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Rakiura Charters & Water Taxi

66 Reviews
#2 of 11 Boat Tours & Water Sports in Stewart Island
Features Animals
Fishing Charters & Tours, Day Trips, Tours, Outdoor Activities, Boat Tours & Water Sports
10 Main Rd. | Halfmoon Bay, Stewart Island 9846, New Zealand
+64 27 354 9991
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“beyond expectations”

There are not a lot of businesses operating in winter on Stewart Island but Chris from Rakiura... read more

Reviewed 5 August 2017
Romola H
,
Shepparton, Australia
via mobile
“fishing charter Easter weekend , The driver was very grumpy, hardly spoke,”

Felt ripped off would have been cheaper to buy the small amount of fish we got. He didnt tell us... read more

Reviewed 12 June 2017
Raylene C
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Cruise Stewart Island in affordable comfort & style! Offering tours and water taxi services to the Ulva Island bird sanctuary, Freshwater River, meet our stunning ocean birds such as Albatross and Yellow-Eyed Penguins up close and personal on a Pelagic Birding Tour, come dolphin and seal spotting, or explore the historic Norwegian Whaler's Base. Our tour vessel is equipped with bathroom, kitchenette, lounge-style seating and a heated cabin, this is cruising in style! Our brand new water taxi seats up to 19 passengers and also features a heated cabin, toilet and excellent viewing, designed especially to maximise your Stewart Island experience!

About Rakiura Charters & Water Taxi

Cruise Stewart Island in affordable comfort & style! Offering tours and water taxi services to the Ulva Island bird sanctuary, Freshwater River, meet our stunning ocean birds such as Albatross and Yellow-Eyed Penguins up close and personal on a Pelagic Birding Tour, come dolphin and seal spotting, or explore the historic Norwegian Whaler's Base. Our tour vessel is equipped with bathroom, kitchenette, lounge-style seating and a heated cabin, this is cruising in style! Our brand new water taxi seats up to 19 passengers and also features a heated cabin, toilet and excellent viewing, designed especially to maximise your Stewart Island experience!
5.0
66 reviews
  • Excellent93%
  • Very good3%
  • Average0%
  • Poor1%
  • Terrible3%
Travellers talk about
“blue cod” (12 reviews)
“fishing trip” (6 reviews)
“sea birds” (6 reviews)
Closed Now
All hours
Hours Today: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Suggested Duration: 2-3 hours
LOCATION
10 Main Rd. | Halfmoon Bay, Stewart Island 9846, New Zealand
CONTACT
Website
+64 27 354 9991
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Reviews (66)
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1 - 10 of 65 reviews

Reviewed 5 August 2017 via mobile
beyond expectations

There are not a lot of businesses operating in winter on Stewart Island but Chris from Rakiura Charters & Water taxi was fantastic! He took us on a water taxi tour of the Marine Farms (oysters, mussels and salmon) in Big Glory Bay. What he...More

Thank Romola H
Reviewed 12 June 2017
fishing charter Easter weekend , The driver was very grumpy, hardly spoke,

Felt ripped off would have been cheaper to buy the small amount of fish we got. He didnt tell us about area , was clearly peeved off taking us out on Sunday. I felt as though we had put him out , as this was...More

2  Thank Raylene C
Reviewed 23 May 2017 via mobile
Amazing sightseeing

We really enjoyed our trip with Matt and he is very knowledgeable. Shared so much about the history of the island from whaling stations to boat building and amazing commentary on the landscapes and history. Affordable way to see the island from the water and...More

Thank animalfriendly15
Reviewed 24 April 2017 via mobile
Great service!

Highly recommend. We booked a taxi to Ulva Island from Golden Bay last minute with no problems. Super efficient and friendly staff. They also managed to get us back earlier than we booked as we sped through the walks on the island. Thank you!

Thank Hannah J
Reviewed 19 April 2017
Rakiura Charters

Fishing charter, morning. This was not a memorable experience! The skipper/owner might be experienced, but his attitude was not what you would expect from a person operating a fishing charter business. We had booked for a party of 5 people to do a mornings fishing,...More

Thank glenallen2017
Reviewed 5 April 2017 via mobile
Fishing for blue cod

Was looking for a fishing trip for blue cod, left message with staff that I wanted to go out with a group to reduce the cost of paying for hiring the boat solo approx $400. The staff took my details and advised that they would...More

Thank Henare K
Alina T, Owner at Rakiura Charters & Water Taxi, responded to this reviewResponded 8 April 2017

Hi Henare K, many thanks for taking the time to review your trip with us. We're glad that another couple were interested in the trip at the same time. Just to clarify, our minimum fare for our dedicated half day Fishing Tour (3 hrs) is...More

Reviewed 20 March 2017 via mobile
Felt comforted by experience if driver

... very choppy crossing and driver was very confident and comfortable ... put me at ease ... also the taxi boat seemed more robust than others ... all important for us land lubbers!

Thank JE008
Alina T, Owner at Rakiura Charters & Water Taxi, responded to this reviewResponded 8 April 2017

Hi JE008, thanks for your review. It sounds like you visited on a choppy day! Our customer's comfort and safety is our top priority, I'm glad you felt comfortable with us and hope you enjoyed your time here.

Reviewed 4 February 2017
Stewart Island albatross - up close and personal

I highly recommend the pelagic trip with Rakiura Charters. I really wanted to see albatross and was thrilled that at one point there were over 80 of the birds, including 4 species, around the boat. I don't know if is usual to see this many...More

2  Thank BrisbaneAnne
Alina T, Owner at Rakiura Charters & Water Taxi, responded to this reviewResponded 8 April 2017

Hi BrisbaneAnne, thanks very much for taking the time to write a review of your time with us. We're very pleased to hear that you enjoyed your trip. It may have been a particularly breezy day with so many birds around; they really are the...More

Reviewed 29 January 2017 via mobile
Comfy

Just used them to go to Ulva Island but felt very safe and comfortable with them. Boat will probably hold 8 people or so. Captain very professional. They will book to pick you up on Ulva if you want to spend more time. Our fee...More

Thank unguidedmissal
Alina T, Owner at Rakiura Charters & Water Taxi, responded to this reviewResponded 8 April 2017

Hi Unguidedmissal, Many thanks for your review of our Ulva Island Connection service. You may have traveled on our charter vessel, the Rakiura Suzy, which is surveyed for 10 passengers, although we usually limit to 8 to ensure comfortable seating. Our new water taxi, the...More

Reviewed 31 December 2016 via mobile
Ulva Island

Clean boats . Prompt service . Matt was very helpful and took us to Ulva Island where we explored and enjoyed the Island.

Thank David R
Alina T, Owner at Rakiura Charters & Water Taxi, responded to this reviewResponded 8 April 2017

Hi David, R, many thanks for your review; very glad you enjoyed our Ulva Island Connection service and the beautiful Ulva Island/ Te Wharawhara.

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