the world to welcome the sunrise of a new day, thanks to the islands' unique time zone. Here, where ocean winds often dictate conditions, the arrival of every aircraft is a significant event that unites locals and travellers alike. Recently, the air harbour entered a new era by extending its runway to accommodate jet liners, opening a new chapter in the history of this amazing region.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

Despite its modest size, Karewa Airport possesses a number of unique features that make it a vital infrastructure facility:

• A New Era of Aviation: Recent large-scale reconstruction and the extension of the runway to 1,850 metres have allowed the airport to receive modern jet aircraft, such as the Boeing 737. This has significantly improved connection reliability and passenger comfort.
• Aviation Museum: Directly on the airport grounds, there is a small museum recounting the heroic history of aviation on the islands. The exhibition highlights the role of pilots in the development and supply of this remote region.
• Speed of Service: Thanks to low passenger traffic, check-in and baggage claim procedures take mere minutes, which favourably distinguishes Karewa from congested capital hubs.
• Atmosphere of Hospitality: The terminal is known for its friendly, almost home-like environment, where staff often know regular passengers by name, creating a sense of comfort from your very first minutes on the island.

Below is the contact information for Chatham Islands / Tuuta Airport (CHT), serving Waitangi and the entire archipelago. Given the size of the airport, many queries should be directed straight to the air carrier.

• Official Website: The airport does not have its own official website. It is recommended to check all information regarding flights, bookings, and services on the website of Air Chathams, which operates the majority of flights.
• Information Desk Phone: +64 3 305 0209. This is the number for the airport administration. For questions related to schedules and tickets, it is better to contact the airline.
• Airport Address: Waitangi Wharf-Owenga Rd, Waitangi 8942, Chatham Islands, New Zealand.
• Email: For administrative questions, you can use the address manager@chathamislandsairport.co.nz.
• Social Media: The airport does not have official pages on social networks. News and updates can be tracked on the Air Chathams airline pages.
• Lost Luggage Information: For all questions related to lost or damaged luggage, you must contact your airline's support service directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance with tickets, flight check-in, and other travel-related questions, please contact your airline.

Getting to Karewa Airport (Chatham Islands/Tuuta Airport, CHT), which serves Waitangi and the Chatham Islands, is quite simple, though it requires prior planning due to the remoteness of the region. The main modes of transport are pre-booked transfers and car rentals. The distance from Waitangi to the airport is about 22 km, and the journey usually takes 25–30 minutes.

Taxis and Shuttles are the most common way to get to or from the airport. There is no standard taxi service on the islands that can be hailed at any moment. Transport services are generally provided by local operators or your hotel/guesthouse. It is critically important to book your transfer in advance, preferably at the time of booking your accommodation. The cost varies, but it is often a fixed rate per trip or per person. This is a reliable and convenient option, as drivers meet passengers upon the arrival of every flight.

Car Rental is an excellent choice for those who wish to explore the islands independently. Several local companies offer rental services, but the fleet is limited, so it is necessary to book a car several weeks or even months before your trip, especially during the high season. A representative of the rental company can meet you at the airport with the vehicle by prior arrangement. This is the most flexible, albeit more expensive, method of transport.

Please note that there is no public transport system on the Chatham Islands, such as regular bus routes or trains. All travel is undertaken via private or rented transport, or through pre-arranged transfers.

Parking at Karewa Airport is available; it is small and corresponds to the modest size of the airport itself. Generally, leaving a car for a short or long term is not a problem. Conditions and costs are best clarified on-site, but parking is usually either free or inexpensive.

Karewa Airport is the sole aerial gateway to the Chatham Islands. The nearest major airports are located on the main islands of New Zealand, at a distance of over 700 km. These include Hawke's Bay Airport (NPE), Gisborne Airport (GIS), Palmerston North Airport (PMR), Wellington International Airport (WLG), and Paraparaumu Airport (PPQ). Flights to the Chatham Islands operate from some of these hubs.

Karewa Airport (CHT), also known as Chatham Islands/Tuuta Airport, is a small regional airport serving the Chatham Islands. Its structure is extremely simple and clear, making navigation very easy for passengers.

The airport consists of one small terminal that handles all flights—both arrivals and departures. Due to its compact size, there is no complex layout, multitude of gates, or long walkways. All main zones are within walking distance of each other within a single building.

Departure and arrival areas are located in this same single terminal. After check-in, passengers proceed to a small waiting lounge before boarding. The arrival area is a simple room where passengers collect their luggage. There are no transfers between terminals, as there is only one.

Check-in and screening procedures at Karewa Airport are significantly faster than in major international hubs. Thanks to low passenger traffic, queues here are a rarity. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately one hour before departure to complete all formalities without rushing.

The main recommendation for navigation is not to worry. All airport infrastructure is intuitive and clearly visible. Check-in counters, the waiting area, and the boarding gate are located in one common space, so it is practically impossible to get lost here.

Chatham Islands / Tuuta Airport (CHT), located near the main settlement of the islands, Waitangi, is not just an air harbour but a true "lifeline" connecting this remote archipelago with the main part of New Zealand. Its history is inextricably linked with the islanders' desire for development and overcoming geographical isolation.

The airport was officially opened in 1982, which became a turning point for the Chatham Islands. It replaced the old airstrip on Hapupu Beach, which was unsafe and heavily dependent on tides. Initially, the new runway was gravel, but even in that form, it allowed for more regular and reliable air connections than unpredictable maritime transport.

