About Us
Small Groups - Personal Service - Good Fishing and Good Company
Top Catch is a small, owner-operated fishing charter based in Kaikōura, New Zealand offering relaxed, hands-on fishing trips for a maximum of just six guests.
We like to keep things personal. Whether you’re a keen fisher, trying it for the first time, bringing the family or looking for a private fishing charter, we’ll make sure you feel welcome, looked after and part of the experience.
For us, it’s about more than just catching fish - it’s sharing a place we love, having a bit of fun along the way and giving you a genuinely local Kaikōura experience.
Meet Malcolm - Your Skipper
For Malcolm, there’s not much that beats a good day out on the water - and after more than 35 years fishing around New Zealand’s South Island, he still genuinely loves sharing it with other people.
When you book with Top Catch, Malc is your skipper, and as the owner-operator, he’s the guy you’ll meet at the boat, the guy who’ll take you fishing and the guy who’ll do everything he can to make sure you have a brilliant day out.
Top Catch is deliberately small, with a maximum of just six guests. That means there’s time to help everyone properly, adapt the trip to the people on board and keep things relaxed and personal.
Never fished before? Absolutely fine. Bringing the kids? Even better. Been fishing your whole life? Malc’s always happy to talk fishing all day too!
You’ll get plenty of local knowledge, hands-on fishing and a few good stories along the way, without ever feeling like you’re just another passenger on the boat.
Our Vessel
Our 6.2m Osprey is the heart of Top Catch - a purpose-built fishing boat that’s perfectly suited to getting out and exploring the waters around Kaikōura.
With plenty of room to fish, a maximum of just six guests and all the gear you’ll need on board, she’s set up for relaxed, safe, hands-on fishing without the crowds.
Small enough to keep things personal, capable enough to get you out amongst some seriously good fishing … exactly how we like it!
Looking After Our Backyard
We’re pretty lucky to make our living in one of the most spectacular marine environments in New Zealand, and we don’t take that for granted.
For us, looking after Kaikōura isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about fishing responsibly, respecting the wildlife we share these waters with and doing our bit to protect this place for the future.
Kaitiakitanga - KCFAI Code of Conduct
Top Catch Charters is a proud member of the Kaikōura Charter Fishers Association Inc. (KCFAI) and fully upholds the KCFAI Code of Conduct, developed alongside Te Korowai o Te Tai ō Marokura to help protect our local fishery for future generations.
For us, that means going beyond the legal Ministry of Primary Industries requirements. All KCFAI operators limit guests to one crayfish per person. For blue cod, Top Catch also set a minimum keep size of 35cm, above the 33cm legal minimum in Kaikōura.
We also help our guests understand local fishing regulations and responsible fishing practices, with undersized or protected catch carefully returned to the sea.
It’s all about enjoying some incredible Kaikōura fishing today, while helping make sure there’s plenty out there for tomorrow too.
Image by Fiona Wardle Photography
Protecting Kaikoura’s Unique Marine Wildlife
At Top Catch Charters, we operate in one of Aotearoa’s most breathtaking and ecologically sensitive marine environments.
Fishing here means sharing the ocean with some pretty incredible marine wildlife.
Our crew voluntarily participates in the Department of Conservation’s SMART (Sustainable Marine Mammal Actions in Recreation and Tourism) training, helping us interact responsibly with the whales, dolphins and seals that call these waters home.
It gives us the knowledge and skills to minimise disturbance, follow best practice and help our guests understand how we can all enjoy Kaikōura’s wildlife responsibly.
Helping Keep Our Little Locals Safe
Our connection to Kaikōura doesn’t stop when the boat comes back into the marina.
Since November 2025, Malcolm has also been getting hands-on with local conservation efforts, helping to monitor, check and re-bait predator traps around South Bay Marina as part of the work being done by Project Bluebird to protect Kaikōura’s remaining Kororā / Little Blue Penguins.
With fewer than 50 kororā estimated to remain in the Kaikōura region, predator control and the protection of their breeding habitat are an important part of giving these little locals a fighting chance.
It’s only a small contribution, but we reckon looking after your own backyard starts with getting involved.
Image by Te Korowai o Te Tai ō Marokura
Te Korowai o Te Tai o Marokura
Malcolm is also an active member of Te Korowai o Te Tai ō Marokura - a community-led organisation working to protect and sustainably manage Kaikōura’s marine environment.
Bringing together local iwi, recreational and commercial fishers, tourism operators, conservation groups and the wider community, Te Korowai is about working together to look after this extraordinary stretch of coastline and ocean. Find out more here.
The Tiaki Promise
To Care for People, Place & Culture
We think The Tiaki Promise is pretty special - a commitment to care for Aotearoa New Zealand, its people, culture, land and sea - for now and for future generations.
We encourage everyone who joins us in Kaikōura to travel thoughtfully, tread lightly and help look after this special place for us, and for all those who come after us.
For more information visit Tiaki New Zealand.
Image by Fiona Wardle Photography
