The Chatham Islands are a New Zealand archipelago in the Pacific Ocean. They are about 800 kilometres (500 mi) east of the South Island of New Zealand. The archipelago is a cluster of about ten islands in 60-kilometre (37 mi) radius. The largest are Chatham Island and Pitt Island.
Some of these islands are now nature reserves to protect the unique flora and fauna. As of 2013[update] the islands had a resident population of 600. The local economy depends largely on conservation, tourism, farming, and fishing.
The Chatham Islands became part of the Colony of New Zealand in 1842.