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Head offshore from Pier D34 for a full-day hunt targeting hapuka, bass, bluenose and gemfish. Shared 12-hour trips offer hands-on learning, heavy tackle, and the chance at trophy fish hauled from 180–450m.
Head offshore from Pier D34 for a full-day hunt targeting hapuka, bass, bluenose and gemfish. Shared 12-hour trips offer hands-on learning, heavy tackle, and the chance at trophy fish hauled from 180–450m.
Book with Tauranga Marine Charters
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Tauranga Marine Charters · Tauranga, Bay of Plenty Region
Tauranga's deep-water Hapuka grounds lie off Tuhua and the inner Bay of Plenty, run from Pier D34, Tauranga Bridge Marina, Tauranga 3116. This 12-hour Public Hapuka Fishing Trip aboard Tauranga Marine Charters delivers a full day of offshore angling focused on trophy hapuka, bass, bluenose, and gemfish, with bycatch that includes rays, ling, frostfish and spotted gurnard. Trips depart at 7am and return at 7pm during New Zealand daylight saving dates from late September through early April, giving anglers long light windows to fish knolls between roughly 180 and 450 metres. The greater depths tend to host the largest bass; hapuka are common and prized for plate-ready quality. Tackle is heavy-duty: electric reels rated 15kg–37kg, kidney harnesses, gimbals and ledger rigs with 32oz sinkers and circle hooks. Expect hard pulls and strange, edible surprises hauled from cold dark water. The day is physical and communal: public trips host up to 15 people and trade privacy for variety, shared stories, and more lines in the water. Beginners feel supported by an experienced skipper and crew who manage electric tackle and advise on gimbal technique; anglers should nonetheless be prepared for bouts of brute force when a big bass takes the bait. Seas can be smooth early or bouncy in afternoon sea breeze; seasickness meds and layered clothing repay the cautious. Highlights include the unpredictable bycatch—rays, brim, tarakihi—or bizarre deep-water forms hauled up from 450m, plus the chance at a trophy bass that can exceed 35kg or more. Fish identification is part of the learning curve: hapuka and bass share similar colour but differ in body length and subtle skin patterning. Meals cooked with fresh catch are a common finish; bring a cooler if you plan to take fish home and check local bag limits. Practicalities: meet at Pier D34, Tauranga Bridge Marina, Tauranga 3116 before 7am; trips run from the last Sunday in September to the first Sunday in April. Extras include hire of a Hapuka rod with electric reel and trace; the operator is Tauranga Marine Charters and their terms require following the skipper’s directions and respecting gear. This trip is ideal for anglers seeking high-stakes, species-rich deep-water fishing within easy reach of Tauranga, offering a memorable single-day offshore adventure. What makes these charters stand out is local knowledge of the knolls around Tuhua, a willingness to run public shared trips that broaden access, and the use of electric tackle that brings deep-water giants to the deck with more control. Respect marine regulations, pack reusable bottles and avoid single-use plastics, and ask crew about best practices for handling and releasing vulnerable species. Book early — trips fill fast during peak season and offer window into Bay of Plenty offshore life.
Meet at Pier D34, Tauranga Bridge Marina, Tauranga 3116 prior to the 7am departure time.
Trips run 12 hours (7am–7pm) from the last Sunday in September through the first Sunday in April during NZ daylight saving dates.
No prior experience is required; the skipper and crew assist with electric tackle and technique, though physical effort is often necessary for large fish.
You can take fish home but bring a cooler and verify local bag limits and any species protections with the crew before retaining fish.
Public trips carry a maximum of 15 people, which creates a social trip with multiple anglers on deck.
Extras include hire of a Hapuka rod with an electric reel and trace; check the booking page for current hire fees.
Tauranga Marine Charters operates from Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty Region, running a fleet centered on the purpose-built MV Manutere. The company specialises in deep-water and reef fishing charters, offering public and private trips that target Hapuka, snapper, tarakihi, trevally, kingfish and other species across Tauranga’s reefs and deep drop-offs. Trips range from evening reef sessions to extended 12- and 24-hour Hapuka expeditions, with flexible itineraries tailored to groups, celebrations and experienced anglers. Experienced skippers and a crew familiar with local sea conditions manage all trips, and the Manutere’s design supports safe, comfortable fishing for small groups. Equipment, baiting, and site selection reflect decades of regional fishing knowledge; safety briefings and lifejackets are provided for every passenger. Charter departures are from Tauranga’s marina, offering straightforward access and clear pickup information at booking. Public reef and Hapuka trips allow individuals to join scheduled departures, while private charters give groups exclusive use of the vessel. The business focuses on targeted species and proven fishing grounds, building credibility through long-standing vessel service and experienced crew. Bookings and availability vary by season; prospective customers are encouraged to confirm trip length, group-size limits, and any specific gear requirements when reserving. Detailed weather contingency plans and clear cancellation policies are communicated at booking to protect guest plans.
Book with Tauranga Marine Charters