Several points, both positive and negative as requested.
Firstly and since this was a fishing trip, did we catch fish? Yes we did. I took 3 other family members out for the day. My partner unfortunately ended up early on with her head over the side, so stopped fishing after catching her one and only. As a footnote, it wasn’t that rough. But the rest of us carried on fishing okay. My 2 daughters, both in their 20’s, one of whom had never been fishing before, were fine. The 3 of us caught 30 keepers between us, all good sized Tarakihi and pan sized snapper.
Secondly the boat staff. Brett the skipper was very helpful and encouraging. Paul the decky was helpful at times sorting out the expected tangles with other lines. Although Paul spent the majority of his time doing his own fishing. To the point where it seemed that this was his pay for the day. On a person by person fishing basis, Paul would have caught more fish than anyone else, hence my comment.
Thirdly the boat. Manutere is an old chugger and could probably do with a wee tidy up. It took 2 1/2 hours to get out to the fishing and the same getting back. So of the 10 hours out on the boat, half the time was the getting to and fro’. But that was where the fish were, so that was where we went. However, just being out on the water was relaxing anyway, so overall it wasn’t an issue.
Forthly cost. At $80 per head, excluding bait and rods, this was a very well priced experience for my family. In comparison to another charter I went on earlier this year from Westhaven, which was $160 per head, there were 6 people fishing and overall we only caught 5 fish all day between us. Never again. But that skipper insisted on using only fancy jap lures without any back up plan. Nothing wrong as Saturday proved with good old bait.
The bonus for our Saturday trip was the pod of dolphins which swam alongside the boat on the way back. A highlight for the girls.
Lastly, would I recommend this trip to others and would I use the same boat again, yes I would. Just be prepared for what to expect.

this trip is for everyone. the captain and deckie were extra helpful with advice and they were at every tangle. there was lots of laughter and we all caught fish. make sure you have decent gear which the skipper can supply. sunscreen,food and fluid very important. cant wait for the next time.
thanks guys.

BOTH BRETT AND PAUL WERE VERY HELPFUL AND ACCOMODATING.
THEY WERE VERY KNOWLEDGABLE ABOUT THE CORRECT FISHING TECHNIQUES AND NOT SHY TO MOVE THE BOAT WHEN THE BITES DIED AWAY. THE MANUTERE IS A SOLID BOAT BUT THE COMFORT LEVEL NEEDS SOME SERIOUS WORK.
OVERALL I’M GLAD I SELECTED THIS CHARTER AND WOULD RECOMMEND IT TO OTHERS WANTING A GOOD DAYS FISHING OUT ON THE WATER WITHOUT THE FRILLS. DEFINITELY GOT MY MONEYS WORTH THATS FOR SURE.

I had an awesome day fishing on Manutere yesterday. The fishing was not easy but I liked the way Brett moved the boat on quite quickly when there were no signs of fish coming on board. The crew were very helpful and a good vibe was on board, friendly people, no stress even though there were a few tangles - all good. Great day - thanks team!

Awesome day. Skipper remembered everyone’s name straight away, put us on the fish straight away. Good spacious boat and a good days fishing for a bloody good price!