Kaikōura Fishing Tours excels in offering budget-friendly guided fishing charters and crayfishing trips, as well as picturesque excursions in the stunning South Island of New Zealand.
Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award winner, ranking in the top 10% of attractions worldwide. Unmatched for an exceptional experience!
Fishing Charters in Kaikoura
Find our fishing charter prices and book direct here!
We cater for the expert fisherman to the novice with all training provided and fishing gear supplied.
All fish is filleted ready for cooking or if preferred catch and release. We are about preservation of the fisheries and give all fish that are too small or breeding stock back to the sea, so fish stocks continue to be plentiful.
During the trip we can describe the sea birds and their habitat, also whales and dolphins are not an uncommon sight while fishing.
However, we won’t tell you too much more because words and pictures cannot describe Kaikōura and the surrounding areas well enough, you will have to come and see for yourself just how amazing the place really is.
Why Choose a Kaikōura Fishing Charter?
Kaikōura’s unique underwater canyon means fish are found close to shore, making it one of the best fishing destinations in New Zealand. Whether you’re keen to experience crayfishing in Kaikōura, target blue cod, or chase trophy-sized hāpuku on a deep-sea charter, Kaikōura Fishing Tours delivers an authentic Kiwi fishing experience.
- Owner/operator Tomo – experienced local fishing guide
- Bait your hooks, make hot drinks and all fishing gear is provided
- We run 2 staff on the boat, so you are well looked after
- We remove the fish from your hooks & process the fish for you
- Biggest most stable charter boat in Kaikoura
- 2, 3 & 4 hour plus full day charters our specialty
- Dive & scenic trips
- Toilet and cooking facilities
Shallow & Mid-Range Fishing Trips (2–5 Hours)
Perfect for families, first-time anglers, or anyone short on time, these shorter Kaikōura fishing charters offer a great introduction to local waters. Common catches include:
- Crayfish (spiny rock lobster) – iconic to the Kaikōura coast, often brought up fresh in pots.
- Sea perch – easy to catch, delicious to eat, and sometimes caught two at a time.
- Blue cod – one of the most popular fish in New Zealand, prized for its flavour and abundance.
- Tarakihi, gurnard, and grouper – bonus catches that appear on good days, adding variety to your haul.
Full-Day Deep Sea Fishing Charters (up to 7 Hours)
For those wanting a true Kaikōura deep sea fishing adventure, heading out to deeper waters (around 250 m) provides the chance to land some seriously impressive fish:
- Grouper (hāpuku) – powerful deep-water fish, capable of reaching up to 40 kg, and an exciting challenge for any angler.
- Blue nose (bluenose) – highly prized for its fine fillets, regularly caught on longer Kaikōura fishing trips.
- Sharks – a thrilling encounter when they take the line, making for a memorable offshore catch.
Kai meaning food · Koura meaning crayfish
Trust me, it lives up to its name.
Kaikōura is situated between a mountain range and a pristine coastal environment abundant with a variety of amazing ocean life ranging from the Sperm Whale to the small, endangered sea bird called Huttons Shearwater.
The Boat
Kaikōura Fishing Tours will take you on the ‘Tessa B’, a custom built 12-meter-long charter vessel with the highest safety and fishing equipment onboard. She is very stable and has tea/coffee facilities, large sized bathroom, covered seating and surveyed for 18 passengers, however, we have a maximum of 12 people fishing at once.
The vessel has fished the Chatham Islands and the lower west coast of the South Island.
We cater for all levels of fishing experience from the expert to the novice, with all gear and training supplied.
See you in Kaikōura!
