May Marie Charters 

4.8/5 (181 reviews)
 Paihia Wharf, Paihia, 0200, New Zealand

May Marie Charters 

4.8/5 (181 reviews)
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Paihia Wharf
Paihia, New Zealand

At May Marie Charters, they love taking guests out for an awesome day of charter fishing in the Bay of Islands! No matter what your expectations are, the crew will work hard every time to exceed them and make this trip an adventure you’ll never forget. Our Skippers are highly experienced, fun and avid fishermen.

You’ll be fishing on a 44’ McManaway boat, named May Marie. This spacious vessel accommodates up to 12 anglers for Snapper fishing or 6 anglers for Kingfish trips. May Marie offers a comfortable ride, even on rougher days, as she’s super stable. There’s plenty of shade to get out of the sun, a closed cabin area, and the kettle will be on if you would like to make a cuppa.  There's also plenty of seating both inside and out.

The Bay of Islands is simply beautiful and the scenery as we head to our secret spots won’t disappoint. The friendly crew will welcome you on board, bait your hook and entertain you with a yarn or two. Choose between shared charters targeting Snapper or Kingfish, or private ones that can be tailored to your needs.

At the end of the day, the crew will fillet your catch and make it ready to take home with you. They provide all fishing equipment, tea/coffee/water, and you’re most welcome to bring snacks, lunch, or other beverages.

Join May Marie Charters for an epic day out fishing in the beautiful Bay of Islands!

NOTE:  Unfortunately our trips do not coincide with guests arriving by cruise ships.  By the time guests disembark and get into Paihia, we are already out fishing and our afternoon trips do not return until after cruise passengers are usually required to be back on board the ships.

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Rating

4.8
181 reviews
5
147
4
30
3
3
2
0
1
0
4.8
Boat & equipment
4.7
Captain & crew
4.8
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (117)

Great Excursion!
It was a misty misty morn ..
Captain Trent , and deckkie Max were excellent , couldn’t have helped more to get us on to fish , in hard windy conditions
Captain Trent , and deckkie Max were excellent , couldn’t have helped more to get us on to fish , in hard windy conditions
Captain Trent , and deckkie Max were excellent , couldn’t have helped more to get us on to fish , in hard windy conditions
Captain Trent , and deckkie Max were excellent , couldn’t have helped more to get us on to fish , in hard windy conditions
+111

What anglers say

96%
Great experience
88%
Family friendly
98%
Friendly captain
99%
Good boat
97%
Recommended
90%
Caught fish

All reviews (181)

Filter
Showing 15 of 181 reviews
Doug Ashley-Miller
Doug Ashley-Miller
5.0
Verified
Excellent day out on the water
5 Hour Trip – Snapper Shared (PM) on July 1, 20252 adults2 children
Even though fishing in winter promised to be more challenging than in summer, we were not disappointed with this trip. Captain Trent knew exactly where to find the fish and, despite being a crew member down, gave everyone on board his full attention. Very knowledgeable, personable and great with both kids and adults alike. We caught over 9 different varieties of fish, some of which I'd never seen before, including decent kingfish and snapper. My kids and I loved this experience and I couldn't recommend it highly enough.
Review media 0
Review media 0
Review media 1
Review media 2
Reported catch:
Pink Snapper
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
1
Ron McCrorie
Ron McCrorie
5.0
Verified
Hint
5 Hour Trip – Snapper Shared (PM) on October 26, 20252 adults
Hi guys a tip from an old marketing/sales man . This is not a criticism, please don't take offence. But cleanliness as far as kitchen area . Just the railing . I know you guys are busy. Maybe hire someone to maintain it for you . Presentation is important. Great trip, great crew . Keep up the good work.
Translated by AI:
Show original
Response from Captain
October 28, 2025
Thanks Ron - the guys have already been down to rectify. Appreciate the heads up. Glad you enjoyed your trip and hope to see you again next time! Thanks!
0
Sandy Slow
Sandy Slow
4.0
Verified
New
Good fishing
5 Hour Trip – Snapper Shared on February 16, 20262 adults
A bit more communication from the captain would have been good. Johnny the deck hand was great and worked really hard. Both were excellent with keeping everyone's hooks baited. A hot drink would have been excellent, and a bit of instruction, rather than over there would have been helpful. we enjoyed being out and the crew were very pleasant, just not much said!!
0
Kerensa Wood
Kerensa Wood
5.0
Verified
It was a misty misty morn ..
5 Hour Trip – Snapper Shared on September 29, 20252 adults
Excellent service and great crew from start to finish. Our family had a wonderful time - we will be hearing the story of the one that got away for years to come and still got to enjoy a delicious fish dinner - thank you!
Review media 0
Reported catch:
Pink Snapper
0
Kayleen Elliott
Kayleen Elliott
5.0
Verified
Fun trip in the beautiful Bay of Isles
5 Hour Trip – Snapper Shared on March 12, 20252 adults
We had a great trip out for a fun morning of fishing. Experienced and helpful crew who kept us entertained and our hooks continually baited. Fish were a little fickle but the boys kept moving for us to get the best chance of catching some good sized snapper. We all came home with a nice bag for dinner. Great value for money. Highly recommend
Translated by AI:
Show original
Reported catch:
Pink Snapper
0

