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The whole boat, just for you. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, planning a corporate outing, treating the family, or simply want the freedom of your own private guide and vessel — our private charter is the ultimate way to experience the Southern Lakes.
You choose the lake, the pace, and the style. Want to fish hard all day? Done. A relaxed mix of cruising and casting for the kids? Perfect. Whatever your group needs, we'll make it happen. Up to 6 guests per charter, available on either Lake Wānaka or Lake Hāwea.
Please get in touch if you have a special request — we're happy to talk through options for your group.
A quick yet unforgettable escape from the marina, a cruise to Ruby Island reveals the wide alpine arms of Lake Wānaka framed by the Southern Alps. In this short trip you’ll feel immersed in nature, with every glance across the water revealing pristine reflections of the mountains.
Along the way your guide will share insights into local fishing spots and scenic vantage points, giving you time to cast a line if you wish, or simply enjoy the fresh mountain air and stunning photo opportunities before returning to shore.
A longer exploration brings you to Stevensons Island, one of the lake’s most inviting destinations. As you cruise across deeper water, the landscape opens out into wide horizons and the promise of peaceful solitude. Once near the island, you can pause to fish in quieter water where trout gather around drop-offs and structure, or take a short walk along the shoreline to discover hidden coves and gravel beaches.
This is a great choice for groups wanting a blend of fishing, relaxation and gentle exploration without rushing.
Mou Waho Island is one of Lake Wānaka’s most special places, a predator-free sanctuary with remarkable scenery and wildlife. This longer charter takes you across open water to a destination perfect for both fishing and discovery. Your guide may set you up for fishing in secluded coves before you step ashore to explore the island’s terrain, including a walk to its central summit for panoramic views over the lake and surrounding peaks.
The rhythm of this itinerary isn’t rushed, giving you time to savour the peace, wildlife and wilderness that make this area exceptional.
For those wanting the quintessential Wānaka experience, this extended journey visits Ruby Island, Stevenson’s Island and Mou Waho Island in one seamless adventure. From the first tranquil minutes leaving the marina to cruising through open water and into protected bays, you’ll fish productive water, enjoy scenic stops, and absorb ever-changing alpine vistas.
Time ashore might include walks, swims or rest on quiet beaches, and every moment is shaped by your group’s interests — whether that’s focused fishing, relaxed cruising, or lakeside picnicking.
A private charter with a fishing focus can be tailored to your pace and skill level, making the most of the lake’s renowned trout and seasonal salmon opportunities. Choosing one productive location allows extended time to read the water, try different techniques, and absorb the quiet thrill of casting with alpine views as your backdrop.
Your guide will adjust the fishing strategy to conditions on the day, ensuring that every minute on the water is worthwhile.
If you want to mix it up and follow the best bite throughout the day, a two-site fishing charter gives you flexibility and variety. Over four hours you’ll visit distinct water types and depths, adapting to wind, weather, and fish behaviour while exploring more of what each lake has to offer.
There’s ample time to change techniques, move between structure and open water, and really settle into the rhythms of trout and salmon fishing in this iconic Southern Lakes environment.
A beach picnic adds a relaxed, social element to your private charter. Choose a sheltered bay and anchor in calm water before stepping ashore onto soft gravel or sand. Spread out a picnic, stretch your legs, swim in crystal-clear water, or simply relax with the mountains rising around you.
It’s a perfect way to break up a fishing or scenic cruise, turning a day on the lake into an experience that’s as much about connection and relaxation as it is about the water itself.
From the moment you leave the marina to your final cast or sunset return, every detail is designed to leave you with stories worth sharing.
Target species
Brown Trout
Year-round
Rainbow Trout
Year-round
Quinnat Salmon
Jan–Apr (Wānaka)
Fishing methods we use
Trolling — covering water to find active fish
Downrigging — targeting depth for salmon & large trout
Spinning — casting lures near structure and river mouths
Jigging — vertical technique on rocky drop-offs
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a fishing licence?
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Only if you're fishing. Anyone using a rod needs a valid NZ fishing licence, purchased before your trip — NZ residents need a standard licence and international visitors need a non-resident licence, both available at fishandgame.org.nz. If your charter is a scenic or island trip with no fishing, no licence is needed.
Do I need fishing experience?
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None at all. We love teaching first-timers and are happy to walk you through everything. Kids are very welcome.
What should I bring?
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Sunscreen, a warm layer (it can be breezy on the lake), sunglasses, and a camera. We handle everything else.
Can I keep the fish I catch?
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Yes — within NZ bag limits. We'll clean and fillet your catch at the end of the trip so it's ready to take home or to your accommodation kitchen.
Is there a minimum number of guests?
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No — a private charter is your own boat, priced per charter rather than per person, so it's yours whether it's just you or your whole group. The 2-guest minimum only applies to our shared trips.
Where do we depart from?
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Wānaka trips depart from Wanaka Marina. Hāwea trips depart from the jetty at The Camp, Lake Hāwea — about 20 minutes from Wānaka town. Full meeting details are confirmed at booking. Parking at Wānaka Marina is not guaranteed and should not be relied upon.
What's your cancellation policy?
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If you need to cancel or reschedule, we ask for at least 24 hours' notice — we're not able to offer a refund for cancellations within 24 hours of departure. If we need to cancel due to weather or safety concerns, we'll offer you a full reschedule or refund. We'll be in touch the evening before if there are any concerns.
Can I bring my dog?
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Dogs are welcome by prior arrangement on private charters — please mention this when you get in touch and we'll do our best to accommodate.
What if I have a life-threatening food allergy?
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Please bring your own food if you have a life-threatening allergy. We can cater for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and nut-free diets, but our food is prepared in a kitchen that handles all major allergens, so we can't guarantee anything is completely allergen-free. Private charters can also take you well out onto the lake or across to the islands — if a severe reaction happened out there, it could take considerably longer to reach help than the relief an EpiPen provides. To stay safe, please pack your own food if this applies to you.
Is there cell phone coverage out on the lake?
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Yes, in most places — coverage across both lakes is generally good, though it can get patchy for some networks out at Mou Waho or Stevensons Island.
Where can I park?
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Parking is available throughout Wānaka township, but isn't guaranteed directly at the marina — please choose a park with enough time allowance to comfortably cover the length of your trip.
Is there a toilet on board?
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There's no toilet on the vessel, but public toilets are available on the islands we visit, as well as at the marina and around town — we recommend using the toilet before you depart.
What's the best way to get to you from Queenstown?
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It's about an hour from Queenstown to Wānaka via the Crown Range Road — the shorter, more scenic route, though it can close in snow or ice over winter — or around 1 hour 15–30 minutes via the Gorge Road through Cromwell, which stays open year-round. If your charter departs from Lake Hāwea, allow another 20 minutes on from Wānaka to reach the jetty.
What if I don't have a car?
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Wānaka Marina is a short walk from most accommodation in town, or a quick taxi ride. If your charter departs from Lake Hāwea, which is further out, you'll need your own transport or a taxi to reach the jetty.
