New Zealand Fishing Charters

53 Fishing Charters

New Zealand Fishing Charters

Search top fishing charters in New Zealand

Top New Zealand Destinations

New Zealand: 53 fishing charters available
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(276 reviews)
Taupo
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $197
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(96 reviews)
Paihia
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $398
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(39 reviews)
Tairua
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $586
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(22 reviews)
Rotorua
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $185
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(10 reviews)
Auckland
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $925
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(66 reviews)
Auckland
 Instant Confirmation
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(137 reviews)
Taupo
trips from $370
Excellent
4.6 / 5
(26 reviews)
Paihia
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $200
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(106 reviews)
Taupo
trips from $247
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(1 review)
Whakatane
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $1,541

Frequently Asked Questions about Fishing Charters in New Zealand

According to customer reviews, some of the most popular fishing charters in New Zealand are: Full list of top fishing charters in New Zealand

The average price for a private 4 hour New Zealand fishing trip is $376, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you $980 based on prices on FishingBooker.com.

Fishing charters in New Zealand that received great reviews from families are:

The top 3 fish species targeted on guided fishing trips in New Zealand are:

The top 3 fishing techniques in New Zealand are:

The top 3 types of fishing in New Zealand are:

Many fishing charters in New Zealand provide rods, reels and tackle. Some of the top rated are:

According to customer reviews on FishingBooker.com, some of the best rated charter captains in New Zealand are:

Who are the top awarded captains in New Zealand?

Some of the fishing trips offered by fishing charters in New Zealand are:
  • 2-hour fishing trips โ€“ $360
  • 3-hour fishing trips โ€“ $514
  • 4-hour fishing trips โ€“ $910
  • 5-hour fishing trips โ€“ $583
  • 6-hour fishing trips โ€“ $1,142
  • 8-hour fishing trips โ€“ $1,808
  • 9-hour fishing trips โ€“ $2,600
  • 10-hour fishing trips โ€“ $3,600

With its stunning mountains and seemingly endless stretches of untamed nature, New Zealand is easily one of the most beautiful places in the world. Add to that outstanding freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities, and you’ve got a combo made in heaven. If you’re coming here for the first time and you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry – there are plenty of fishing charters in New Zealand ready to help you out.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a freshwater enthusiast or a saltwater trophy chaser, in New Zealand, you can do both. The North Island is game fishing central – it boasts the biggest Striped Marlin fishery on the planet! Blue Marlin are just as popular, along with Yellowfin Tuna, Yellowtail Amberjack (Kingfish), Snapper, Hapuka and Trevally.

On the freshwater front, the action is just as good. In the unspoiled streams and mountain rivers of the South Island, you’ll find copious amounts of big Rainbow and Brown Trout. Oh, and did we mention that Chinook Salmon (Quinnat) is also on the cards? In spring and summer, Quinnat swarm the streams of the South Island’s east coast.

With so much biodiversity and land to cover, your safest bet is to turn to a New Zealand charter for guidance. Whether you plan on fly fishing somewhere in the wilderness or you’re preparing for a multi-day Marlin hunt, a trustworthy skipper will make all the difference. Anything from half day trips to the bay to week-long fly fishing expeditions are available, you just need to take your pick. Auckland, Taupo, and Tairua all hold good numbers of charter boats that are at your disposal.

Rules & Regulations

Before you start fishing, you’ll need a valid fishing licence, even if you’re going out with a charter. There are several types of licences, so pick the one that suits you best and hit the water.

New Zealand
Excellent
4.5 / 5
Based on 27950 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

January

The beginning of the year marks the start of the sportfishing season. It’s a great time to go after various types of Billfish, especially Striped Marlin, who love warm waters. If luck is on your side, you might find yourself a Tuna or two as well.

February

Things get into high gear in February, and this is the busiest time for New Zealand fishing charters. Marlin fishing is at its peak, and you can even go after Swordfish. In the freshwater realm, Rainbow and Brown Trout are biting left and right.

March

Summer might be coming to a close, but that doesn’t mean the fishing slows down. Load up some anchovies, and head out to the bluewater to get that massive Yellowfin Tuna. Swordfishing is also excellent in March.

April

The Striped Marlin bite is still going strong, and the same goes for Blues. Yellowfin Tuna are probably the most sought-after species in April. If you love light tackle fishing, then Kingfish, Snapper, and Kahawai are very active this time of year.

May

Offshore fishing usually starts to subside sometime in May, but Auckland is still holding strong. This is the last hurrah of the season for the Swordfish hunters. If you’re a freshwater fisherman, you’ll enjoy some of the best Trout action in the country come May.

