Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need to book?
Five days are recommended for any trip to the northern grounds such as North Cape or the Three Kings Islands.
How many people can we take?
We do not recommend more than four anglers on a serious fishing trip. We can cater for five on smaller trips and up to 8 on day trips.
How are the trips structured?
We can tailor all our trips to suit you requirements.
What do I need to bring?
All bedding and food is provided. You will need warm dry clothes, non-marking dry footwear, sunscreen, and sunglasses. If booking after February it pays to bring waterproof footwear and clothing as it can be cooler.
Do I need to bring any fishing tackle?
All the gear is provided however you are welcome to bring your own tackle. Ask the skipper prior to arrival if you have any specific requirements.
What will the sea conditions be like?
New Zealand’s weather changes quickly. The Three Kings is considered to have moderate conditions and the anchorages can be sloppy.The coast closer to home is normally pretty reasonable and sheltered anchorages are always available.
How long will it take to get to the northern grounds?
To fish your way up to North Cape it takes a day and you will be on the King Bank at lunchtime the following day.
Is dive gear provided?
No. Generally gear can be hired and this should be discussed prior to arrival.
What time of year is best?
January to the end of May is the best for billfish. Broadbill fish well from March to the end of July. Hapuka and Kingfish run from May through to November. Snapper fish well all year round although the spawning season, which is the peak, starts in October and goes till Christmas.
Where do I meet the vessel?
The Independence is usually moored at Opua in the Bay of Islands. However we can pick up almost anywhere on the Northland coast subject to prior arrangement.
Five days are recommended for any trip to the northern grounds such as North Cape or the Three Kings Islands.
How many people can we take?
We do not recommend more than four anglers on a serious fishing trip. We can cater for five on smaller trips and up to 8 on day trips.
How are the trips structured?
We can tailor all our trips to suit you requirements.
What do I need to bring?
All bedding and food is provided. You will need warm dry clothes, non-marking dry footwear, sunscreen, and sunglasses. If booking after February it pays to bring waterproof footwear and clothing as it can be cooler.
Do I need to bring any fishing tackle?
All the gear is provided however you are welcome to bring your own tackle. Ask the skipper prior to arrival if you have any specific requirements.
What will the sea conditions be like?
New Zealand’s weather changes quickly. The Three Kings is considered to have moderate conditions and the anchorages can be sloppy.The coast closer to home is normally pretty reasonable and sheltered anchorages are always available.
How long will it take to get to the northern grounds?
To fish your way up to North Cape it takes a day and you will be on the King Bank at lunchtime the following day.
Is dive gear provided?
No. Generally gear can be hired and this should be discussed prior to arrival.
What time of year is best?
January to the end of May is the best for billfish. Broadbill fish well from March to the end of July. Hapuka and Kingfish run from May through to November. Snapper fish well all year round although the spawning season, which is the peak, starts in October and goes till Christmas.
Where do I meet the vessel?
The Independence is usually moored at Opua in the Bay of Islands. However we can pick up almost anywhere on the Northland coast subject to prior arrangement.
