Frequently Asked Questions

Ultimate Charters is Auckland’s specialist in large-group trips aboard MV Koru — the city’s largest charter boat. We run inshore fishing charters on the Hauraki Gulf and harbour cruises around Auckland’s coastline, for groups of 10 to 40 guests. MV Koru is also a popular venue for private events on the water: Christmas functions, corporate days, birthdays and team get-togethers. Book online or contact us to plan your day.

All charters board MV Koru at Z Pier, 31 Westhaven Drive, St Mary’s Bay, Auckland — just minutes from the city centre with parking nearby at Westhaven Marina. We’ll confirm your exact departure time and meeting point when you book. Please aim to arrive 15 minutes before departure so we can get everyone aboard and out on the water on schedule.

MV Koru is Auckland’s largest charter boat and can host up to 40 guests plus crew. We fish up to 25 people at any one time, with plenty of room upstairs for everyone else to relax, take in the view, or enjoy BYO drinks with bar service. Smaller groups are welcome too — get in touch and we’ll tailor the trip to your numbers.

Our summer fishing charters run for 6 hours, with a choice of a morning departure at 7am (returning 1pm) or an afternoon departure at 3pm (returning 9pm). Harbour cruises run for 3 hours, departing at 3pm in peak season (October–April) and 5pm in off-peak (May–September), unless arranged otherwise. Winter fishing charters run 8 hours — see fishing charter pricing for seasonal details. Need something tailored? Contact us and we’ll talk through what suits your group.

No. In New Zealand you do not need a licence for recreational saltwater fishing, so there’s nothing to arrange before you come aboard. Our crew operate within the legal bag and size limits and will help you understand the rules on the day, so you can simply turn up and enjoy the fishing.

The Hauraki Gulf is one of New Zealand’s richest inshore fishing grounds. On a typical charter you can expect snapper, kahawai, trevally, gurnard and john dory, with hard-fighting kingfish a prized target over the warmer months. Catches vary with the season and conditions, but our crew know where the fish are holding and put you on the action.

Absolutely. Our trips are popular with first-timers, families and mixed-ability groups. With 50+ years of combined crew experience, our team are happy to teach newcomers and kids how to cast, hook and land a fish — many guests catch their very first snapper with us. There’s plenty of space to move around, shelter from the sun and seating for anyone who’d rather sit back and enjoy the ride.

Yes — you’re welcome to bring your own food aboard. Licensed bar service (BYO) — our barmen can serve your group when alcohol is arranged and agreed beforehand, as our licence comes with rules we need to follow. Just call us to sort the details. There’s no fridge on board, but we load chilly bins with ice ready for when you step aboard.

Yes. If you’d rather not bring your own, we can take care of the food: fully cooked BBQ meals and snacks from $45 per person. Prefer to self-cater? BBQ hire is included on harbour cruises; on fishing charters it’s $150 — sauces, napkins, cutlery and paper plates are provided so you can cook on our large onboard BBQ. Let us know your group’s preferences when booking and we’ll organise the rest.

Pricing depends on the type of charter, the day of the week, your group size and any extras like catering, so we tailor a quote to your plans. You can see live availability and pricing for our large-group fishing charters and harbour cruises through our online booking system, or call 0800 262 844 for a custom quote. A $450 deposit secures your preferred date.

Booking is easy. You can book online through our live availability calendar, call us on 0800 262 844, or email bookings@ultimatecharters.co.nz. A $450 deposit confirms your date. We recommend booking early — peak times over summer and the November–December Christmas season fill up fast, so the sooner you lock in your preferred date, the better.

Your safety and enjoyment come first. If conditions on your chosen day aren’t suitable, our skipper may adjust the route to find sheltered water, or we’ll work with you to reschedule to another date. We keep a close eye on the marine forecast and will be in touch ahead of time if anything needs to change. If you have any concerns leading up to your trip, just give us a call.

Yes — private functions are one of the things we do best. MV Koru is a fantastic venue for corporate days, team-building, birthdays, stag and hen parties, Christmas functions and group celebrations of up to 40 guests. With a licensed bar, Bluetooth sound system, BBQ and the option to fish, cruise or anchor up in a sheltered bay for a swim, every event is tailored to your group. Get in touch and we’ll help you plan the perfect day on the water.

We currently operate MV Koru on day charters only — inshore fishing on the Hauraki Gulf and harbour cruises for groups of 10 to 40. Dedicated multi-day adventures and island-explorer itineraries are not on our schedule at present. For a private function, fishing day or harbour cruise, book online or contact us and we’ll help you plan your day on the water.

Pack for a day on the water: sun protection (hat, sunglasses and sunscreen), a warm layer or light jacket, and soft-soled flat shoes for the deck. Bring any food and drinks you haven’t pre-ordered, plus a bag to take your catch home in. We supply all fishing gear, bait and tackle, chilly bins and ice. If anyone in your group is prone to seasickness, take a motion-sickness tablet before you board for the smoothest experience.

Yes. Ultimate Charters is fully licensed by the Department of Conservation (DOC) and Auckland Council, and MV Koru is a commercially surveyed vessel carrying all required safety equipment. Our skippers and crew bring 50+ years of combined experience on Auckland’s waters, so you’re in safe, capable hands from the moment you step aboard. Your safety is always our first priority, on every trip.