Discovering the best boat charters in Invercargill provides access to the pristine waters of Foveaux Strait, Stewart Island and Fiordland National Park, with tailored options for fishing, diving, hunting, jet boating and scenic wildlife experiences. Local operators deliver expert knowledge of Southland’s marine environments for both day trips and extended adventures. Mana Charters and Takapu Charters exemplify the professional service available in the region.
1Mana Charters
Mana Charters operates a 47ft vessel from Bluff with 25 years of experience, offering boat charters focused on Stewart Island and Foveaux Strait waters. The vessel holds a NZ Maritime Safe Ship Management Survey and caters to a majority of DOC and Maori blocks on the island. Guests enjoy comfortable trips with options for private hire and supplied fishing gear.
Services
- Hunting transport to DOC and Maori blocks on Stewart Island
- Diving and fishing charters around Ruapuke and Stewart Island
- Tramping transportation to isolated walking tracks
- Harbour cruises around Bluff Harbour
- Scenic tours available from Bluff or Stewart Island
Highlights
- 47ft vessel with NZ Maritime Safe Ship Management Survey
- 25 years of operation with experienced skipper
- Access to majority of DOC and Maori blocks on Stewart Island
- Rods, reels and bait supplied for fishing charters
- Dinghy and outboard hire available
Location & Contact
Name: Mana Charters
Address: Invercargill
Phone: 027 209 4407
Website: manacharters.com
2Lake Hauroko Tours
Lake Hauroko Tours, operated by Wairaurahiri Jet, has provided commercial boat tours and transport on New Zealand’s deepest lake since 1980. Based in Clifden, they run jet boat charters across Lake Hauroko and down the wild Wairaurahiri River within Fiordland National Park, including nature walks and track transport options. The operation delivers flexible adventure packages in a remote wilderness setting.
Services
- Jet boat tours on Lake Hauroko and Wairaurahiri River
- Scenic cruises with nature walks
- Transport to Dusky Track and other tramping routes
- Adventure packages including helicopter options
- Custom charters and flexible booking for other trips
Highlights
- Operating commercial tours since 1980
- Jet boating on New Zealand’s deepest lake and wildest jet-boatable river
- Boat ramp access in Fiordland National Park
- Flexible options for different days and group needs
- Established part of the Wairaurahiri Jet operation
Location & Contact
Name: Lake Hauroko Tours
Address: Clifden Highway, Clifden RD 1, Tuatapere 9691
Phone: 027 227 7223
Website: wjet.co.nz
3Takapu Charters
Takapu Charters specialises in customisable multi-day boat charters for groups of up to eight on their vessel in the pristine waters of Fiordland and Stewart Island. The experienced crew handles all organising, including transfers, allowing guests to focus on hunting, fishing, diving and exploring untouched areas. Based in Invercargill, they create seamless group adventures with flexible itineraries.
Services
- Hunting charters in remote inlets
- Fishing charters for groper, blue cod and more
- Diving charters in kelp forests and marine areas
- Sightseeing, history and exploring trips
- Custom itineraries and shared charter options
Highlights
- Customisable trip length and itinerary for groups of 7-8
- Transfers into and out of Fiordland included
- Experienced crew and professional skippers
- Vessel equipped for extended remote adventures
- Focus on seamless, all-organised group experiences
Location & Contact
Name: Takapu Charters
Address: 21 Lorne Dacre Road, Invercargill, New Zealand
Phone: 027 432 8066
Website: takapucharters.co.nz
4Bluff Fishing Charters
Bluff Fishing Charters operates the 14.8 metre vessel Isabella from Bluff for day and overnight fishing trips targeting blue cod and crayfish in Foveaux Strait and around Stewart Island. The vessel features full kitchen facilities, is surveyed for up to 15 passengers and includes comprehensive safety equipment such as fish finder, radar and chart plotter. Rods, bait and light lunch are provided for comfortable outings.
Services
- Full day fishing trips for groups
- Overnight adventure charters to Stewart Island
- Crayfish and blue cod targeted fishing
- Family, social club and work group outings
- Custom packages with island drop-off options
Highlights
- 14.8 metre semi-planing vessel with full kitchen facilities
- Maritime Operators Certificate and full safety navigation equipment
- Rods and bait provided for all fishing trips
- Surveyed for up to 15 day fishers
- Weather-dependent trips with flexible customisation
Location & Contact
Name: Bluff Fishing Charters
Address: Foreshore Road, Bluff
Phone: 027 333 3620
Website: fishingchartersbluff.co.nz
5Rakiura Charters
Rakiura Charters & Water Taxi offers comprehensive scenic boat tours and water taxi services from Stewart Island using vessels including the custom-built Rakiura Suzy, Henerata and the 18m catamaran Paikea. They specialise in trips to Ulva Island bird sanctuary, Port William, Paterson Inlet discovery cruises, pelagic birding and track transfers for trampers and hunters. Locally owned and operated, the team provides professional guided experiences in one of New Zealand’s most remote destinations.
