Frequently Asked Questions

Ultimate Charters is Auckland’s specialist in large-group trips on the water aboard MV Koru, the city’s largest charter boat. Our most popular options are fishing charters on the Hauraki Gulf and scenic harbour cruises, plus island explorer day trips and multi-day fishing adventures to spots like the Far North and Great Barrier Island. We also host private events — Christmas functions, corporate days, birthdays and team get-togethers — for groups of 10 to 40 guests.

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 a drink at the bar. 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. Multi-day adventures and custom private charters can be arranged over longer periods — contact us to plan the timing that suits your group.

Your charter includes everything you need to fish: quality rods, reels, bait and tackle, plus an experienced skipper and crew who’ll find the fish, bait your hooks and show you the ropes. Chilly bins with ice are loaded and ready when you step aboard to keep your catch fresh, and the crew will fillet your fish at the end of the day. Just bring your group, your food and drinks (or pre-order catering), and we’ll take care of the rest.

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.

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.

The Hauraki Gulf is one of New Zealand’s richest 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. On our offshore multi-day adventures we chase deep-water species like hāpuku (groper) and bass. Catches vary with the season and conditions, but our crew know where the fish are holding and put you on the action.

Yes — you’re welcome to bring your own food aboard, and MV Koru has a fully licensed bar with one of our barmen serving your group through the trip. You can also BYO alcohol when it’s 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: lunchbox options from $30 per person, or fully cooked BBQ meals and snacks from $45 per person. Prefer to self-cater? You can hire our large onboard BBQ — hire includes sauces, napkins, cutlery and paper plates. 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 do. Beyond our day charters, we run multi-day fishing adventures to some of New Zealand’s most productive offshore grounds — including the Far North and Great Barrier Island — and island explorer day trips around the Hauraki Gulf to spots like Kawau, Rangitoto and Motuora. These trips combine serious fishing with stunning scenery and overnight comfort aboard MV Koru. Contact us to plan an itinerary for your group.

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 fish fillets 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.