Pure Gamefishing Voyage

Itinerary Overview - Two Options, Minimum 5 days Gamefishing is all about going to where the fish are!  We have two itinerary options for Gamefishing enthusiasts, to fish the seasonal "hot spots".  We can follow the deep warm water currents anywhere between The Kings and East Cape off the north-western coast of New Zealand's North Island. ITINERARY Option One        We transfer you from your hotel to Auckland airport for a 30 minute flight to Claris on Great Barrier Island. Board Kupe or Te Okupu in Whangaparapara Harbor. From there we can spend the next few days going where the fish are, as we head north to the Bay of Islands. January to April, the Great Barrier area and north is very productive for Albacore Tuna and Yellow Fin Tuna.  And of course the Bay of Islands is legendary for Marlin.  When you’re not gamefishing, you can enjoy a line fish for Snapper or Terikihi, using our specialist deep water stray-lining gear.  Take a dive, snorkel or kayak to explore the area. At night enjoy a seafood feast, whilst anchored in a secluded bay.  Spend your last night in one of the beautiful anchorages of the Bay of Islands or dine at the local Gamefishing club. Option Two Again departing from Great Barrier Island we cruise south to Tuna territory - the Bay of Plenty. January to April, this region has huge runs of both Yellow fin and Blue fin Tuna.  Other catches are Albacore Tuna and Marlin. We visit the well-known Mercury Islands and Alderman Islands where the fishing and diving is superb.  A spectacular feature of this trip and not to be missed is White Island.  Just 30 miles out from Whakatane we fish and possibly anchor for your final evening under the gaze of this active volcano.  Your Gamesail vacation concludes in either Tauranga or Whakatane depending on your travel plans.   Included All meals.  Cooked breakfast, morning tea, lunch, pre dinner snacks, 2 course dinner. Food is freshly prepared 'kiwi-style', homemade and organic wherever possible.  View our   sample menus. Beverages.  Great NZ Wine and Beers as well as all non-alcoholic drinks - tea, coffee, juice, sodas etc.  All activities - diving, fishing, sailing, kayaking, snorkelling, boogie boarding etc. There are no hidden costs, taxes or levies.**  Not Included Flights and transfers On-shore excursions and restaurant meals NOTE: All itineraries are subject to the weather and can be altered at the Skipper's discretion. Price on application.

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Itinerary Map

Our itineraries are custom designed for our guests. This itinerary is an indication of the gamefishing adventure you can have taking in all of our best fishing spots.   At Gamesail we like to keep things flexible, so your actual itinerary will depend on the weather and wind, and your preferences each day.