Services
- Ulva Island return water taxi and unguided walks
- Port William cruise and walk combinations
- Paterson Inlet discovery cruises with wildlife and history
- Pelagic birding and wildlife cruises
- Scenic, sightseeing and custom exclusive tours
Highlights
- Multiple vessels including 18m catamaran with roof-top viewing deck
- 5* rated tours with professional skippers and guides
- Heated enclosed cabins, covered decks and on-board toilet
- Instant book options for popular Ulva Island trips
- Local experts sharing Stewart Island’s unique environment and history
Location & Contact
Name: Rakiura Charters
Address: 10 Main Road, Halfmoon Bay, Stewart Island
Phone: 03 219 1487
Website: rakiuracharters.co.nz
Boat Charters in Invercargill at a Glance
| Business | Based in | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Mana Charters | Invercargill | 47ft vessel with NZ Maritime Safe Ship Management Survey |
| Lake Hauroko Tours | Clifden RD 1 | Operating commercial tours since 1980 |
| Takapu Charters | Invercargill | Customisable trip length and itinerary for groups of 7-8 |
| Bluff Fishing Charters | Bluff | 14.8 metre semi-planing vessel with full kitchen facilities |
| Rakiura Charters | Halfmoon Bay | Multiple vessels including 18m catamaran with roof-top viewing deck |
How to Choose the Right Boat Charter in Invercargill
- Identify your main activity such as fishing, diving, hunting, jet boating or scenic wildlife viewing to select a specialist operator.
- Check vessel size, capacity and amenities like kitchens, cabins or viewing decks to match your group size and trip duration.
- Consider departure locations including Bluff, Stewart Island or Clifden for convenient access from Invercargill accommodation or travel plans.
- Confirm maritime operator certifications and safety equipment to ensure compliance and peace of mind on the water.
- Review customisation options, inclusions such as gear, transfers, bait or catering, and weather policies before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invercargill Boat Charters
What types of boat charters are available in Invercargill?
Invercargill boat charters include fishing trips targeting blue cod and crayfish, jet boat tours on Lake Hauroko, multi-day hunting and diving adventures in Fiordland, scenic cruises to Stewart Island and Ulva Island, and water taxi or track transfer services. Operators cater to day trips, overnight stays and custom group itineraries.
When is the best time of year to book a boat charter in Invercargill?
The warmer months from late spring through early autumn offer more stable weather and active marine life, though many operators run year-round depending on conditions and trip type. Advance booking is recommended for peak periods.
Do I need prior experience for fishing or diving charters?
No prior experience is required for most charters, as operators supply equipment, provide instruction and conduct safety briefings. Beginners receive support, while experienced anglers and divers can request specific spots or extended activities.
How do I find boat charters departing near Bluff or Stewart Island?
Many charters depart from Bluff, a short drive from Invercargill, or directly from Stewart Island locations such as Halfmoon Bay. Search for operators based in these areas or contact them directly to confirm departure points and transfer options from Invercargill.
How can I verify if a boat charter operator is properly licensed?
Check that the operator holds a Maritime Operator Safety System (MOSS) certificate or equivalent maritime document. Visit the official Maritime New Zealand website for guidance on commercial operators and vessel requirements. Maritime NZ commercial operators page
Are boat charters in Invercargill suitable for families or larger groups?
Yes, many operators accommodate families and groups with vessels surveyed for 8–15 passengers, onboard amenities and flexible itineraries. Confirm capacity, age suitability and any specific requirements directly with the charter company.
What should I bring on a boat charter trip?
Bring appropriate clothing for variable Southland weather, sunscreen, motion sickness remedies if needed, and any personal fishing gear. Most operators supply rods, bait, life jackets and refreshments, but check inclusions when booking.
How We Chose the Best Boat Charters in Invercargill
Every business in this guide was found by searching for boat charters in Invercargill, then checked against its own website. Names, addresses and phone numbers are taken from the business’s own site rather than a directory feed, so what you see here is what they publish themselves. We also check that each one is actually based in or genuinely serving Invercargill, rather than a national operator running a local landing page. A business with no website of its own is not listed, because there is no primary source to verify it against.