June

With the cold front slowly taking over, there are fewer suitable fishing days. Still, when the weather is good, you can go after Kingfish – even Swordfish if the conditions align. Maori New Year celebrations start later in the month, so embrace the festive spirit.

July

While saltwater fishing takes a break in winter, July is a good time to go on a proper Kiwi freshwater adventure. From Chinook Salmon to Brown and Rainbow Trout, the bite is on fire! There’s always plenty to see and catch in the New Zealand wilderness.

August

You’ll find Trout lovers on just about any freshwater fishing ground, so why not join them? The inshore saltwater bite is doing just fine too, with plenty of Hapuka, Gurnard, Pink Snapper and Tarakihi for light tackle anglers.

September

Spring is just around the corner, but the weather can be fickle in September. When the forecast shows it’s safe to fish, you can hook into Silver Trevally, Hapuka, and Tarakihi, to name a few. Freshwater fishing still boasts more than decent amounts of Trout.

 

October

The days are getting warmer and the fish are becoming more active with every passing day. In October, Pink Snapper are the most common catch on light tackle, along with Kingfish, Hapuka and Tarakihi.

November

Slowly but surely, things are starting to heat up in the saltwater realm. Snappers are hungry, so come closer to shore. Want to enjoy spring in nature? Head to the nearest Trout stream and fish for Brownies and Rainbows – you won’t regret it.

December

The sportfishing season is about to begin in earnest, and now is a good time to book your trip with a New Zealand fishing charter. Pink Snapper and Kahawai are popular catches at the end of the year, with more Marlin showing up in the bluewater every day.

New Zealand fishing calendar

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Fishing depends on the weather so dress appropriately for wind and rain in layers.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Fishing depends on the weather so dress appropriately for wind and rain in layers.
Allison  O.
Allison O.
Not too cold not too hot, the water are great and not too harsh. Not too sea sick
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Not too cold not too hot, the water are great and not too harsh. Not too sea sick
Azleena  K.
Azleena K.
This was our first time. We went with Marty Staine and it was the perfect day out. Caught plenty of fish with Martyโ€™s set up. Recommend going with his fishing trips.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
This was our first time. We went with Marty Staine and it was the perfect day out. Caught plenty of fish with Martyโ€™s set up. Recommend going with his fishing trips.
Kristina  G.
Kristina G. Napier City, HKB
Be sure the weather and enough number of customers join the charter before you plan your travel schedule. The booked date and time may be changed with short time notice.
Very good
4.0 / 5
Be sure the weather and enough number of customers join the charter before you plan your travel schedule. The booked date and time may be changed with short time notice.
Yuk Yee Helen Leung
Yuk Yee Helen Leung Auckland, Auckland
Patience as the weather changing rapidly and be flexible with actual fishing trip day
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Patience as the weather changing rapidly and be flexible with actual fishing trip day
Jori  R.
Jori R.
Experienced fly fishers should target brown trout in the Tongariro River at the southern end of Lake Taupo. It seems the big Rainbow trout are located a fair few meters below the surface (i.e. deep water) so unless you have your own boat etc, then best to charter an equipped boat.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experienced fly fishers should target brown trout in the Tongariro River at the southern end of Lake Taupo. It seems the big Rainbow trout are located a fair few meters below the surface (i.e. deep water) so unless you have your own boat etc, then best to charter an equipped boat.
David  G.
David G. Brisbane, Queensland
Great guide! He has everything you need and knows where to go, walks you through your catch and is very professional as well as fun!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Great guide! He has everything you need and knows where to go, walks you through your catch and is very professional as well as fun!
Cheryl  L.
Cheryl L. Arvada, CO
