Introduction: Why Try a Kaikoura Fishing Charter?
Kaikoura is a top spot for fishing and marine adventures. Its deep waters and rich sea life make it a great place for fishing. But is a Kaikoura fishing charter worth it? Whether you love fishing or just want to try something new, these charters offer both fishing fun and amazing wildlife views.
In this guide, we’ll cover what to expect—what fish you can catch, what animals you might see, and if it’s worth the money. Plus, I’ll share my own experience on a Kaikoura fishing tour to give you a firsthand look at what it’s really like.
Kaikoura’s Amazing Marine Life
Kaikoura has one of the best marine environments in New Zealand. The deep Kaikoura Canyon helps attract all kinds of sea creatures. Many Kaikoura fishing charters also offer wildlife tours.
- Whales: You might see sperm whales all year and humpbacks or orcas in certain seasons.
- Dolphins: Dusky and common dolphins love playing near the boats.
- Seabirds: Albatross, petrels, and other birds fly around hoping for a snack.
This makes a Kaikoura fishing tour more than just a fishing trip—it’s a full ocean adventure!
One unexpected highlight of my trip was seeing an albatross flying right above our boat. It wasn’t part of the tour, but it felt like a special bonus to be so close to such an incredible bird.
Did you know? New Zealand’s albatross wingspan can reach up to 3.5 meters, making it one of the largest flying birds in the world!
What Can You Catch?
Fishing in Kaikoura is exciting because there are many fish species. Local charters offer both deep-sea and inshore fishing trips.
- Blue Cod: A tasty and popular fish in Kaikoura.
- Groper (Hapuka): A deep-sea fish that takes some effort to catch.
- Perch & Tarakihi: Common and easy to catch—great for beginners!
- Crayfish (Rock Lobster): Kaikoura is famous for its crayfish, and some tours let you help pull up crayfish pots.
On my trip, the charter boat made three stops to check crayfish pots before heading to the fishing spot. Usually, each person gets at least one, but that day, our group only caught one in total—tough luck!
At the fishing site, it was just me and one other guest, so we agreed that whoever caught the biggest fish would take home the crayfish. I ended up catching a 48cm blue cod, so I got both the fish and the crayfish! Talk about a lucky day.
Fun fact: The Kaikoura region has over 200 recorded fish species, making it a dream destination for anglers!
What Do People Say About It?
Most visitors love their Kaikoura fishing charter experience. Here’s what they say:
Friendly and helpful guides High chance of catching fish Surprise wildlife sightings Free fish cleaning service
Some people mention that the weather can be rough, and the sea can get choppy. Choosing an experienced charter can help make your trip smoother.
I can confirm that the boat ride to the fishing spot was rough—even with only 0.5m waves, it felt bumpy. I took Sea-Legs motion sickness pills just in case, and I was glad I did. One of the other passengers got seasick, which made me think this might be tough for kids.
Think of it like a roller coaster on water—exciting for some, but stomach-churning for others! Even on a calm day, the ride can be rough, and the physical demands of reeling in heavy fishing weights from 100 meters down make this less suitable for younger kids or those prone to motion sickness.
For fit teens, this can be a fun challenge, but for younger children, it’s likely too demanding. If you’re looking for a more family-friendly experience, check out our guide to Top 10 Family-Friendly Destinations in New Zealand.
Best Time to Book a Fishing Charter in Kaikoura
Kaikoura offers fishing year-round, but some months are better than others depending on what you want to catch and the weather conditions.
- Summer (December – February): Warm weather, calmer seas, and great for blue cod and groper. Also the busiest season, so book early!
- Autumn (March – May): Still good weather, fewer crowds, and a great time for crayfish fishing.
- Winter (June – August): Colder but can be good for deep-sea fishing, though sea conditions can be rougher.
- Spring (September – November): A mix of good and bad days; great for snapper and tarakihi fishing.
If you want the best weather and high chances of catching fish, summer and autumn are the top choices. However, if you don’t mind cooler weather and want a quieter experience, winter and spring can still be good options.
How Much Does It Cost?
The price of a Kaikoura fishing charter depends on the type of trip. Most cost between NZD $100–$250 per person.
- Half-day trips: Great for beginners, focused on inshore fishing.
- Full-day trips: Perfect for deep-sea fishing, where you can catch bigger fish.
- Private charters: More expensive but allow for a custom experience.
I booked a 3-hour fishing trip for $140, and it was worth every dollar. The captain even baited the hooks for us and filleted the fish on the spot. All I had to do was drop my line, feel for a bite, and reel in the catch—though pulling up the line from 100 meters down was a workout!
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
So, should you book a Kaikoura fishing charter? If you love fishing, enjoy nature, or want a fun ocean adventure, the answer is yes! Weather can sometimes be tricky, but the mix of fishing, sea views, and wildlife makes it a special experience.
From my experience, this tour was an amazing deal. Not only did I catch a lot of fish, but I also got to bring home extra fillets from another guest who didn’t want his. A Kaikoura fishing charter is definitely worth it if you’re looking for a hands-on fishing adventure with plenty of rewards.
Final Verdict: Worth it for fishing lovers and wildlife fans!
If you’re visiting Kaikoura, booking a fishing charter is a great way to explore the sea. Just pick a trusted company and check the weather for the best trip!
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