Chatham Islands / Tuuta Airport (CHT)

Te One, NZ 🇳🇿 Medium Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

NZCI

IATA

CHT

Elevation

43 ft

Region

NZ-WGN

Local Time

Loading...

Loading...

Airport Information

GPS Code: NZCI

Local Code: Not available

Location: -43.81189° N, -176.46514° E

Continent: OC

Type: Medium Airport

Keywords: Karewa

Arrivals
View incoming flights
Departures
View outgoing flights

External Links

Wikipedia ✓ Live Flights
Flight Info
Links verified by AI • Last updated: Nov 21, 2025
Nearby Points of Interest

What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

Travelers to Chatham Islands / Tuuta Airport (NZCI (CHT)) generally experience a unique and adventurous journey rather than a luxurious one. While the airport itself is often described as basic, the overall sentiment is positive due to the friendly service and the distinct charm of the island experience.

What Travelers Love
  • Friendly Atmosphere: The airline (Air Chathams) and its hostesses are consistently praised for being friendly and engaging, contributing to a warm atmosphere.
  • Unique Travel Experience: Flights with Air Chathams offer a sense of adventure, including novel sights like groceries being loaded onto passenger planes for island locals.
  • Efficient Check-in (at Auckland Airport): Air Chathams check-in at Auckland is noted for being remarkably fast, with no queues.
  • Recent Runway Improvements: In October 2024, the runway was extended and widened, allowing the airport to welcome jet aircraft, marking a new era for connectivity.
  • Small Aviation Museum: The airport houses a small aviation museum, highlighting the island's aviation history.
  • Comfortable Waiting Area: The terminal offers a comfortable waiting area, toilets, refreshments, and Wi-Fi.
Common Complaints
  • Basic Terminal Facilities: The airport terminal is described as rudimentary, "little more than a hut with toilets".
  • Lack of Running Water: A notable complaint pertains to the absence of running water in the toilet basins.
  • Flight Delays: Delays can occur, sometimes due to unique circumstances such as ground staff filling unbooked seats with groceries.
  • Limited In-Flight Amenities: Flights on Air Chathams' propeller planes are basic, lacking entertainment screens.
  • Transportation Challenges: There are no taxis on the island, requiring travelers to arrange airport transfers with their accommodation or rent a car. Parking is available through various providers, but pre-booking is advised.
  • Security and Immigration Wait Times: Estimated security wait times are around 26 minutes and immigration around 8 minutes. Travelers are advised to arrive 2 hours prior for domestic flights, with extra time during peak hours (5-8 AM, 4-7 PM, and the months of July, August, December).

Overall, Chatham Islands / Tuuta Airport offers a functional and distinct gateway to the Chatham Islands, characterized by its no-frills approach and a community-focused airline. Travelers should manage expectations regarding luxury and plan ground transportation in advance, but can anticipate a friendly and memorable start to their island adventure.

Generated 5 days ago

Researching traveler experiences online...

Unable to generate sentiment summary. Please try again later.
This summary is automatically generated by AI based on web research of traveler reviews and experiences. AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate.

Current Weather Conditions

Loading weather data...

Airport Routes

Top Routes (by observations)
Newly Discovered
Popular Flight Routes
0 destinations displayed
Destination IATA City Aircraft Type Airline Details Route Map
Loading routes...

Top Airlines

Operating at Chatham Islands / Tuuta Airport
Airlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network
Airline Routes Flights Destinations Last Activity
3 10 3 Nov 27, 2025
Showing top 1 airlines by flight activity. Data includes observed departures and route networks from this airport.
For Pilots

Designation Length Width Surface Status
05/23 4462 ft 148 ft ASP Active Lighted

Type Description Frequency
A/G RDO 118.1 MHz
CTAF CTAF 118.1 MHz

Ident Name Type Frequency
CI Chatham Islands NDB 322 kHz

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025
Taxis

Standard taxi services are not available on the Chatham Islands. Airport transfers are typically provided by accommodation providers or tour operators. It is essential to pre-book these shuttle services directly with your hotel or lodge before you arrive.

Rental Cars

Car rental is available but extremely limited, so booking well in advance of your trip is crucial. Vehicles are often older 4WDs suitable for the island's unsealed roads. Key providers include Hotel Chatham Vehicle Hire and Chatham Vehicle Rentals.

Public Transportation

There is no public transportation system, such as scheduled buses or trains, on the Chatham Islands. Getting around requires a pre-booked rental car, an arranged shuttle, or joining an organized tour.

Nearby Airports

Pitt Island Aerodrome
NZ-0026
Pitt Island, NZ
Small Airport Scheduled Service
~57 km away
Pitt Island Aerodrome
NZ-0026
Pitt Island, NZ
Small Airport Scheduled Service
~57 km away
Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.