Experience one of the best Kaikōura fishing charters with award-winning Kaikōura Fishing Tours. Join experienced local skipper Tomo for affordable deep sea fishing, crayfishing trips and scenic adventures suitable for beginners, families, groups and experienced anglers.
Proud winners of the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award, we’re ranked among the top 10% of attractions worldwide, recognising our commitment to delivering unforgettable fishing experiences.
Whether you’re an experienced angler or trying fishing for the first time, our Kaikōura fishing charters include everything you need. We provide quality fishing gear, bait, tackle and expert instruction, making every trip enjoyable and stress-free.
Every legal catch is professionally filleted and prepared for you to take home, while undersized fish and breeding stock are carefully released to help protect Kaikōura’s fisheries for future generations.
Along the way, keep an eye out for dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, seabirds and even whales, which are regularly spotted while fishing the spectacular Kaikōura coastline.
There really is no better way to experience Kaikōura than from the water.
Book Your Kaikōura Fishing Charter Direct
Book directly with Kaikōura Fishing Tours for the latest prices, trip availability and personalised local service. Whether you’re planning a family fishing trip, a deep sea fishing adventure or a crayfishing experience, booking direct ensures you receive the best advice and the most up-to-date information straight from the local experts.
Why Choose Kaikōura Fishing Tours?
Award-Winning Fishing Experiences
Recognised with the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award, Kaikōura Fishing Tours ranks among the top 10% of attractions worldwide. Join one of Kaikōura’s most trusted fishing operators for an unforgettable day on the water.
Experienced Local Fishing Guides
Owner/operator Tomo and his experienced crew know the Kaikōura coastline and local fishing grounds exceptionally well. Whether you’re an experienced angler or trying fishing for the first time, you’ll receive friendly guidance throughout your trip.
All Fishing Equipment Provided
Everything you need is included. We supply quality fishing gear, bait, tackle and full instruction, while our crew bait hooks, remove fish from the line and prepare your catch ready to take home.
The Largest and Most Stable Charter Boat
Fish in comfort aboard the custom-built Tessa B, a spacious 12-metre charter vessel featuring covered seating, tea and coffee facilities, a large onboard toilet, cooking facilities and a stable ride for up to 12 anglers.
Fishing Trips for Everyone
From a 2-hour family-friendly fishing trip to a full-day 7-hour deep sea adventure, Kaikōura Fishing Tours offers charter options for every level of experience. Whether you’re a first-time angler, a keen fisher or simply looking for a memorable day on the water, there’s a trip to suit you.
Incredible Marine Wildlife Encounters
Every trip is also a wildlife experience. It’s common to spot dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, seabirds and even whales while exploring the spectacular Kaikōura coastline.
Kaikōura Fishing Trips
Whether you’re looking for a quick family outing or a full-day deep sea fishing adventure, Kaikōura Fishing Tours offers a range of charter options to suit every experience level. All trips include quality fishing gear, expert local guidance, and the opportunity to catch some of Kaikōura’s most sought-after fish.
2-Hour Crayfishing & Fishing Trip
Perfect if you’re short on time, this trip is ideal for travellers, families with children, first-time anglers and anyone wanting to experience Kaikōura fishing for the first time. You’ll head out to check the crayfish pots when the season allows and enjoy fishing close to shore for a variety of local species.
Half-Day Crayfishing & Fishing (4 Hours)
A popular choice for keen anglers wanting more time on the water. Spend longer fishing productive local grounds targeting blue cod, sea perch and, on the right day, tarakihi and hāpuku (groper). Thanks to the speed and comfort of the Tessa B, reaching the best fishing locations is all part of the adventure.
Extended Crayfishing & Fishing Trip (5 Hours)
Travel further offshore to less-fished grounds for even more opportunities to catch blue cod, sea perch and tarakihi. This trip is ideal for those wanting extra fishing time while enjoying Kaikōura’s spectacular coastal scenery.
Full-Day Deep Sea Fishing Charter (7 Hours)
Experience the ultimate Kaikōura fishing adventure. Using electric reels, you’ll target hāpuku (groper) and bluenose in deep offshore waters before fishing for blue cod closer to shore. When the crayfish fishery is open, crayfish pots are checked on the return journey. Lunch is included.
Kaikōura Fishing Tours is committed to protecting the region’s unique marine environment for future generations. All legal fish are professionally filleted ready to take home, while undersized fish and breeding stock are carefully released to help maintain healthy fish populations.
Sustainable Fishing
Kaikōura Fishing Tours is committed to protecting the region’s unique marine environment for future generations. All legal fish are professionally filleted ready to take home, while undersized fish and breeding stock are carefully released to help maintain healthy fish populations.
Important Information
Temporary Closure of the Kaikōura Crayfish Fishery (1 July – 30 September 2026)
The crayfish fishery only is temporarily closed to help protect local crayfish stocks. Fishing charters continue to operate as normal, with excellent opportunities to catch a variety of local fish species. The crayfish fishery is scheduled to reopen after 30 September 2026.
Why Kaikōura is One of New Zealand’s Best Fishing Destinations
Kai means food and kōura means crayfish – a fitting name for one of New Zealand’s most famous fishing destinations.
Kaikōura’s unique underwater canyon brings deep ocean waters close to shore, creating one of New Zealand’s richest marine environments. This makes it an exceptional location for Kaikōura fishing charters, with opportunities to catch blue cod, hāpuku, bluenose, tarakihi, sea perch and the region’s famous crayfish.
Surrounded by the Kaikōura Ranges and the Pacific Ocean, the area is also renowned for its abundant marine wildlife. While out on your fishing trip, it’s not uncommon to see dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, seabirds and even sperm whales, making every charter a memorable South Island adventure.
Explore More of Canterbury
Kaikōura is one of Canterbury’s most spectacular coastal destinations, famous for its marine wildlife, dramatic mountain scenery and outdoor adventures. After your fishing charter, discover more places to visit, attractions, accommodation and travel inspiration in our Canterbury Travel Guide.
The Tessa B Charter Boat
Enjoy your Kaikōura fishing adventure aboard the Tessa B, a custom-built 12-metre charter vessel designed for comfort, safety and stability.
Purpose-built for New Zealand waters, the Tessa B is equipped with high-quality fishing equipment, covered seating, tea and coffee facilities, and a spacious onboard toilet.
Although surveyed for up to 18 passengers, fishing trips are limited to a maximum of 12 anglers, giving everyone plenty of room and personalised service from the experienced crew.
The Tessa B has previously operated around the Chatham Islands and New Zealand’s rugged West Coast, bringing years of offshore fishing experience to every charter.
Whether you’re an experienced angler or trying fishing for the first time, all fishing gear, bait and instruction are supplied, making every trip enjoyable and hassle-free.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kaikōura Fishing Charters
What fish can you catch in Kaikōura?
Kaikōura fishing charters regularly catch blue cod, hāpuku, bluenose, sea perch, tarakihi, gurnard and crayfish, depending on the season and trip selected.
Are fishing rods and bait provided?
Yes. Every Kaikōura fishing charter includes rods, reels, bait, tackle and expert tuition, making the trips suitable for beginners and experienced anglers.
Can beginners go fishing?
Absolutely. No experience is needed. Our friendly crew will provide all the instruction you need and help bait hooks, remove fish from the line and prepare your catch.
What wildlife might I see?
Many trips encounter dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, seabirds and, on occasion, whales while fishing along the spectacular Kaikōura coastline.
What should I bring?
Bring warm clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, food and drinks. Everything you need for fishing, including rods, reels, bait and tackle, is supplied.
