Assassin Fishing Charters offer you the very best experience in fishing and bird watching in the Hauraki Gulf because the crew of the Assassin are one of the most experienced and knowledgeable in the Gulf.
We depart from Sandspit wharf situated on what has been coined the Matakana coast, conveniently located approximately an hour and a half from Auckland International Airport and only quarter of an hour from the Warkworth town centre.
The Boat:
Name:
Assassin
Type:
36' Tempest built on the Mahurangi river
Speed:
Cruise speed 18 knots
Berth:
Comfortable fishing for 6 to 8 anglers straylining, up to 6 anglers softbaiting or hapuka fishing.
Sleeps 6 anglers on overnight trips.
Licensed for 12 on bird watching or sightseeing trips.
What birds will I see?
Situated less than hour from the coast is Little Barrier. This is a bird sanctuary and breeding spot for some of the birds we see on the Hauraki Gulf.
Another popular bird breeding site is to the north at the Moko Hinau Islands. Both uninhabited by humans so there is an abundance of wildlife.
You can see a unique array of locally endemic seabirds, such as;
- Black Petrel
- Cook's Petrel
- Grey faced Petrel
- Pycroft Petrel
- White faced Petrel
- Common Diving Petrels along with Buller's Little, Flesh footed and Fluttering Shearwaters
- Blue Penguins and more...
We also regularly see the New Zealand Storm Petrel which was rediscovered in 2003 aboard our vessel the Assassin.
So come aboard with your camera and binoculars for a bird extravaganza!
To book a birdwatching boat charter to remember, contact us now.
You'll find Brett is very knowledgeable about the local bird life and skilled at bird spotting, meaning almost every charter is a roaring success even for the most seasoned.
To view photos of NZ birdlife check out Brent Stephenson's work.
How much does it cost?
- Day boat charters are $1,400 (8 Hours) $1800 using our rods and bait
- Half day boat charters from $950 or $1250 using our rods and bait
- Overnight charters $2,200 (36 Hours) or $2600 using our rods and bait
- (24 Hours) $1800 or $2100 using our rods and bait
-
Do you hire rods and reels, what gear do I need?
Rod and reel hire is $30 per rod. or $50.00 for softbait sets .
We can supply bait at an extra cost.
We have good quality equipment all ready to go, some spooled with braid for softbaits and hapuka.
You need warm clothing and food, tea and coffee provided.
Where do you fish?
We can take you fishing around Kawau Island, Great Barrier and Little Barrier, Mokohinua Islands, and around the coastline. Sometimes we do charters to the Coromandel.
Do you offer diving and birdwatching?
Yes divers are welcome but usually on fishing trips.
Brett is a keen diver and Chris only dives in the warm water.
The NZ Storm Petrel was rediscovered by Assassin in 2003. They thought it was extinct as nobody had seen any for 100 years!
How many people can the Assassin take?
We are licensed for 12 people so good for bird trips or sightseeing , but not fishing .
4 to 6 is ideal for softbaiting but up to 8 bait fishing.
Do you cater for food?
Usually it is best to bring your own food. Food which is already prepared is ideal, like lasagne etc. There is an oven and elements on board so you can heat things up.
Can we sleep on board?
We sleep 6 guests on board.
Local Accommodation
Should you require accommodation whilst in the Warkworth area, we recommend Kawau Lodge and your hosts Dave & Helen Jeffery. You can contact them via their website www.kawaulodge.co.nz
Mihirau Lodge hosts Lyn and Dave Wade , website www.mihiraulodge.co.nz