The best fishing charters in Blenheim are booked in town and boarded on the water, with skippered boats leaving from Picton, Waikawa and Havelock, all roughly half an hour away by road. These operators supply the rods, tackle and bait, and know where blue cod, snapper and kingfish are holding across the Queen Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds, whether you want a half day out or a full day on the outer grounds. Sounds Connection and Reel Therapy Charters are among the Marlborough skippers running trips for families, corporate groups and serious anglers alike.
1Sounds Connection
Sounds Connection is a family owned Marlborough operator that has been running fishing trips on the Queen Charlotte Sound since 1993, using MV Tory, a 35 foot vessel built specifically for fishing in the Sounds. Owners Mark and Maria Baxter are Picton locals, and Mark skippers trips himself, continuing a family fishing tradition started by his father and grandfather. Departures are from Picton rather than Blenheim, and the boat suits everyone from first timers to experienced anglers.
Services
- Half day fishing charters on the Queen Charlotte Sound, around four hours
- Full day fishing charters, around eight hours
- Trips to outer grounds including Port Gore, Jordy Rocks and Ship Cove
- Rods, reels, tackle, bait and safety gear supplied with every charter
- Pick ups from Marlborough Sounds resorts and bays by arrangement
Highlights
- Established in 1993 and still owner operated by Mark and Maria Baxter
- Qualmark Gold rated
- MV Tory is covered and designed for fishing, and is smoke free
- Three generations of the Baxter family have fished the Queen Charlotte Sound
- Flexible departure times, with charters based on one to six people and up to eight by arrangement
Location & Contact
Name: Sounds Connection
Address: Building 4B, 1 London Quay, Picton
Phone: 03 573 8843
Website: soundsconnection.com
2Reel Therapy Charters
Reel Therapy Charters is an owner operated fishing and diving business run by skipper and dive master Steve Crowley, working right across the Marlborough Sounds. The boat is a purpose built 2020 Senator 8m hardtop with an enclosed cabin, live bait tank, deck shower and gas cooking. Trips depart from Picton, Waikawa, Havelock and Okiwi rather than Blenheim, and range from a half day in Tory Channel to a full day out on the Cook Strait fringe.
Services
- Half day fishing charters in Tory Channel
- Full day fishing in the inner Marlborough Sounds
- Combined fishing and diving charters
- Full day fishing trips out to the Cook Strait fringe
- Custom charters departing Havelock or Okiwi, plus resort stops and sightseeing
Highlights
- Owner operated by skipper and dive master Steve Crowley
- Purpose built 2020 Senator 8m hardtop with enclosed cabin, flushing toilet, fridge and hot and cold water
- Qualmark Gold rated
- Charter options for larger groups of 15 people and above
Location & Contact
Name: Reel Therapy Charters
Address: Picton
Phone: 027 303 3035
Website: reel-therapy.co.nz
3Katabatic Charters
Katabatic Charters runs tailor made fishing, cruising and overnight trips from Waikawa Marina, a few minutes from Picton, with local owner Grant Orchard aboard as both skipper and chef. Charters are private, carry up to eight guests, and include fishing gear and fresh local cooking on board. It suits small groups who want the boat to themselves and a full day built around what they actually want to do.
Services
- Half and full day private fishing charters
- Overnight charters with live aboard bunks or shore accommodation arranged in the Sounds
- Tailor made cruising and sightseeing trips through the Marlborough Sounds
- Transport and water taxi runs for up to 15 people
Highlights
- Owner, skipper and chef Grant Orchard cooks fresh local cuisine on board
- Berthed at Jetty 17W, Waikawa Marina, a short drive from Picton
- Private charters for up to eight guests, with two double bunks for overnight trips
- Works with Marlborough lodges including Bay of Many Coves, The Marlborough Lodge and Lochmara Lodge
- Donates one percent of gross revenue to St John in Picton
Location & Contact
Name: Katabatic Charters
Address: Jetty 17W Berth 37, Waikawa Marina, Waikawa
Phone: 021 654 267
Website: kcandm.co.nz
4Pelorus Tours
Pelorus Tours is run by Gary and Ellen Orchard from Nopera Lodge in Kenepuru Sound, and is the option built for numbers rather than couples. Trips depart Havelock or Te Mahia, not Blenheim, aboard Toroa, a 47 foot kauri launch, or Western Break, a 45 foot alloy vessel, both of which carry large groups comfortably. Fishing and diving run all year, with Gary filleting and bagging the catch for guests to take home.