Fishing license is a must and you can do only fly fishing in the rivers and creeks. Lake Taupo - you will need a boat to catch any fish as you can not catch anything from the banks. Lure fishing is the way to do it and no live baits. Trout size 35cm to be legal to keep.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Fishing license is a must and you can do only fly fishing in the rivers and creeks. Lake Taupo - you will need a boat to catch any fish as you can not catch anything from the banks. Lure fishing is the way to do it and no live baits. Trout size 35cm to be legal to keep.
Rajarajan  S.
Rajarajan S. Auckland, Auckland
This is not the best time of year for fishing in the Bay of Islands but it was still a great morning out on the water, and we did bring home dinner. For lots of fish, probably another time (not New Year's peak) better.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
This is not the best time of year for fishing in the Bay of Islands but it was still a great morning out on the water, and we did bring home dinner. For lots of fish, probably another time (not New Year's peak) better.
Sue  B.
Sue B. Auckland, Auckland
Yes I would the boat was excellent the skipper Michelle was ist class,very polite, helpful,and tried her best to put us on the fish moved 6 times,but we got a feed,that's just fishing,we loved it.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Yes I would the boat was excellent the skipper Michelle was ist class,very polite, helpful,and tried her best to put us on the fish moved 6 times,but we got a feed,that's just fishing,we loved it.
James  S.
James S. Christchurch, Canterbury
Go with a well known charter operator so that you learn tricks and techniques for trout fishing in the lake.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Go with a well known charter operator so that you learn tricks and techniques for trout fishing in the lake.
Marilyn  W.
Marilyn W. Bethel, VT
The morning trip is best with comfortable boat and beautiful views to see in the bay of islands
Excellent
5.0 / 5
The morning trip is best with comfortable boat and beautiful views to see in the bay of islands
Jake  B.
Jake B. Whangarei, Northland
Do it. Kaikoura is a great spot for fishing and usually always go home with a good amount of fish
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Do it. Kaikoura is a great spot for fishing and usually always go home with a good amount of fish
Jo  B.
Jo B. Christchurch, Canterbury
Book with a reputable and experienced charter and try to find a spot on the boat at the rear.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Book with a reputable and experienced charter and try to find a spot on the boat at the rear.
David  H.
David H. Te Puke, Bay Of Plenty
We picked Koura Bay fishing charter as they were recommended to us by my cousin who did a 2 hr fishing trip last month with them. Both 1st time anglers as we were ! They were very happy with the fishing experience, the service and the catch. We shared the same sentiments. Very experienced Captain Andy and crew. Great time. Would have been heaps better if the Mrs didn't get sea sickness !!
Excellent
4.7 / 5
We picked Koura Bay fishing charter as they were recommended to us by my cousin who did a 2 hr fishing trip last month with them. Both 1st time anglers as we were ! They were very happy with the fishing experience, the service and the catch. We shared the same sentiments. Very experienced Captain Andy and crew. Great time. Would have been heaps better if the Mrs didn't get sea sickness !!
John  T.
John T. Auckland, Auckland
I would recommend you go with Tauranga marine charters as the capt. is very active at chasing the fish.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
I would recommend you go with Tauranga marine charters as the capt. is very active at chasing the fish.
Scott  S.
Scott S. Auckland, Auckland
Take a warm fleece and maybe a sandwich to eat But apart from that Captain Nick did it all for us
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Take a warm fleece and maybe a sandwich to eat But apart from that Captain Nick did it all for us
Craig  A.
Craig A. Hamilton, WKO
Get an experienced captain and look to have a period of tide rising to get best chance of success.
Very good
4.0 / 5
Get an experienced captain and look to have a period of tide rising to get best chance of success.
Wayne  B.
Wayne B. Auckland, Auckland
Have the correct weights and line no flashers and cushion for your comfort
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Have the correct weights and line no flashers and cushion for your comfort
Angela  G.
Angela G. Tauranga, BOP
Make sure you have appropriate clothing and for ladies , gloves as it could be cold and windy
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Make sure you have appropriate clothing and for ladies , gloves as it could be cold and windy
Ken  B.
Ken B. Auckland, AUK

