Fishing

If you go fishing, your catch will likely be the succulent Stewart Island blue cod. Go with a guide and he or she will fillet and bag it for you. Some will cook it for your lunch. We recommend going out with one of the real salt dogs who have fished these waters all their lives. Aurora Charters can also arrange group fishing excursions.

Leask Bay Fishing Charters. Join Andrew and Sharyn on the Rawhiti, a wooden launch built by Andrew's family in 1910. Half-day trips depart twice daily, weather permitting. Experience traditional hand-line fishing and catch blue cod, which is cooked on board for your lunch if you go on the morning trip. Advance bookings are strongly recommended; children are welcome, and ages under five go free. 19 RingaRinga Rd., Halfmoon Bay, Oban, Southland, 9846. 03/219–1530; www.leaskbaycharters.co.nz. From NZ$80.

Lo Loma Fishing Charters. Richard Squires (aka Squizzy) runs an old-school operation with a historic wooden boat and traditional hand-line fishing. You'll hear him belting out of Lo Loma as you near the wharf, and be regaled with some great stories once you're on board for a relaxed half-day fishing trip. Advance booking is recommended (half- or full-day charters are also possible). These trips are not suitable for preschoolers. Oban, Southland. 03/219–1141; www.loloma.co.nz. From NZ$80.

Rakiura Charters & Water Taxi. Hop on board the Rakiura Suzy, a custom-built modern boat with heated cabin and covered fishing deck for a half-day of rod and reel fishing with Matt. Full-day tours, bird-watching for small groups, fish-and-hike combos, scenic cruises, and custom charters are also available. Whatever you choose, have a cuppa on board and tuck into Alina's home baking. Advance booking is recommended, and children welcomed (and under five free). A water-taxi service is also available; price depends on destination. 10 Main Rd., Oban, Southland, 9846. 0800/725–487; 03/219–1487; www.rakiuracharters.co.nz. From NZ$115.

Southern Isle Charters. Fast comfortable boats are available for charter and are suitable for large groups; fishing and scenic cruises are offered as well. Prices depend on the number of passengers and destination. 6 Petersons Hill Rd., Oban, Southland, 9846. 03/219–1133.

Southern Limits. Take a full- or half-day fishing charter with Brett on board the Frances II, a commercial fishing boat. All gear is supplied, and fish can be cooked on board. Minimum numbers apply; advance booking is a must. 46 Excelsior St., Oban, Southland, 9846. 03/219–1234; www.southernlimits.co.nz. From NZ$85.

Tequila Charters. Want to crew for the day on the commercial fishing vessel Tequila? Learn how to prepare cod pots, process the catch, fillet fish, and use hand lines to catch your own blue cod to take home. "Chook," aka Anthony, has more than 28 years of experience in commercial fishing and will show you how things are done in the "roaring forties" (so called due to the unpredictable weather at 47 degrees south). Wet weather gear and equipment is provided; trips depart Halfmoon Bay wharf twice daily, weather permitting. Reservations are essential. 03/219–1334; 027/251–7122; www.stewartislandfishing.com. NZ$80.