Spearfishing Charter at Kawau Island: Full-Day Freedive Hunt in the Hauraki Gulf
Spend a day freediving for snapper and kingfish around Kawau Island in the Hauraki Gulf. This full-day spearfishing charter is a freediving-only operation suited to fit, breath-hold divers wanting targeted, action-packed hunting on New Zealand reefs.
The Experience
Before You Go
Book for calm-weather days
Operators choose Kawau for calmer water; check wind forecasts and be flexible on dates to maximize visibility and safety.
Bring a sturdy wetsuit
Water can be cool for long sessions—3/2mm or thicker suits reduce fatigue during repeated breath-hold dives.
Understand catch responsibility
You must shoot and secure your fish—guides won’t catch fish for you, so practice buoy and line handling beforehand.
Hydrate and pace surface intervals
Freediving and sun exposure increase dehydration risk—drink water and respect surface recovery times between dives.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Mansion House Bay shoreline walks for island history and views
- •Shallow reef ledges near Kawau’s southern coves that hold juvenile snapper in calm conditions
Wildlife
- •New Zealand fur seal
- •Black reef sharks (usually inquisitive, not aggressive)
Conservation Note
Fisheries are managed with size and bag limits; responsible spearfishing and handling reduces bycatch and supports reef resilience.
Kawau Island hosts a 19th-century Governor’s Mansion and gardens from its European settlement era, built atop older Māori seasonal visitation sites.
What to Bring
3/2mm or 5/4mm wetsuitEssential
Keeps you warm during long surface intervals and repeated dives in temperate water.
Low-volume mask and snorkelEssential
Improves equalization and visibility for efficient freediving.
Speargun or pole spear (check regulations)Essential
Proper, legal gear maximizes success and safety when targeting reef species.
Surface float with flag and cutting toolEssential
Marks your position, secures catch, and provides a safety point for tired divers.
Common Questions
Do I need prior spearfishing experience to join?
No—operators accept all levels but expect basic freediving competence; beginners should disclose experience so guides can choose appropriate sites.
Are there species or size limits?
Yes—local and national fisheries regulations apply; guides will also encourage selective targeting and legal-size retention.
How many people are on a charter?
Max group size is small—typically up to 8 people—so expect hands-on guidance and site rotation.
What happens if the weather cancels the trip?
If the operator cancels for weather you’ll be offered an alternative date or store credit according to booking terms.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
8–10 hours
Location
Auckland, Auckland
Difficulty
challenging
Fitness Level
Requires moderate to high aerobic fitness, repeated breath-hold ability, and comfort in open water.
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