New Zealand

55 Fishing Charters

New Zealand Fishing Charters

Search top fishing charters in New Zealand

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New Zealand: 55 fishing charters available
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(260 reviews)
Taupo
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $190
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(89 reviews)
Paihia
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $353
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(35 reviews)
Tairua
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $504
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(9 reviews)
Auckland
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $889
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(130 reviews)
Taupo
trips from $338
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(63 reviews)
Auckland
 Instant Confirmation
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(15 reviews)
Rotorua
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $178
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(101 reviews)
Taupo
trips from $225
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(50 reviews)
Taupo
trips from $226
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(1 review)
Whakatane
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $1,482

Frequently Asked Questions about Fishing Charters in New Zealand

According to customer reviews, Fish Taupo, Big Fish Bay Of Islands, and Strikezone Sportfishing NZ are some of the most popular fishing charters in New Zealand. Full list of top fishing charters in New Zealand.

The average price for a private 4 hour New Zealand fishing trip is $398, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you $973 based on prices on FishingBooker.com.

Fish Taupo, Big Fish Bay Of Islands, and Strikezone Sportfishing NZ all received great reviews from families who booked fishing trips in New Zealand.

The most popular fish species you can target are Pink Snapper, Yellowtail Amberjack, and John Dory. Top fishing techniques include Light Tackle, Bottom Fishing, and Trolling. Inshore fishing, offshore fishing, and reef fishing are commonly offered by local guides.

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 27689 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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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
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
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
THE HARBOUR IS QUITE DEEP SO YOU WILL NEED HEAVY SINKERS IF YOU ARE USING YOUR OWN TACKLE.
Very good
3.7 / 5
THE HARBOUR IS QUITE DEEP SO YOU WILL NEED HEAVY SINKERS IF YOU ARE USING YOUR OWN TACKLE.
Shane  M.
Shane M. Auckland, AUK
Level of experience not relevant - anyone can learn and the guide is happy to teach!
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Level of experience not relevant - anyone can learn and the guide is happy to teach!
Leonie  C.
Leonie C. Brisbane, Queensland
Recommend Captain Brett and his deckhand and their boat Motutere. Every thing i expected of a charter was carried out. They were both extremely helpful whether preparing bait, asking everyone how thy were faring and more importantly, untangling lines during the numerous tangle ups. Lastly i would recommend that people always take warm gear regardless of weather
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Recommend Captain Brett and his deckhand and their boat Motutere. Every thing i expected of a charter was carried out. They were both extremely helpful whether preparing bait, asking everyone how thy were faring and more importantly, untangling lines during the numerous tangle ups. Lastly i would recommend that people always take warm gear regardless of weather
Eru  B.
Eru B. Tauranga, BOP
a lot depends on the operater, is it dollars or satisfaction of the charter.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
a lot depends on the operater, is it dollars or satisfaction of the charter.
John  P.
John P. Sydney, NSW

