The Chatham Islands are a world apart .This remote and rugged archipelago is a true biodiversity hotspot and a place of incredible natural wonder, history, and resilience on Earth .#WorldApart #NaturalWonder

The story of the Chatham Islands is one of unique evolution, rich culture, tragic history, and inspiring conservation success .It is a complex and fascinating part of the New Zealand story .#Fascinating #Complex

The biodiversity hotspot of the Chathams is a precious taonga (treasure) of New Zealand .Its protection is of global importance for the preservation of our planet's unique biodiversity .#Taonga #GlobalImportance

The challenges of living in such a remote place have fostered a strong, innovative, and tight-knit community spirit among the island's hardy and resilient permanent residents .#CommunitySpirit #Hardy

The Chatham Islands are the first inhabited place in the world to see the new day's sun, as they are located just to the west of the International Date Line .#FirstToSeeTheSun #DateLine

Tourism to the Chathams is a small-scale, specialist industry .Visitors who make the journey are rewarded with a truly unique and authentic travel experience that they will not forget .#AuthenticTravel #Unique

The sense of being on the edge of the world is powerful here .The vast, empty ocean and the wild, windswept landscapes create a feeling of profound isolation and freedom .#EdgeOfTheWorld #Isolation

A visit to the Chatham Islands is like stepping back in time .The pace of life is slow, the landscapes are raw and untouched, and nature is always the dominant force .#StepBackInTime #Untouched

The unique "dendroglyphs," or tree carvings, made by the Moriori people can still be seen in some parts of the islands .These are a precious and sacred link to the past .#Dendroglyph #Sacred

The Chatham Island oystercatcher is another rare bird found only here .Its distinctive black and white plumage and bright orange bill make it a beautiful sight on the shoreline .#Oystercatcher #Rare

Conservation is a major focus on the islands .The work to protect the many rare and endangered species is a huge collaborative effort between the locals, scientists, and government agencies .#Collaboration #ConservationEffort

The unique geology of the islands includes volcanic peaks and dramatic basalt columns .These features tell a story of a dynamic geological past that is very interesting to explore .#Geology #Basalt

Getting to the Chathams is an adventure .It requires a flight from Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch, and the weather can often be a factor, adding to the sense of remoteness .#GettingThere #Adventure

The islands sit on the "Chatham Rise," an underwater plateau that brings nutrient-rich currents to the surface, which is what supports the incredible abundance of marine and bird life .#ChathamRise #MarineLife

The ocean surrounding the islands is incredibly rich and productive .The fishing industry, particularly for crayfish (rock lobster) and blue cod, is the mainstay of the local economy .#Fishing #Crayfish

Life on the Chathams today is remote and self-sufficient .The small community is known for its resilience, its hospitality, and its strong connection to the land and the sea .#RemoteLiving #Resilience

The Rēkohu, the Moriori name for the islands, means "Misty Sun." The history of the Moriori people is a tragic and important part of the story of the Chatham Islands .#Rekohu #History

The islands have a rich and distinct human history .They were first settled by the Moriori people, a Polynesian group with a unique culture based on a covenant of peace .#Moriori #Peace

The flora of the Chathams is also unique .The islands are home to the giant Chatham Island forget-me-not, a spectacular plant with huge, ribbed leaves and beautiful blue flowers .#ForgetMeNot #UniqueFlora

The landscape of the islands is rugged and windswept, with dramatic coastal cliffs, beautiful sandy beaches, peat bogs, and a large central lagoon known as Te Whanga Lagoon .#Rugged #Windswept