Finding the best fishing charters in Invercargill provides access to the abundant waters of the Foveaux Strait and around Stewart Island, where blue cod, crayfish, and other species thrive. These local operators deliver expert skippers, quality vessels, and tailored trips for anglers of all levels seeking productive and memorable experiences in Southland. Bluff Fishing Charters and Mana Charters stand out among the options for their reliable service and local knowledge.
1Bluff Fishing Charters
Bluff Fishing Charters operates from Bluff near Invercargill, offering comfortable day and overnight fishing trips aboard the 14.8-metre vessel Isabella in the Foveaux Strait and around Stewart Island. The service focuses on targeting blue cod and crayfish with all-inclusive amenities for families, groups, and work outings. Experienced crew ensure safe and productive outings in the region’s challenging waters.
Services
- Fishing day trips targeting blue cod and crayfish
- Overnight adventure charters in Foveaux Strait and Stewart Island
- Stewart Island adventure charters with fishing and sightseeing
- Custom package tailoring for groups
- Full walk-around deck fishing with provided rods and bait
Highlights
- 14.8-metre semi-planing vessel Isabella with full kitchen facilities
- Maritime Operators Certificate and comprehensive safety equipment including radar and chart plotter
- Rods, bait, and light lunch provided on board
- Surveyed for up to 15 passengers with spacious deck
- Complimentary tea, coffee, milk, and sugar
Location & Contact
Name: Bluff Fishing Charters
Address: Foreshore Road, Bluff
Phone: 027 333 3620
Website: fishingchartersbluff.co.nz
2Mana Charters
Mana Charters, based in Bluff with access to Stewart Island, provides fishing charters combined with diving, hunting transport, and scenic tours on their 47ft vessel. With 25 years of operation, the service caters to groups seeking multi-activity adventures in the southern waters accessible from Invercargill. The experienced skipper delivers reliable trips to prime spots around Ruapuke and Stewart Island.
Services
- Full day fishing charters with rods and bait supplied
- Half day or 4-hour fishing charters
- Diving and fishing charters around Stewart Island
- Hunting transport to DoC and Maori blocks
- Scenic tours and Bluff harbour cruises
Highlights
- 25 years of operation with experienced skipper Shane
- NZ Maritime Safe Ship Management Survey on the 47ft vessel Mana
- Rods, reels, and bait supplied for fishing packages
- Access to majority of DoC and Maori blocks on Stewart Island
- Private hire options for custom adventures
Location & Contact
Name: Mana Charters
Address: Bluff
Phone: 027 209 4407
Website: manacharters.com
3Takapu Charters
Takapu Charters, based in Invercargill, specialises in custom multi-day private or shared charters for fishing, hunting, diving, and sightseeing aboard the Yuwindi II in Fiordland and around Stewart Island. The service emphasises tailored itineraries and seamless organisation for groups of up to eight. Experienced crew provide guidance in remote wilderness areas accessible from the Invercargill region.
Services
- Custom fishing charters in Fiordland and Stewart Island
- Hunting charters with transport and guidance
- Diving charters and exploration trips
- Sightseeing and history-focused charters
- Shared charter options for smaller groups
Highlights
- Customisable trip length and itinerary with helpful guidance
- Transfers into and out of Fiordland included
- Experienced crew including David Smart, Nathan Cabral, and Robyn Mulligan
- Private group bookings for up to eight or shared charters
- Base in Invercargill at 21 Lorne Dacre Road
Location & Contact
Name: Takapu Charters
Address: 21 Lorne Dacre Road, Invercargill
Phone: 027 432 8066
Website: takapucharters.co.nz
4Gravity Fishing
Gravity Fishing delivers unique fishing and food experiences on Stewart Island, pairing angling trips with chef-prepared meals from the fresh catch in a sustainable, ethical operation. The service offers multi-day packages, day trips, and shared experiences for couples, friends, or groups up to 12. Skipper Nate provides an immersive hook-to-plate adventure in the pristine waters near Invercargill.
Services
- Multi-day fishing and food packages
- Day fishing trips around Stewart Island
- Shared experiences for smaller groups
- Hook-to-plate cooking demonstrations with award-winning chefs
- Custom fishing and foodie adventures
Highlights
- Experienced master-mariner skipper Nate
- Award-winning chefs creating meals from the catch
- Sustainable and environmentally friendly operation
- Stunning Stewart Island location with ethical harvesting focus
- Packages accommodating couples to groups of 12
Location & Contact
Name: Gravity Fishing
Address: Stewart Island
Phone: 021 477 445
Website: gravityfishing.co.nz
Fishing Charters in Invercargill at a Glance
| Business | Based in | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Bluff Fishing Charters | Bluff | 14.8-metre semi-planing vessel Isabella with full kitchen facilities |
| Mana Charters | Bluff | 25 years of operation with experienced skipper Shane |
| Takapu Charters | Invercargill | Customisable trip length and itinerary with helpful guidance |
| Gravity Fishing | Stewart Island | Experienced master-mariner skipper Nate |
How to Choose the Right Fishing Charters in Invercargill
- Evaluate skipper experience and local knowledge of Foveaux Strait and Stewart Island waters.
- Check vessel size, safety certifications, and onboard amenities like kitchens or deck space.
- Confirm what is included such as rods, bait, filleting, or meals to match your needs.
- Consider trip duration options including half-day, full-day, or overnight charters.
- Assess departure points like Bluff for convenience from Invercargill and group size suitability.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invercargill Fishing Charters
What types of fish can I expect to catch on an Invercargill fishing charter?
Charters in the region commonly target blue cod and crayfish, with opportunities for trumpeter, groper, and other species depending on the season and location in the Foveaux Strait or around Stewart Island.
Do I need a fishing licence for a charter trip from Invercargill?
Recreational fishers on licensed charter vessels in New Zealand waters generally do not require a personal licence, as the operator handles regulatory aspects, but confirm details with your chosen charter.
What should I bring on a fishing charter in Southland?
Pack weather-appropriate clothing, sunscreen, a hat, motion sickness remedies if needed, and personal items. Most charters supply fishing gear, bait, and basic refreshments, but verify inclusions beforehand.
Are fishing charters in Invercargill suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, many operators cater to novices and families with hands-on guidance, spacious vessels, and shorter trips. Half-day options near the coast or Bluff departures are often ideal for first-timers or younger participants.
When is the best time of year for fishing charters near Invercargill?
Conditions are generally favourable from late spring through autumn, though experienced skippers operate year-round subject to weather. Sea conditions in the Foveaux Strait can vary, so check with operators for current availability.
How do I find fishing charters operating from Bluff or Stewart Island?
Bluff is a short drive from Invercargill and serves as a primary departure point for many charters, while Stewart Island trips often involve ferry or flight access from Bluff. Search local operators or contact them directly for schedules and bookings.
What safety standards apply to fishing charters in New Zealand?
Operators must hold Maritime Operators Certificates and comply with safety requirements including navigation equipment and vessel surveys. Always confirm these details and weather policies before booking.
How We Chose the Best Fishing Charters in Invercargill
Every business in this guide was found by searching for fishing 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.