What is the price of a fishing charter?

We have a range of trips ranging from $120 per person to $200 per person. Contact us for custom pricing and special trips.

Do you do private charters?

Yes. Almost all of our trips are for private groups.

Can we combine our charter with another group?

Yes, mixed group charters are possible. Contact us to see if we can arrange this for your group, trip and date.

Do you work with tour groups?

Yes. We often work with travel agents and tour organisers, so give us a call. We often take groups of travellers from China and other countries.

How many people can come on the boat?

We suggest keeping it to eight guests or fewer – this keeps things nice and roomy. We can take up to ten guests.

What should I bring?

Clothes that will protect you from the sun (and the wind if it gets chilly), food, drinks, sunscreen, sunglasses and shoes.

Do we need our own fishing rods?

No. We supply all fishing gear including rods with electric reels, bait and lures.

Do I need to know how to fish?

No. We can teach you that! All novice fishermen welcome.

Is this charter suitable for expert fishermen?

Yes. We can get straight to some of the best fishing spots in New Zealand and have you casting in no time.

Can kids come on the trip?

Yes. We love teaching children and families to fish.

What sort of fish will we catch?

It depends on the time of year, how long you want to spend out on the water, and a bit on luck, but we often catch crayfish, blue cod, red cod, sea perch, tarakihi, Ray’s bream, bluenose, and groper.

Can we eat what we catch?

Yes! We’ll fillet and bag your fish ready to take home and throw in the frying pan.

Do you guarantee we’ll catch fish?

Fishing is famously fickle, and we can’t guarantee a catch. However, it is very, very rare to have a trip with no fish caught.

Do you have a toilet on board?

Yes – it’s a proper flushing toilet with a door.

Will we see dolphins, whales and seals?

You’ll certainly see seals. This isn’t a dolphin-watching or whale-watching boat, but there’s always a chance they’ll drop by to say hello!

Is it safe?

Absolutely. Safety is our first priority. We don’t go out if the weather is dangerous, and we take care to maintain all our safety gear and make sure people are being safe on the boat. All our safety equipment is Maritime New Zealand certified.

Do you provide lunch?

No. You are welcome to bring your own food and drinks on the boat.

Can we drink alcohol on board?

You are welcome to bring your own alcohol on the boat and drink it responsibly.

Do you have a sound system?

Yes, and you’re welcome to play your own music on private charters.

What happens if the weather is too bad to fish?

We’ll contact you as soon as we know and give you a full refund if it’s too rough to go out.

Where is the best parking?

We have free off-street parking on the lawn outside our place at 120 South Bay Parade.

Is Kaikōura Fishing the same as South Bay Fishing Charters?

Kaikōura Fishing was previously known as South Bay Fishing Charters. Our official company name is South Bay Fishing Charters Limited.