Services
- Full day fishing trips from Havelock out to the Pelorus Sounds and D’Urville Island
- Full day fishing departing Te Mahia in Kenepuru Sound
- Combined fishing and diving charters with a dive platform and bottle compressor
- Boat rod hire, with bait and tea and coffee supplied
Highlights
- Toroa is a 47 foot traditional kauri launch with a 47 passenger survey and a live fish tank
- Western Break is a 45 foot alloy vessel with a 50 passenger survey and a large flush deck
- Jig and sports fishing are taught on board, including knot tying and setting up tackle
Location & Contact
Name: Pelorus Tours
Address: Nopera Lodge, Kenepuru Sound, RD 2, Picton
Phone: 03 573 4203
Website: pelorustours.co.nz
How to Choose the Right Fishing Charter in Blenheim
- Check where the boat leaves from. Picton and Waikawa are the closest departure points to Blenheim, while Havelock and Kenepuru Sound add driving time on the far side of the hill.
- Match the vessel to your group. A small hardtop is ideal for four or five anglers, while a surveyed launch is what you need for a work trip or a club outing.
- Ask what is included. Rods, reels, tackle, bait and safety gear come with some charters and are a hire item on others.
- Decide between a half day and a full day. Half days stay in the inner Sounds, while full days reach the outer grounds and the Cook Strait fringe where the bigger fish sit.
- Confirm what happens to your catch. Some skippers fillet and bag your fish before you step off the boat, and some charters run catch and release when a species is out of season.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blenheim Fishing Charters
Where do fishing charters near Blenheim depart from?
Blenheim sits inland, so charters leave from the coastal towns nearby. Picton and Waikawa Marina are around 30 minutes by road, and Havelock is a similar drive to the west. Operators will confirm the exact wharf or berth when you book.
What fish can you catch in the Marlborough Sounds?
Blue cod is the signature catch, alongside snapper, kingfish, gurnard and perch depending on the season and how far out you go. Crayfish and scallops are also part of the picture on dive orientated trips.
Do charters supply rods, bait and tackle?
Most do. Sounds Connection includes rods, reels, tackle, bait and safety equipment in the charter price, and Katabatic Charters supplies fishing gear as standard. Pelorus Tours has boat rods available for hire and supplies bait, so it is worth asking when you book rather than assuming.
How long does a fishing charter run for?
Half day trips are usually around four hours and stay in the inner Sounds. Full days run about eight hours and give you the range to reach the outer grounds. Overnight and multi day charters are available from some operators.
Can you always keep blue cod?
No. Blue cod in the Marlborough Sounds is subject to a closed season, and during that window charters fish it as catch and release only. Daily limits, size limits and the current season dates are published by Fisheries New Zealand, and your skipper will brief you on the rules that apply on the day.
Are charters suitable for beginners and children?
Yes. Skippers on these boats regularly take people who have never fished before, and will set you up with gear and show you the technique. Covered vessels make a big difference with children, and most operators will tailor the day to a family group.
How many people can go on one charter?
Small hardtops and launches typically take six to eight people. Larger surveyed vessels carry a lot more, with Toroa and Western Break at Pelorus Tours holding 47 and 50 passengers respectively, and Reel Therapy Charters offering an option for groups of 15 and above.
What should you bring on the day?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, warm layers and a jacket, because conditions in the Sounds change quickly. Most charters ask you to bring your own food and drinks, though catering can be arranged in advance with some operators. Commercial passenger vessels are surveyed and their skippers hold certificates issued under Maritime New Zealand rules, so safety gear and briefings are provided on board.