New Zealand’s Chatham Islands might be the only place in the world experiencing overtourism right now

Lilit Marcus
By Lilit Marcus, CNN
4 minute read
Updated 6:24 AM EST, Mon November 9, 2020
<strong>The Chatham Islands: </strong>A remote archipelago in the Pacific, the Chatham Islands are part of New Zealand.
The Chatham Islands: A remote archipelago in the Pacific, the Chatham Islands are part of New Zealand.
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<strong>Sand and stone:</strong> These islands were once the eastern ridge of the Godwanaland supercontinent.
Sand and stone: These islands were once the eastern ridge of the Godwanaland supercontinent.
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<strong>Meet the neighbors: </strong>There are more animals than people in the Chathams. Only two islands are inhabited, with a total of about 700 residents.
Meet the neighbors: There are more animals than people in the Chathams. Only two islands are inhabited, with a total of about 700 residents.
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<strong>Little friends:</strong> Little blue penguins, the world's tiniest penguin species, make their home here.
Little friends: Little blue penguins, the world's tiniest penguin species, make their home here.
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<strong>Flying free: </strong>The islands are also home to many rare species of birds, including the Chatham Albatross (seen here).
Flying free: The islands are also home to many rare species of birds, including the Chatham Albatross (seen here).
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The Chatham Islands in photos
CNN  — 

The coronavirus pandemic has decimated the travel industry, as hotels, restaurants and airlines in destinations around the world find themselves going broke or dramatically cutting back costs as they try to survive.

But there’s one place on the planet where there are too many tourists right now: the Chatham Islands.

The most remote places on Earth

Haven’t heard of them? It’s okay; you’re not the only one.

The