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
February 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
5 Hour Trip – Snapper Shared
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
5 Hour Trip
starts at 7:00 AM
US $200
Shared tour: 2 people
5 Hour Trip – Snapper Shared (PM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
5 Hour Trip
starts at 1:00 PM
US $200
Shared tour: 2 people
7 Hour Kingfish Trip (Shared)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
7 Hour Trip
starts at 7:00 AM
US $387
Shared tour: 2 people
5 Hour Snapper Trip (Private)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
5 Hour Trip
starts at 7:00 AM
US $1,197
Entire boat: up to 12 people
7 Hour Kingfish Trip (Private)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
7 Hour Trip
starts at 7:00 AM
US $1,203
Entire boat: up to 6 people
9 Hour Trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
9 Hour Trip
starts at 7:00 AM
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US $1,512
Entire boat: up to 12 people
There are 8 people looking at this charter.

Rating

4.8
181 reviews
5
147
4
30
3
3
2
0
1
0
4.8
Boat & equipment
4.7
Captain & crew
4.8
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (117)

Great Excursion!
It was a misty misty morn ..
Captain Trent , and deckkie Max were excellent , couldn’t have helped more to get us on to fish , in hard windy conditions
Captain Trent , and deckkie Max were excellent , couldn’t have helped more to get us on to fish , in hard windy conditions
Captain Trent , and deckkie Max were excellent , couldn’t have helped more to get us on to fish , in hard windy conditions
Captain Trent , and deckkie Max were excellent , couldn’t have helped more to get us on to fish , in hard windy conditions
+111

What anglers say

96%
Great experience
88%
Family friendly
98%
Friendly captain
99%
Good boat
97%
Recommended
90%
Caught fish

All reviews (181)

Filter
Showing 15 of 181 reviews
Doug Ashley-Miller
Doug Ashley-Miller
5.0
Verified
Excellent day out on the water
5 Hour Trip – Snapper Shared (PM) on July 1, 20252 adults2 children
Even though fishing in winter promised to be more challenging than in summer, we were not disappointed with this trip. Captain Trent knew exactly where to find the fish and, despite being a crew member down, gave everyone on board his full attention. Very knowledgeable, personable and great with both kids and adults alike. We caught over 9 different varieties of fish, some of which I'd never seen before, including decent kingfish and snapper. My kids and I loved this experience and I couldn't recommend it highly enough.
Review media 0
Review media 0
Review media 1
Review media 2
Reported catch:
Pink Snapper
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
1
Ron McCrorie
Ron McCrorie
5.0
Verified
Hint
5 Hour Trip – Snapper Shared (PM) on October 26, 20252 adults
Hi guys a tip from an old marketing/sales man . This is not a criticism, please don't take offence. But cleanliness as far as kitchen area . Just the railing . I know you guys are busy. Maybe hire someone to maintain it for you . Presentation is important. Great trip, great crew . Keep up the good work.
Translated by AI:
Show original
Response from Captain
October 28, 2025
Thanks Ron - the guys have already been down to rectify. Appreciate the heads up. Glad you enjoyed your trip and hope to see you again next time! Thanks!
0
Sandy Slow
Sandy Slow
4.0
Verified
New
Good fishing
5 Hour Trip – Snapper Shared on February 16, 20262 adults
A bit more communication from the captain would have been good. Johnny the deck hand was great and worked really hard. Both were excellent with keeping everyone's hooks baited. A hot drink would have been excellent, and a bit of instruction, rather than over there would have been helpful. we enjoyed being out and the crew were very pleasant, just not much said!!
0
Kerensa Wood
Kerensa Wood
5.0
Verified
It was a misty misty morn ..
5 Hour Trip – Snapper Shared on September 29, 20252 adults
Excellent service and great crew from start to finish. Our family had a wonderful time - we will be hearing the story of the one that got away for years to come and still got to enjoy a delicious fish dinner - thank you!
Review media 0
Reported catch:
Pink Snapper
0
Kayleen Elliott
Kayleen Elliott
5.0
Verified
Fun trip in the beautiful Bay of Isles
5 Hour Trip – Snapper Shared on March 12, 20252 adults
We had a great trip out for a fun morning of fishing. Experienced and helpful crew who kept us entertained and our hooks continually baited. Fish were a little fickle but the boys kept moving for us to get the best chance of catching some good sized snapper. We all came home with a nice bag for dinner. Great value for money. Highly recommend
Translated by AI:
Show original
Reported catch:
Pink Snapper
0

FAQs about May Marie Charters

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The fish you can target

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What is the boat like?

Boat Image
Boat category
Headboats
Capacity
12 persons
Boat length
44 ft
Year built
1993
Boat manufacturer
McManaway
Boat type
Headboat

Engine model
Detroit
Powered by
1 x 45HP
Max cruising speed
9 knots
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