Expert guided fishing charters - From 1 April 2011 the taking of Blue Cod (the iconic Marlborough Sounds species) from the inner Sounds has been approved for a limited season. Overture provides the ideal platform to target Cod, Groper, Tarakihi, Gurnard, Moki, perhaps Snapper and Kingfish. We provide our experienced fishing guided and all rods, bait and tackle provided, you will NOT be disappointed! Additionally, from 15 July to 14 February, scallops could also be on the menu with a custom dredge supplied at no extra charge. Departure times can be varied to meet the needs of the party. Read what the fishers have to say about their Overture fishing charter. See Rates & Bookings for more details ...

Whole day cruising commences with your arrival onboard Overture for light refreshments, a full tour of the vessel followed by a safety and general briefing before departing the marina. You will arrive back in the berth approximately 6 hours after departure. Departure times can be varied to suit your requirements. Depending on the conditions and your interests, you and the Skipper can decide to take Overture to the “Outer Sounds” or to “Tory Channel” - each has their own spectacular scenery and history. Alternatively, you can discuss and plan your own itinerary to suit your wishes. Lunch may be arranged by your Lodge, brought by you, or organised by us to suit your requirements. See Rates & Bookings for more details ...

Part-day cruises can be arranged for guests with limited time. Contact us to discuss your requirements and we will do our best to design and price a cruise to suit your schedule.

Sample Itineraries:
The Outer Sounds:  Depart Waikawa for the 90 minute cruise to the outer Queen Charlotte Sound and Motuara Is. Today a bird sanctuary, in 1770 the island was where Captain Cook raised the British flag and claimed the South Island for King George III. Go ashore at Motuara Is and take the 20 minute walking track up through native bush to the viewing platform at the top of the Island reserve for a magnificent 360 degree panoramic view of the Sounds. Stop and inspect penguin nesting boxes alongside the track while South Island Robins hunt for insects at your feet. A short 10 minute transit to Ship’s Cove and anchor for lunch off the beach where Cook careened the Endeavour and his sailors carried out repairs, replenished wood, water, and fish supplies and traded with local Maori.

For those wanting to “work off” lunch there is the 90 minute walk from Ship’s Cove over the ridge and down into Resolution Bay. This is the first part of the renown “Queen Charlotte Track” and is said by many to be the most spectacular and scenic section of the whole 67km - four day walk. For the less energetic, viewing the Cook monument erected in 1919, protecting your valuables from the inquisitive and cheeky native Weka, or enjoying the easy walk to the beautiful Ship’s Cove Waterfall, completes your visit to this historic and special place. Departing for the cruise back to Waikawa, Overture will take you into a number of bush clad bays and inlets as time permits and will arrive back in the marina at approximately 4 pm.

The Inner Sounds & Tory Channel:  Depart Waikawa for a scenic tour of the peaceful bush glad Double Cove, Kumutoto, and Ruakaka Bays. Often the tame fish in Double Cove can be fed while fur seals are normally found circling the King Salmon marine farm in Ruakaka. Rounding Dieffenbach Point, the inner entrance to Tory Channel, Overture takes you to the almost landlocked, intimate and tranquil Hitaua Bay for lunch. The historic Perano Whaling Station in Fishing Bay, almost at the outer entrance to Tory Channel is the destination after lunch. 12,000 ton inter-island rail ferries often pass close by to port as they take the Tory Channel “short cut” from Picton to Wellington and return. After a view out through the seaward heads, Overture makes the return passage down the Channel, past salmon and mussel farms, arriving back in the marina at approximately 4 pm.

Part-day cruise:  Board Overture for a three hour cruise of the tranquil bush lined inner Queen Charlotte Sound and Grove Arm. Visit the almost untouched Kumutoto Bay, feed the fish in Double Bay, view picturesque Picton from seaward, and see the blending of native bush and holiday hideaways in Lochmara and Onahau Bays. For morning or afternoon tea, Overture normally anchors close to shore in either Flipper Bay or Waterfall Bay giving guests a quiet undisturbed view of the surrounding bush. Arrive relaxed and inspired back at the Waikawa Marina berth at a time to suit your schedule.