Pure Gamefishing Voyage

Choose from two itineraries - min 5 days Come Gamesailing and experience the thrill of sport-fishing from a Yacht.  60' Te Ngakau a Kupe and 62' Te Okupu may look like pure sail, but as a motorsailer they have the range to get you to the best gamefishing grounds in speed and comfort. Both have been custom designed, built and now proven as long-range, offshore surveyed fishing bases. Gamesailing is ideal for couples or families as there is plenty for the non-fishers to do on-board the stable platform and comfort of the catamaran. Gamefishing is all about going to where the fish are!  Depending on the time of the season, we can follow the deep warm water currents between the The Kings and East Cape off the north-western coast of New Zealand's North Island.  We have two seven day itinerary options for Gamefishing enthusiasts, to make the most of your time in NZ and fish the current "hot spots".  View some fishing photos. Option 1: Departing from Great Barrier Island, heading north to the Bay of Islands. Option 2: Departing from Great Barrier Island, heading south to the Tuna territory of the Bay of Plenty.   Option 1: From Great Barrier Island north to the Bay of Islands In the January to April season, the Great Barrier area and north is very productive for Albacore Tuna, Yellow fin Tuna and Marlin. Day One We will transfer you from your hotel to Auckland domestic airport for a 30 minute flight on Great Barrier Airlines to Claris, Great Barrier Island.  (Helicopter option also available).  Then it's a 20 minute transfer to Whangaparapara Harbour where the boat awaits. Enjoy a line fish for Snapper or Terikhi, using our specialist deep water stray-lining gear.  Take a dive, snorkel or kayak to explore the area and that night enjoy a seafood feast, whilst anchored in a secluded bay.              Day Two Early this morning we head to deep water on the eastern side of the island, beyond Rakitu and Cuvier Islands.  Spend the night in picturesque Arid Cove. Day Three Today we work the 'paddock' between Great Barrier, Little Barrier and the Mokahinaus, where you are bound to see not only gamefish, but the antics of whales and dolphins.  Spend the night anchored under the lighthouse at the Mokahinau Islands. Day Four This morning we head further north and drop the lures in the lucrative  waters out the back of the Poor Knights Islands.  The Poor Knights are a world famous marine reserve with a strictly enforced 2 mile "no take" zone.  Beyond this however are warm ocean currents to troll through.  Tonight we go into Tutukaka for dinner at the Gamefishing Club to meet the locals. Day Five - Six This morning we head north again into Zane Gray country!  Blue and Striped Marlin cruise these waters from Jan - April and Kupe is a proven marlin catching boat.  Spend the night in one of the beautiful anchorages of the Bay of Islands or dine at the local Gamefishing club. Day Seven One last chance to catch the big ones and by early evening you will bid farewell to Kupe and continue your New Zealand travels.  We can assist with onward travel arrangements and you can continue your journey by air, rental car or fully escorted transfer. Option 2: Great Barrier Island south to Bay of Plenty In the January to April season, the Bay of Plenty area has huge runs of both Yellow fin and Blue fin Tuna.  Other catches are Albacore Tuna and Marlin. Day One We will transfer you from your hotel to Auckland domestic airport for a 30 minute flight on Great Barrier Airlines to Claris, Great Barrier Island.  (Helicopter option also available).  Then it's a 20 minute transfer to Whangaparapara Harbour where the boat awaits. Enjoy a line fish for Snapper or Terikhi, using our specialist deep water stray-lining gear.  Take a dive, snorkel or kayak to explore the area and that night enjoy a seafood feast, whilst anchored in a secluded bay.              Day Two Early this morning we head south to the Mercury Islands via the deep water wide of the eastern side of Great Barrier.  Spend the night in Mercury Cove, most likely feasting on local scallops. Day Three Not far south east of "the Mercs" (as locals call them) are the Alderman Islands - productive waters for Marlin and Tuna.  In the very warm currents of 2008 season there have also been large catches of the usually tropical Mahi-Mahi (Dolphin Fish - not to be confused with Dolphin!)  Spend the night in South East Bay, Mayor Island - historic site of the Tauranga Big Game Fishing Club in days gone by. Day Four - Six We are now in the heart of the Bay of Plenty and this is Tuna Territory! Many national and international records have been broken in these waters and today it could be your turn! Not to be missed is a spectacular feature of the area.  Just 30 miles out from Whakatane is White Island, where we fish and possibly anchor under the gaze of an active volcano.   Day Seven One last chance to catch the big ones and by early evening you will bid farewell to Kupe and continue your New Zealand travels.  We can assist with onward travel arrangements (from Tauranga or Whakatane) and you can continue your journey by air, rental car or fully escorted transfer.   Included All meals.  Cooked breakfast, morning tea, lunch, pre dinner snacks, 2 course dinner. Food is freshly prepared 'kiwi-style', homemade and organic wherever possible.  View our   sample menus. Beverages.  Great NZ Wine and Beers as well as all non-alcoholic drinks - tea, coffee, juice, sodas etc.  All activities - diving, fishing, sailing, kayaking, snorkelling, boogie boarding etc. There are no hidden costs, taxes or levies.**  Not Included Flights and transfers On-shore excursions and restaurant meals NOTE: All itineraries are subject to the weather and can be altered at the Skipper's discretion. Price on application. Contact Christine@gamesail.co.nz for more information and bookings Read more about a Gamesail fishing experience Back to top Photo Credits this page Banner 1: Great catch at Chesterfield Reef by Ron Given Banner 2: Marlin by Mike Rendle Photos this page Photo 1:Fishing gear onboard Kupe by Mike Rendle Photo 2: Christine tries her hand... by Mike Rendle Photo 3: Snorkelling by Mike Rendle Photo 4: The days catch by Christine Erkkila Photo 5: Aerial view of the Bay of Islands by Dmitri Kotelevski   Photo 6: Marlin strike by Mike Rendle Photo 7 & 8: Fishing action on board Kupe by Mike Rendle

MORE ITINERARIES             The day's catch served on-board Kupe.      The Bay of Islands is a re-known for Marlin