Fish Taupo
Fish Taupo
Fishing charter in Taupo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(276 reviews)
Couldnโ€™t have gone better and all thanks to Marty. Equipment, fish finding and assistance was flawless. Super highly recommended!
Robert  K.
Robert K.
White Striker Charters Troutcatcher
White Striker Charters Troutcatcher
Fishing charter in Taupo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(137 reviews)
Richardโ€™s boat was clean and well equipped. Richard was very experienced and his presence was professional and polite. He was really good with the time even we start our trip before our session time officially started. We really enjoyed our fishing. Thanks Richard
Hammed  T.
Hammed T.
Coro Cowboy Fishing Charters
Coro Cowboy Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Te Kouma
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(25 reviews)
All crew were so helpful and awesome. We caught number of big fish and so enjoyed. Highly recommend
Tatsuya  O.
Tatsuya O.
Riko Boat Charters
Riko Boat Charters
Fishing charter in Auckland
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(66 reviews)
It was awesome fishing trip,all my fellow mates caught many fish ๐ŸŸ๐ŸŸ,the boat experience was very smooth and enjoyable.
Shalendra  P.
Shalendra P.
Big Fish Bay Of Islands
Big Fish Bay Of Islands
Fishing charter in Paihia
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(96 reviews)
Legend! We had the greatest day out with Derek, a real character. It was a bonus we caught big snapper ๐Ÿ˜Œ
Jess  N.
Jess N.
Blue Sea Charters โ€“ Splash
Blue Sea Charters โ€“ Splash
Fishing charter in Paihia
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(91 reviews)
Hands down the best experience I've had mate and i dont like the water..me and my family enjoyed every bit of it highly recommend not only were they awsome there inter action skill with the family was amazing to
Harry  R.
Harry R.
Fish Taupo
Fish Taupo
Fishing charter in Taupo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(276 reviews)
This was an absolute fantastic experience especially for my husband and I who are beginners (never gone fishing before) Marty was patient and very friendly - explained to us how to set up, and what each equipment was for. We caught quite a lot of trout but decided to take home 4 to smoke and for dinner :) Not to mention, lake Taupล is simply breathtaking! Would highly recommend Marty and this experience to everyone.
Lee  E.
Lee E.
White Striker Charters Troutcatcher
White Striker Charters Troutcatcher
Fishing charter in Taupo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(137 reviews)
Had a great afternoon and successfully landed six fish. Great gear, great supervision and advice and a most successful fishing.trip.
Kevin  C.
Kevin C.
Top Catch Charters โ€“ Kaikoura
Top Catch Charters โ€“ Kaikoura
Fishing charter in Kaikoura
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(74 reviews)
Had a great experience with Malcolm . Heโ€™s Very nice and friendly ! We also got lots of fish to bring home including two crayfish :-)
Cindy  M.
Cindy M.
May Marie Charters
May Marie Charters
Fishing charter in Paihia
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(88 reviews)
My personal tally = 2 ten, 2 eight 2 six pounders plus and some others scored similar sizes. Cheers Rex and Kevin.
Rex  S.
Rex S.
Audacious Charters
Audacious Charters
Fishing charter in Auckland
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(12 reviews)
We found Matt to be a very capable and experienced skipper. He knew the coast extremely well and took us to some very productive fishing spots. He is very Customer focused and was always available to help out with the catch and had good advice to improve our chances of landing quality fish. Can highly recommend Matt and this charter to you
Chris  M.
Chris M.
White Striker Charters Troutcatcher
White Striker Charters Troutcatcher
Fishing charter in Taupo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(137 reviews)
Thanks Richard we had a lovely morning fishing perfect for beginners. We all caught a fish so very happy. Would highly recommend.
Julie  A.
Julie A.
May Marie Charters
May Marie Charters
Fishing charter in Paihia
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(88 reviews)
We had a great time on the shared snapper charter. Weather was great, fish were biting and the crew made the experience very enjoyable keeping lines in the water, fantastic! Came home with a big bag of fillets to boot!
Quinton  W.
Quinton W.
Reel Magic Fishing Charters
Reel Magic Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Mangawhai Heads
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(6 reviews)
Had an amazing day out with Tony - very organised, friendly and helpful. We all caught multiple fish, and even got to see a huge pod of dolphins! Highly recommended.
Athena  Z.
Athena Z.
Fish Taupo
Fish Taupo
Fishing charter in Taupo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(276 reviews)
Captain Marty is very knowledgeable and got me on so many beautiful trout.
Renee  P.
Renee P.
Audacious Charters
Audacious Charters
Fishing charter in Auckland
Very good
4.0 / 5
(12 reviews)
Fishing Booker site/middle agencies found them too commercial, all messages were blunt about Money, Tips and nothing else.Looks like American set up...working for Kiwi guys have not idea how Business is done in New Zealand. would prefer to book directly local hence forth. Totally Disappointed with Fishing Booker role
Kirit  B.
Kirit B.
Blue Sea Charters โ€“ Splash
Blue Sea Charters โ€“ Splash
Fishing charter in Paihia
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(91 reviews)
Highly recommend this charter to anyone, the skipper and crew were brilliant, ended up with plenty of fish and great memories, will definitely go again! Thanks for the awesome day guys!
Monique  F.
Monique F.
Big Fish Bay Of Islands
Big Fish Bay Of Islands
Fishing charter in Paihia
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(96 reviews)
We had a fantastic day. We each caught a snapper. One for eating and one for bragging (80cm monster). Derek was very knowledgeable and helpful. And aside from that a really nice bloke too. I would highly recommend Bay of Islands Big Fish. If we get back here we'll look him up again.
Moi  J.
Moi J.
Rotorua Taupo Flyfishing adventures
Rotorua Taupo Flyfishing adventures
Fishing charter in Rotorua
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(22 reviews)
My father and I had a days fishing booked with Ray and can truly say it was an amazing experience. We caught several beautiful rainbows. Ray was an absolute gentleman and we were very well looked after. Would highly recommend.
Laurence  S.
Laurence S.
Rotorua Taupo Flyfishing adventures
Rotorua Taupo Flyfishing adventures
Fishing charter in Rotorua
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(22 reviews)
In 10min we had the first rainbow hooked up and continued to hook up that day. Even with the water conditions being a bit cloudier and higher than ideal, Ray figured out the rigging and spots to hit. If you have a half day or full day free you should connect with Ray.
Dylan  B.
Dylan B. Hamilton, Waikato