The Ultimate New Zealand Fishing Adventure hosted by your Aussie guide - Johnny Madden
Most fishing charters sell a day on the water. We deliver authentic New Zealand experiences for people who want personal, unique and thoughtfully crafted holidays.
Our fully hosted adventures combine legendary fishing, remote island exploration, stunning coastlines, local cuisine and relaxed luxury into one seamless journey. Whether you’re chasing the fish of a lifetime or simply looking to experience the very best of Northland, we’ll take care of everything from the moment you arrive.
We’ll meet you at the airport or your hotel, host you throughout your stay, introduce you to one of New Zealand’s most beautiful coastal regions, and spend a few unforgettable days exploring remote islands, pristine waters and some of the finest fishing grounds in the Southern Hemisphere.
Designed for anglers, couples, families and groups. Our guests stay for a few days and some for a week; the choice is yours.
So much more than catching trophy fish
It’s about standing on the bow as the sun rises over the Pacific. Watching gannets dive into feeding workups. Exploring remote islands that few visitors ever reach. Sharing stories over dinner after a day chasing trophy snapper, kingfish, tuna or marlin. And experiencing the warmth, hospitality and natural beauty that make New Zealand one of the world’s most loved destinations. And the reason an Aussie lad from south coast Victoria arrived here 25 years ago – and refused to go home.
Choose Your Experience
Whether you want a quick taste of New Zealand and some fast action or a full offshore mission packed with adventures — we’ve got an option that fits. Every trip is tailored and built around getting you into the best fishing and adventures possible.
The Bream Bay Explorer
3 Nights | 3 Days | 2 Days Fishing
Perfect for guests wanting a taste of New Zealand’s world-class fishing without committing to a longer itinerary.
Based in beautiful Mangawhai Heads, you’ll enjoy two full days exploring some of Northland’s most productive fishing grounds, targeting species such as snapper, kingfish, trevally and kahawai while experiencing the spectacular scenery of New Zealand’s northeast coast.
Includes:
- 3 nights accommodation in Corinitas Cottage
- 2 full-day shared fishing charters*
- Premium fishing equipment
- Daily continental breakfast
- Lunches onboard
- Hosted dinners
- Local knowledge and trip planning
Priced from NZD $5,595 for 2 people
*Ask for pricing for private charters and additional guests
The Offshore Adventure
4 Nights | 4 Days | 3 Days Fishing
A great option for those chasing serious fish but have an emphasis on good times.
Three full days on the water allow us to explore a wider range of destinations and tailor each day to the conditions, giving you the best chance of experiencing the incredible diversity of Northland fishing.
From the legendary Mokohinau Islands to the work-ups of Bream Bay and the reefs of the Hen & Chickens, every day brings a new adventure.
Includes:
- 4 nights accommodation in Corinitas Cottage
- 3 full-day shared fishing charters*
- Includes 1 x Offshore Charter
- Premium fishing equipment
- Daily continental breakfast
- Lunches onboard
- Hosted dinners
- Eco Adventures Cap
- Local knowledge and trip planning
Priced from NZD $8,260 for 2 people
*Ask for pricing for private charters and additional guests
The Ultimate Expedition
5 Nights | 5 Days | 4 Days Fishing
Our skippers and deck hands’ favourite. Where we go wide and we go big.
Four full fishing days provide the flexibility to fish multiple regions and target a wider range of species and techniques. Depending on conditions, we can mix inshore, offshore, topwater, jigging, live-baiting and gamefishing opportunities to create a truly unforgettable adventure.
This is New Zealand fishing at its finest.
Includes:
- 5 nights accommodation in Corinitas Cottage
- 4 full-day shared fishing charters*
- Includes 2 x Offshore Charters
- Premium fishing equipment
- Daily continental and some cooked breakfasts
- Lunches onboard
- Hosted dinners
- Photo package
- Eco Adventures Tshirt and Cap
- NZ Fishing Masterclass Evening – Learn the tips and tricks we use to target and land different species so when we get into the action, you’re in the game.
- Local knowledge and trip planning
Priced from NZD $10,925 for 2 people
*Ask for pricing for private charters and additional guests
Enhance Your Experience
Private Transfers
Leave the driving to us. Mangawhai Heads is approximately 1 hour 40 minutes from Auckland Airport, and private transfers can be arranged to make your journey simple and stress-free.
