Best Fishing Charters in Whangarei: 4 Trusted Local Operators

The best fishing charters in Whangarei run out of Marsden Cove, Parua Bay and the Town Basin, fishing Bream Bay, the Hen and Chicken Islands and, on longer runs, the Mokohinaus. Whether you want a shared day trip, a private boat for a group or lure-only guiding, these operators chase snapper, kingfish, tarakihi and john dory through the seasons. Bay Fishing Charters and Bream Bay Charters are among the best known.

1Bay Fishing Charters

Bay Fishing Charters runs Nimble II, a 17 metre boat working out of Marsden Cove Marina and fishing Bream Bay, the Hen and Chicken Islands and the Mokohinaus. Shared day trips take up to 20 people, with private charters, work groups and multi-day runs to Great Barrier Island also available. The boat is set up for wheelchair access, which is unusual among local charter vessels.

Services

• Shared day trips for up to 20 anglers
• Private charters for groups and work functions
• Multi-day trips to the Mokohinau Islands and Great Barrier
• Scallop dives in season for groups with divers aboard
• Bait and rods supplied as part of the package

Highlights

• Nimble II is 17 metres, among the larger charter boats working Bream Bay
• Wheelchair accessible vessel
• Targets snapper, tarakihi, kahawai, kingfish, john dory, trevally and gurnard in season
• Departs Marsden Cove Marina, handy to both Whangarei and Ruakaka
• Trading as Bay Fishing Charters 2013 Ltd

Location & Contact

Name: Bay Fishing Charters
Address: Marsden Cove Marina, Whangarei
Phone: 0800 22 93 47
Website: bayfishingcharters.nz

2Bream Bay Charters

Bream Bay Charters is owner-operated by Steve, known locally as Sumo Steve, fishing aboard the boat Sumo. Trips run from short four hour outings through full days to multi-day overnight adventures, each tailored to the group rather than run to a fixed template. Targets range from snapper and trevally through to marlin, sharks and hapuku further offshore.

Services

• Four hour, full day and multi-day overnight fishing trips
• Big game and sport fishing charters
• Line fishing charters tailored to the group
• Fishing contests and club trips
• Bird watching trips as a non-fishing option

Highlights

• Owner-operated, so you fish with Steve rather than a rotating skipper
• Caters to complete beginners and families as well as experienced club anglers
• Targets snapper, trevally, kingfish, kahawai, tuna, hapuku, tarakihi, john dory and marlin
• Takes work groups, birthdays, stag parties and social clubs
• Overnight trips available for groups wanting more than a day on the water

Location & Contact

Name: Bream Bay Charters
Address: Bream Bay, Whangarei
Phone: 027 474 9751
Website: breambaycharters.co.nz

3Snap Fishing Ventures

Snap Fishing Ventures is run by Captain Nik Key, who has spent more than twenty five years refining lure fishing technique and the last twelve guiding professionally across the Hauraki Gulf and Northland. Trips are lures only, hard and soft baits, with no bait carried aboard. The emphasis is on teaching clients to find fish through the seasons and then catch them.

Services

• Guided lure fishing charters across Northland
• Private guiding for individuals and small groups
• Instruction in soft bait and hard lure technique
• Seasonal fish-finding tuition
• Tackle testing and gear advice

Highlights

• Lures only, with no bait used on board
• Captain Nik Key has 25+ years with lure techniques and 12 years guiding professionally
• Writes “How To” feature articles for NZ Fishing News
• Suits anglers wanting to learn technique rather than just be taken to a spot

Location & Contact

Name: Snap Fishing Ventures
Address: Whangarei
Phone: 021 596 074
Website: snapfishingventures.com

4Northern Chartered Adventures

Northern Chartered Adventures runs private and shared charters departing from either Parua Bay or Marsden Cove, working Bream Bay and out around the Hen and Chicken Islands. The focus is lure fishing and soft baiting, capped at four anglers so there is room to fish properly. Skipper Josh also runs island tours for groups wanting sightseeing alongside the fishing.

Services

• Lure fishing charters
• Soft baiting trips
• Private charters for up to four anglers
• Shared charters for individuals and pairs
• Island tours around Bream Bay and the Hen and Chicken Islands

Highlights

• Capped at four anglers, giving more deck space than a larger shared boat
• Choice of departure from either Parua Bay or Marsden Cove
• Covers both Bream Bay and the Hen and Chicken Islands
• Bookings handled through Newman Marine

Location & Contact

Name: Northern Chartered Adventures
Address: Departs Parua Bay or Marsden Cove, Whangarei
Phone: 0800 262 878
Website: facebook.com/people/Josh-Fish-NZ

Fishing Charters in Whangarei at a Glance

How to Choose the Right Fishing Charter in Whangarei

• Decide whether you want a shared trip, which is cheaper per head, or a private charter where the boat and the day are yours.
• Match the trip length to the fishing you want: four to six hours suits inshore snapper, while the Mokohinaus and Great Barrier need a full or multi-day run.
• Check what is supplied. Most operators include rods, bait and tackle, but lure-only guiding assumes a different style of fishing altogether.
• Ask how many anglers are aboard. A boat capped at four fishes very differently from one carrying twenty.
• Confirm the departure point, since Marsden Cove, Parua Bay and the Town Basin are a fair drive apart.

Frequently Asked Questions About Whangarei Fishing Charters

Do I need a fishing licence for a sea charter in Whangarei?

No licence is required for recreational sea fishing in New Zealand, but daily catch limits and minimum size limits apply and they vary by species and area. Your skipper will keep you right on the day. The current limits for the Auckland and Kermadec area, which covers Bream Bay, are published by the Ministry for Primary Industries.

What can I expect to catch?

Snapper is the mainstay year round, with tarakihi, kahawai, trevally, john dory and gurnard common through the season. Kingfish come on over the warmer months, and the longer offshore runs to the Mokohinaus or Great Barrier open up hapuku and, on game trips, marlin and sharks.

How long is a typical trip?

Inshore trips generally run four to six hours, which is enough to fish Bream Bay properly. Full days of eight to ten hours reach the Hen and Chicken Islands and further out, and multi-day charters are available for groups heading to the Mokohinaus or Great Barrier.

Is gear provided or should I bring my own?

Most Whangarei operators supply rods, reels, bait and terminal tackle as part of the charter price, and you are welcome to bring your own gear if you prefer it. The exception is lure-only guiding, where the whole trip is built around soft baits and hard lures and no bait is carried.

What should I bring on the day?

Warm layers and a waterproof jacket, sun protection, soft-soled shoes, food and drink unless the operator provides it, a chilly bin for your catch, and seasickness tablets taken well before departure if you are prone to it.

Are charters suitable for beginners and children?

Yes. Several local operators specifically cater to first-timers and family groups, and skippers will rig gear and talk you through technique. If you are booking for children or a mixed-ability group, say so when you book so the skipper can pick suitable water and a shorter trip.

How do I know a charter boat is operating safely?

Commercial passenger vessels must operate under a maritime transport operator plan and carry certified safety equipment, overseen by Maritime New Zealand. It is a fair question to ask an operator before booking, and any reputable charter will answer it without hesitation.

What happens if the weather turns?

Charters are weather dependent and skippers will postpone rather than run a trip in unsafe or unfishable conditions. Most operators will reschedule at no cost, but cancellation and refund terms vary, so confirm them when you book.