A crucial stage of development was the sealing and extension of the runway in subsequent years. This allowed for the reception of larger and faster turboprop aircraft, such as the Convair 580, which became the main "workhorse" on routes for many years. In 2013, a significant event occurred: Karewa Airport was renamed Chatham Islands / Tuuta. It was named in honour of Inia William Tuuta—a respected elder and community leader who did much for the development of the islands' infrastructure, including the modernisation of the airport.

The most large-scale reconstruction in the airport's history began in recent years. This ambitious project involves lengthening and strengthening the runway to 1,850 metres. The main goal is to enable the reception of modern medium-haul jet aircraft, such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. This revolutionary change opens new horizons for tourism development, improved cargo transport, and ensuring transport stability in emergency situations.

An interesting fact: due to its extreme remoteness and changeable oceanic weather, every flight to Tuuta Airport requires particularly careful planning. The airport does not have international status, but its role for the local community and the archipelago's economy cannot be overestimated. Today, it stands as a symbol of connection with the "mainland" and a key to the future prosperity of the Chatham Islands.

Karewa Airport (CHT), also known as Tuuta Airport, is a small and functional air hub serving as the main gateway to the picturesque Chatham Islands. Given its compact size and remote location, the range of services here is focused on meeting the basic needs of travellers, reflecting the calm and unhurried pace of life on the islands.

In the airport terminal, you will find a small but cosy waiting area. Opportunities for shopping and dining are quite modest: usually, a small kiosk or café operates where you can purchase light snacks, hot and cold drinks. Do not expect large restaurants or duty-free shops here. There are no specialised business lounges or VIP areas at Karewa Airport; the general waiting hall is available to all passengers.

Access to Wi-Fi may be limited, so it is recommended to download all necessary information to your devices in advance. The number of charging stations for electronics may also be small, so it is useful to have a portable power bank with you. An important point for travellers: there are no bank branches or currency exchange points at the airport. All financial matters, including currency exchange, should be settled in advance on the mainland of New Zealand.

Basic facilities are provided for passengers with children and people with disabilities. If you require special assistance, such as a wheelchair, it is strongly recommended to notify your airline in advance. Airport staff are always ready to assist upon arrival or before departure. Basic medical services and first aid are available if needed.

There are no hotels on the airport territory or within walking distance. Various accommodation options, such as lodges and guesthouses, are located in other parts of the island. Transfers to/from the airport usually need to be booked in advance along with accommodation. Additionally, there are no conference rooms or business centres for holding business meetings at the airport.

Karewa Airport (CHT) on the Chatham Islands is a small and cosy air terminal, so the choice of establishments corresponds to its compact dimensions. Instead of a multitude of restaurants and lounges, passengers are invited to experience hospitality in a single, yet homely and pleasant spot.

Inside the terminal building, a small café operates, which serves as the main and only place for a snack. It services all flights, opening before departure and closing after the aircraft departs. The café is located in the general area, making it accessible to both departing passengers and those meeting them.

Here you can find classic café fare: fresh pastries, sandwiches, pies, as well as hot and cold beverages. The main highlight is the opportunity to taste local delicacies. If you are lucky, the menu may feature the famous pies with Blue Cod or Crayfish (Lobster), which are the calling card of the Chatham Islands. This is an excellent chance to enjoy the taste of fresh local seafood (a great option for those preferring Halal-friendly ingredients) right before your flight.

Regarding special dietary requests, due to the small size of the café, dedicated vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free menus are likely unavailable. However, the staff are usually accommodating, and you can check on the spot what options are available—for example, a sandwich without meat. Prices in the café may be slightly higher than on the mainland of New Zealand, which is typical for remote island territories.

This establishment is ideal for both a quick snack (coffee with a bun) and a more substantial meal before flying. A local pie or sandwich will be an excellent option for a full lunch in the setting of a small airport.

Travelling through Karewa Airport, serving Waitangi, usually proceeds without unnecessary fuss, as it is a small regional airport. It is recommended to arrive 60-90 minutes before the departure of your domestic flight. This time is quite sufficient for baggage check-in and passing security control. To save time, take advantage of the online check-in option on your airline's website, which will allow you to head straight to the baggage drop or security screening if you are travelling light.

When preparing your carry-on luggage, remember the standard rules: liquids up to 100 ml must be packed in a transparent bag, and sharp objects are prohibited. However, the main feature of New Zealand is its strictest bio-security rules. Even on domestic flights, it is forbidden to transport certain types of fruit, plants, honey, and other products of animal origin between regions. Ensure you do not have prohibited items, or declare them before screening.

To enjoy the picturesque views of the islands and the coastline during take-off and landing, try to choose a window seat. If you have a connecting flight, especially for an international departure from another city, allow sufficient time between flights. In most cases, you will need to collect your luggage at Karewa Airport and re-check it for the next flight.

To save money, book flight tickets and airport transfers (taxi or car rental) in advance, especially during the peak tourist season. In case of flight delay or cancellation, contact your airline representative directly at the airport or via the official app. In small airports like Karewa, the airline is the primary source of information and assistance.

Since Karewa Airport mainly serves domestic flights, there is no traditional customs control here as found at international borders. However, bio-security control is a mandatory procedure for everyone. Be prepared for your luggage to be checked for prohibited organic materials. In general, the calm atmosphere of the airport allows you to avoid stress, but advance preparation will make your journey even more comfortable.