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Takapu Charters

Multi-day fishing, wildlife and sightseeing charters through Fiordland and Stewart Island aboard the Yuwindi II, run by local skipper Paul Jones.

Takapu Charters runs live-aboard trips through the fiords of southern Fiordland and out to Stewart Island, aboard the purpose-fitted charter vessel Yuwindi II. Trips are built around whatever your group is after — fishing, diving, sightseeing, or just a few days switched off on some of the wildest coastline in the country.

Charters run for four, five or six nights, with six being the most popular, and a skipper, deckhand and cook aboard the whole way. Book the boat privately for your own group of up to eight, or join a shared charter and travel with other keen anglers and adventurers.

OperatorTakapu Charters
VesselYuwindi II · 8 guests
Trip Length4–6 nights
Bookings027 432 8066

Aboard the Yuwindi II

Relocated from Tasmania and given a full refit in 2022, Yuwindi II is registered in New Zealand as a charter and passenger vessel. She's built with a 5.5m beam and a raised wheelhouse, with full-height accommodation below and a galley and dining area at deck level.

Sleeping is spread across the V‑berth and accommodation area — nine berths in total, wider than standard and finished with memory foam, in a cabin that's insulated, ventilated and heated for the colder nights. Two separate bathrooms open off the rear deck, and an extended canopy gives plenty of outdoor deck space to fish, relax or just take in the scenery. A crane handles the tender for getting into places the big boat can't, and she carries her own water maker, solar and house batteries for extended time away from port.

Photo: Takapu Charters, used with permission.

What's Included

  • Skipper, deckhand and cook aboard
  • Three meals a day, plus snacks
  • Sleeping aboard for up to eight guests
  • Tender boat for side trips and fishing spots

Private & Shared Charters

Book the whole boat for your own group of up to eight — friends, family, or a keen fishing crew — and build the trip around what you want to do. Travelling solo or as a smaller group? Ask about joining a shared charter instead, where individuals and pairs travel together and the crew works around everyone's different interests.

Photo: Takapu Charters, used with permission.

Fishing, Wildlife & Sightseeing

Fishing is the main draw for most charters, but plenty of trips mix in diving, or just cruising the inlets for the scenery. Seals, dolphins and whales are all regularly spotted along the way.

Photos: Takapu Charters, used with permission.

Best Time to Go

January – February

Long summer days, settled weather, and Bluefin Tuna running.

March – April

Settled autumn weather and good fishing before winter sets in.

May – June

The calmest seas of the year, with dramatic winter light on the fiords.

October – November

Spring conditions and plenty of marine mammal activity.

Fiordland's weather can turn quickly regardless of season, so the crew builds some flexibility into every trip.

Getting There

Most charters depart from Fiordland, and there are a few ways to get there.

Land. Prefer to stay on the ground? Take a water taxi across Lake Manapouri, then a bus over Wilmot Pass to Deep Cove, about an hour each way.

Sea. A boat transfer along the coast from Riverton is also an option, with fishing stops along the way.

Air. Quickest is by helicopter — a scenic 45‑minute flight in from Tuatapere, about an hour's drive from Invercargill (groups of eight usually split across two helicopters).

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