Fish Taupo
Fish Taupo
Fishing charter in Taupo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(260 reviews)
Great location. Easy to get to, the fish is an abundance when on and the Captain was very friendly. You wonโ€™t need any gear as boat has everything it needs to catch trout. Boat was very comfy and relaxing if not fishing. Perfect day out. Thanks again Marty and hope to come back again soon.
Kristina  G.
Kristina G. Napier City, HKB
Taupo Lake Adventures Ltd
Taupo Lake Adventures Ltd
Fishing charter in Taupo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(101 reviews)
We had a great trip. The boat was beautiful, weather was great and we caught 5 superb rainbow trout. Our captain new rhe best spot with 3 fish caught in quick succession. The booking was flexible with time and lots of fun.any thanks
Sarah  F.
Sarah F. Te Puke, Bay Of Plenty
Coro Cowboy Fishing Charters
Coro Cowboy Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Te Kouma
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(21 reviews)
It was a day well spent, great crew, lots of fun and lots of snapper caught. Definitely coming back for more
Gerald  M.
Gerald M. Auckland, Auckland
Coro Cowboy Fishing Charters
Coro Cowboy Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Te Kouma
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(21 reviews)
Couldnโ€™t have asked for a better charter for my birthday. These boys are the best. They make you feel very welcome and at ease no matter what your experience level is. They are so passionate and genuinely want you to have a great time. I even learnt some new skills. They were so wonderful with my 8yr old son. We will be back for sure! ~ Elsa, Johnny, Ollie.
Elsa Van Der Wal
Elsa Van Der Wal
Top Catch Charters โ€“ Kaikoura
Top Catch Charters โ€“ Kaikoura
Fishing charter in Kaikoura
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(70 reviews)
I'm korean It was amazing and fantastic I caught a lot of fish in a short time since I was born I had a good experience
Jung  A.  L.
Jung A. L. Christchurch, Canterbury
Riko Boat Charters
Riko Boat Charters
Fishing charter in Auckland
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(63 reviews)
Unfortunately the weather was terrible so limited where we could go but Skip did a great job trying to get us on some snapper whilst getting the boat into some shelter from the wind!! Great trip and perfect environment to catch up with some old mates. Great day out.
Wayne  C.
Wayne C. Maple Shade, NJ
Taupo Lake Adventures Ltd
Taupo Lake Adventures Ltd
Fishing charter in Taupo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(101 reviews)
Was a great trip. Caught 3 great size fish and took one home for dinner (we didn't need all 3). Captain was friendly and knowledgeable, would definitely recommend.
Josh  C.
Josh C. Sydney, NSW
Fish Taupo
Fish Taupo
Fishing charter in Taupo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(260 reviews)
Great trip with Marty. We caught 6 beautiful rainbow trout. Marty shared some of his considerable knowledge of trout behavior. He is an extremely pleasant to spend an afternoon with. His boat and equipment are all carefully together and are in top notch condition.
Alan  N.
Alan N. San Diego, CA
Coro Cowboy Fishing Charters
Coro Cowboy Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Te Kouma
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(21 reviews)
We had a great morning out with Ben and Nigel, managing to catch plenty of snapper. Arlo (6) was keen to catch as many fish as possible, and wanted to try casting and using lures whilst on board. Ben and Nigel were awesome and really helped Arlo try different fishing techniques out. Arlo was so stoked that when we got home he put on the fishing show he'd seen Ben on with Clarke Gayford. Thanks guys, we had a great time and will be back in summer!
Jason  H.
Jason H. Hamilton, Waikato
White Striker Charters Troutcatcher
White Striker Charters Troutcatcher
Fishing charter in Taupo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(130 reviews)
Fantastic fun outing with Richard. He is very funny with his simply clear instructions and cardboard illustration of the fishing technique. Successfully caught 3 and released another. Very happy with the trip and would recommend to anyone looking to hire a boat, captain for some trout fishing
David  G.
David G. Porirua, Wellington
Big Fish Bay Of Islands
Big Fish Bay Of Islands
Fishing charter in Paihia
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(89 reviews)
Great day out on the water with Derek, fish werenโ€™t playing ball for a start but he got us on to some good spots and got us a few great snapper! Looking forward to getting up here again for a few Kingys next time! 10/10 recommended
Jeremy  F.
Jeremy F. Auckland, Auckland
May Marie Charters
May Marie Charters
Fishing charter in Paihia
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(72 reviews)
Awesome trip, skipper Jason totally dedicated to give us a full fishing experience. Always felt safe and had a great experience. Will definitely go again ๐Ÿ˜Š
Chrissy  F.
Chrissy F. Whangarei, Northland
Club Talk Fishing Charters
Club Talk Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Whakatane
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(1 review)
Skip and deckie tried their absolute best to put us on bite today but it was really hard,but still managed to set the long lines and get us plenty of fish to take home, thankyou so much.
Jim  S.
Jim S.
Fish Taupo
Fish Taupo
Fishing charter in Taupo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(260 reviews)
We had such a great time Marty was a great skipper loved every minute he made us feel so welcome ๐Ÿค—
Robyn  L.
Robyn L. Auckland, Auckland
Fish Taupo
Fish Taupo
Fishing charter in Taupo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(260 reviews)
A really enjoyable day out on the lake. Weather was great and plenty of fish caught. Marty was a very good host!
Mike  H.
Mike H. Wellington, Wellington
May Marie Charters
May Marie Charters
Fishing charter in Paihia
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(72 reviews)
Great day out in paradise, sun shining & fishing biting, we'll be back guys!!
Darryl  S.
Darryl S. Auckland, Auckland
Target Charters
Target Charters
Fishing charter in Paihia
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(44 reviews)
Great experience with Ross and his deck hand Luke. They were very knowledgeable and happy to assist newbies. Great day out for the whole family, highly recommended.
Glen  B.
Glen B. Auckland, Auckland
Top Catch Charters โ€“ Kaikoura
Top Catch Charters โ€“ Kaikoura
Fishing charter in Kaikoura
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(70 reviews)
My son and granson wnet for two hours. They had a ball!! Caught some lovely fish that grandson helped crumb and cook for tea... very tasty. Great experience for an 8 yo ! Definately recommend doing this if you have time whilst in Kaikoura. Thank you to all concerned !
Kay  B.
Kay B. New Zealand
Taupo Lake Adventures Ltd
Taupo Lake Adventures Ltd
Fishing charter in Taupo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(101 reviews)
Great morning spent on the water. We caught some Trout to take home which Nick gutted and bagged for us and also caught and released some too. Nick was knowledgeable and friendly.
Anita  C.
Anita C. Portsmouth, NH
Fish Taupo
Fish Taupo
Fishing charter in Taupo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(260 reviews)
Recommend this 100% . Great host and my family enjoyed themselves. Great experience thanks Marty
Bryce  O.
Bryce O. New Zealand