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Z Pier · Westhaven, Auckland MV Koru · Mon–Wed · Up to 30 priced / 40 max
Ultimate Charters NZ
0800 262 844 Request a quote

Outdoor education · School & youth

Outdoor education, school & youth charters

Professional, dedicated skipper and crew on MV Koru at Z Pier, Westhaven, passionate about great service from your first enquiry through to the end of your charter. Hauraki Gulf sustainability, best-practice fishing, and partner sessions with Auckland Council, Legasea and Kai Ika when arranged. Trusted by Auckland colleges including Orewa College (2025 & 2026 Year 12).

Request a school quote View charter offers
  • 4 hrsTypical · 4–5 with partners
  • $2,800From · flat rate incl GST
  • Mon–WedFeb – November
  • 30Priced · up to 40 max

Charter offers

Outdoor education on MV Koru

Flat-rate charters for colleges, outdoor education, and youth groups (scouts, guides, rangers, govt-funded programmes: same packages and pricing). Timing is based around your requirements on any Monday to Wednesday, February through November.

Charter offer · Fishing

4-hour fishing & educational charter

Learn the basics of fishing: rod handling, baiting hooks, casting and fishing techniques, along with best-practice fish handling and care. Crew show new anglers how to use the rods; skipper Craig demonstrates catch handling, keeping or returning fish, and discusses fish stocks.

$3,085 incl GST

Up to 30 on board · All fishing gear provided · Mon–Wed

Enquire: fishing & educational
Charter offer · No fishing

Hauraki Gulf sustainability

Educational charter. Hear from the experts on various sustainability issues and best-practice fishing relating to the ocean, specifically the Hauraki Gulf. Ideal when your focus is discussion and gulf ecology rather than time on the rods.

$2,800 incl GST

Up to 30 on board · Mon–Wed · Timing to suit your group

Enquire: sustainability cruise

Topics we can cover (tailored to your unit)

  • Pest control & management on Hauraki Gulf islands
  • Hauraki Gulf fishery, fish stocks & sustainability
  • Best-practice fishing, handling & care
  • Minimising environmental impacts of fishing
  • Invasive exotic caulerpa weed
  • Changes to marine reserves
  • The Kai Ika Project and community food recovery

Pricing at a glance

Price type
Flat charter (not per student)
Included in price
Up to 30 people on board
Maximum on board
40 passengers (teachers count toward capacity)
Minimum group
No minimum (flat price still applies)
Term 2–3 discount
None. Same flat rate year-round
Payment
Invoice on booking · PO/ref welcome · full payment within 14 days (same as standard charters)

Included in the charter price

  • Vessel MV Koru and crew
  • Rods and bait on the fishing charter
  • Donation to Legasea for their time on board (when arranged)
  • Life jackets for all; safety briefing before departure
  • Free use of our large BBQ (bring your own food to cook)

By arrangement (no extra charge when confirmed)

  • Auckland Council biosecurity dog-handler demo at Z Pier. Give as much notice as possible; subject to Council availability
  • Legasea / Kai Ika representatives on board. Book ahead; Oct–Nov is their quieter period

Book two or more charters and we'll include a free sausage sizzle for both groups.

Auckland colleges Outdoor education Youth programmes Scouts & guides Govt-funded groups

Typical day

What a typical education charter looks like

Timings flex to your group and bell times. Final schedule confirmed when you book. Council biosecurity and Legasea need as much notice as possible (no extra charge; subject to their availability). Craig and crew cover gear, catch handling, rules, and responsible fishing in plain language on the water.

  1. 7:30am · Z Pier: Auckland Council biosecurity dog-handler demo (pest control on gulf islands)
  2. 8:00am: Board MV Koru; skipper outlines the day and safety briefing
  3. On board: Discussion with Legasea / Kai Ika reps and skipper
  4. Morning tea: while we steam to Rangitoto Channel
  5. 1.5–2 hours: fishing time for the group
  6. ~12:30pm: Return to Westhaven

Practical info for coordinators

  • Z Pier, 31 Westhaven Drive, Westhaven. Bus drop-off in the pier carpark
  • Up to 30 people included in charter price; max 40 on board
  • College-level recommended (adult-sized life jackets supplied)
  • 2 toilets; bench seating on upper and lower decks
  • BYO food; free use of our large BBQ on board
  • Bring: hat, weatherproof jacket, non-slip covered footwear, food & drinks
  • Sea-Legs recommended the night before and morning of the charter
  • Generally BYO food. Allergies managed by your school; BBQ available on board
  • We're flexible on booking lead time. Popular terms fill from planning cycles, so enquire early

Why Ultimate Charters

Professional crew, end-to-end

Professional and dedicated skipper and crew. We're passionate about great customer service from your first enquiry through to the end of your charter, so your group has the best experience on the water.

  • MV Koru: comfortable for large groups; fish up to 25 at once
  • Partnerships: Auckland Council, Legasea, Kai Ika (by arrangement)
  • Commercial maritime operator, licensed under Maritime New Zealand MOSS
  • Life jackets for all; safety briefing before departure
  • Skipper holds current first-aid certificate
  • Response to enquiries within 24 hours

Thanks for letting the kids have such a great day. They just fired this to us. We have linked you in at no cost.

— Joel, Orewa College · Adventure Magazine: Guardians of the ocean

Safety & approvals

As a commercial maritime operator we are licensed and governed by Maritime New Zealand under MOSS (Maritime Operator Safety System), with a comprehensive operational plan audited bi-annually.

Schools meet their own teacher–student ratio requirements. We do not supply a RAMS pack; ask us for our Maritime NZ operator certificate if your approver needs it.

Bad weather: same as our standard policy: reschedule within 12 months, refunds considered in some circumstances.

Meet MV Koru →
Our sustainability commitment →

FAQ

Questions coordinators ask

What year levels are these charters for?

Primarily college level. Students fit adult-sized life jackets. Younger groups would need additional child-sized jackets; talk to us before booking.

Is there a minimum group size?

No minimum, but the flat charter price applies regardless of numbers (up to 30 included in the quoted price).

What is included in the charter price?

Boat, crew, rods and bait on the fishing charter, Legasea donation for their time on board, and free BBQ use. Auckland Council biosecurity demo when arranged at no extra charge.

Will every student catch big fish?

We can't promise that. Fishing depends on the day. We focus on skills, sustainability and a safe, well-run day on the gulf.

Can we pay by school invoice or PO?

Yes. We issue an invoice upon booking and can include your PO or reference number. Full payment is due within 14 days, same as our other charters.

Is there a Term 2–3 (May–September) school discount?

No. The flat charter price applies year-round.

How far ahead should we book?

We're flexible. Popular weeks fill from term planning. Send your school name, year level, numbers, and preferred term and we'll confirm availability within 24 hours.

Teacher : student ratios: what do you require?

Schools meet their own ratio requirements; that remains your responsibility. Our quoted price covers up to 30 people; the vessel can take up to 40 including teachers.

Where do buses drop off?

Bus drop-off in the Z Pier carpark, 31 Westhaven Drive, Westhaven, Auckland.

Enquire

Request a school or youth quote

Tell us your school, year level, numbers and preferred term. Jackie will reply within 24 hours with availability and a confirmed quote.

Call 0800 262 844

Jackie · 021 309 431

jackie@ultimatecharters.co.nz
bookings@ultimatecharters.co.nz

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Book outdoor education for your college or youth group

Monday–Wednesday charters, February–November. Auckland colleges and youth groups welcome.

Request a quote Main website