Private Charters
Enjoy the vessel exclusively for your group, with greater flexibility, personalised guidance, and a more relaxed, premium day on the water. It’s the ultimate Eco Adventures experience and one many guests feel is well worth the upgrade.
Additional Guests
Packages are designed for 1–2 guests, but most experiences can be extended to accommodate up to 6 guests. We’ll happily tailor the itinerary and pricing to suit your group. Please enquire for details.
Guided Experiences
Looking to mix adventure with relaxation? We can arrange a range of guided experiences, including spa treatments, championship golf, coastal hikes, sightseeing tours, wine tastings, and other local experiences tailored to your interests. Additional costs apply.
Create Your Own Awesome
Tailor your journey in New Zealand’s breathtaking coastal landscape. Whether you want to fish, explore, feast, or relax, we’ll craft an unforgettable adventure just for you and your travel companions. We offer onshore guided experiences for all ages and tastes. Just ask.
Meet 'Manaaki'
Our Surtees 800 GameFisher – Previously known as 'Holy Ship' from the Fishing and Adventure TV Show.
“Manaaki” means to look after, care for, nurture, and protect the marine environment in the Māori language. We chose Manaaki as a fitting name for our boat as it aligns with our vision at Eco Adventures and our commitment to the Tiaki promise.
Partnering with SHIMANO for good reason
While the charter fishing industry has traditionally focused on catch numbers and trophy photos, our vision has always been different. We believe the future of fishing lies in creating meaningful experiences, educating people about our marine environment, promoting responsible fishing practices, and helping more people develop a genuine connection with the ocean.
At Eco Adventures, we're doing things a little bit differently.
We're proud to be one of the few fishing charter companies in the world that puts sustainability and community before profit.
The fishing is world-class, but it’s not the whole story.
It’s the excitement of running offshore to remote islands. Watching dolphins on the bow. Exploring places most visitors never see. Learning new skills. Sharing laughs with family and friends. Enjoying fresh seafood, stunning scenery and a genuine New Zealand experience.
The fish are part of the adventure, not the measure of success.
Check out our commitment to sustainability here
Why Shimano Supports Eco Adventures
Shimano backs Eco Adventures because we share a simple belief: the future of fishing depends on protecting what makes it special in the first place.
Shimano is recognised around the world for producing some of the highest quality fishing equipment available. Their reputation has been built over decades through innovation, reliability and a commitment to helping anglers get the most from their time on the water.
At Eco Adventures, we choose Shimano because we want our guests to experience the very best. Whether it’s a first-time angler catching their first snapper or an experienced fisherman chasing a trophy kingfish, quality equipment makes the experience more enjoyable, more effective and ultimately more memorable.
Our partners and friends at sea
New Zealand Fishing Holidays – FAQ's
Not at all! Our expert guides will provide all the instruction you need, whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned angler. We’re here to make sure everyone has a great time!
New Zealand’s waters are home to a variety of fish species. Depending on the season, these include snapper, kingfish, trevally, kahawai, john dory and more. For those after a little more action, we also target Marlin, Tuna, Hapuka and Swordfish. Your guide will take you to the best fishing spots based on the season and conditions.
Yes. Lunch, snacks, water and non-alcoholic beverages to stay fuelled throughout the day are provided. Please advise us of any dietary requirements at the time of booking. There is a local supermarket and other great shops in Mangawhai where you can purchase anything else you may like to bring on your trip.
To help prevent seasickness, stay hydrated, eat a light meal beforehand, focus on the horizon, and consider motion sickness remedies like ginger, wristbands, or medication. If using sea sickness medication, it is advised by the manufacturers to take it a day in advance. Read the labels carefully.
If you would like to bring anyone under the age of 12, please speak with us first so we can make sure we can safely accommodate you and your guests, or suggest the best options to suit you.
Your safety is our priority. If, on any given day, the conditions aren’t favourable, we have multiple options. These include changing our intended port of departure and fishing grounds. Rescheduling days, and if we need to cancel a day because any of these options won’t work with guests’ plans and itineraries then we offer a full refund for unused days.
We totally understand that not everyone wants several days on the water. We offer onshore guided experiences that include everything from golf, hiking, spa treatments, 5-star dining, sightseeing and more. Just ask, and we can show you the options and tailor the perfect day for everyone.