Meet Your Skipper

Top Catch Fishing Charters Kaikoura 7.jpg

Malcolm Halstead

OWNER/OPERATOR

Meet Malcolm, a fully qualified skipper with 35 years of experience fishing in the pristine waters of the South Island of New Zealand.  His passion for fishing in the breathtaking surroundings of Kaikōura is contagious, and he is committed to ensuring that you have the most unforgettable fishing experience in this beautiful part of New Zealand.

Malcolm's friendly and approachable demeanor will put you at ease as he shares his wealth of knowledge and expertise with you. He is dedicated to providing a safe and enjoyable fishing trip, and his attention to detail is second to none.

Whether you are a seasoned angler or it's your first time fishing offshore, Malcolm will tailor your fishing experience to suit your needs and preferences. With his guidance, you will have the opportunity to catch a variety of fish species, that will be prepared for you to take home and enjoy.

Book your fishing trip with Malcolm today and discover the beauty, wildlife and excitement of fishing in Kaikoura, New Zealand.

Sustainability & Our Environment

Top Catch Fishing Charters Kaikoura - Crayfish

Kaitiakitanga - KCFAI Code of Conduct

Top Catch Charters are proud members of the Kaikōura Charter Fishers Association Inc. (KCFAI) and fully uphold the KCFAI Code of Conduct, developed alongside Te Korowai o Te Tai ō Marokura to promote sustainable fishing for future generations.

For example, while the Ministry of Primary Industries allows six crayfish per person per day, KCFAI sets a stricter limit of just one - reflecting our belief in fishing for a feed, not for the freezer. This approach eases pressure on the fishery and helps preserve it for the future. We also educate our guests on size limits and regulations, ensuring any undersized or pregnant crayfish are carefully returned to the sea.

When it comes to Blue Cod, we set our own higher standard too, with a minimum keep size of 35cm - above the 33cm limit set by MPI for Kaikōura, giving more fish the chance to reach breeding maturity and supporting a healthier fishery.

Protecting Kaikoura’s Unique Marine Wildlife

At Top Catch Charters, we’re proud to operate in one of Aotearoa’s most breathtaking and ecologically sensitive marine environments - the waters off Kaikōura.

To ensure we help protect this incredible place for generations to come, our crew voluntarily participates in the Department of Conservation’s SMART (Sustainable Marine Mammal Actions in Recreation and Tourism) Training Courses. These courses equip our team with the knowledge and skills to interact responsibly with the whales, dolphins, and seals that call these waters home, following best practice guidelines to minimise disturbance, promote conservation, and educate our customers along the way.

Although not a regulatory requirement, we choose to complete the SMART Training as part of our genuine commitment to safeguarding Kaikōura’s unique marine life. By taking this extra step, we minimise our impact and help protect the incredible environment we are privileged to work in every day.

Te Korowai o Te Tai o Marokura

What is Te Korowai o Te Tai ō Marokura - Stewards for the integrity of the Kaikoura marine environment.

Te Korowai is an organisation focusing on marine management strategies that incorporate Kaikoura’s coastal values and provide an ongoing kaitiakitanga (stewardship) for community stakeholders.

Our skipper and owner-operator, Malcolm, is an esteemed member and an active participant of Te Korowai o Te Tai ō Marokura. This organization is dedicated to preserving and protecting the marine environment of the Kaikōura region. Malcolm's involvement in this group demonstrates his commitment to sustainable and responsible fishing practices. As a result, our customers can trust that their fishing experience with us is not only enjoyable but also environmentally conscious. Find out more here.

The Tiaki Promise

To Care for People and Place & Culture

The Tiaki Promise is a commitment to care for New Zealand, for now and for future generations.

By following The Tiaki Promise, Top Catch Charters are making a commitment to New Zealand. To act as a guardian, protecting and preserving our home. We wholeheartedly get behind the Tiaki Promise and encourage all visitors to Kaikōura to act as guardians of Aotearoa New Zealand.

  • CARE FOR LAND, SEA AND NATURE, TREADING LIGHTLY AND LEAVING NO TRACE

    • Protect Nature - New Zealand’s nature is precious and many of our native species are endangered or at risk. Remember to care for land, sea, and nature when you travel.

    • Keep NZ Clean - Kiwis are proud of this beautiful country and expect visitors to dispose of their litter and waste responsibly, even in remote areas.

  • TRAVEL SAFELY, SHOWING CARE AND CONSIDERATION FOR ALL

    • Be Prepared - Exploring New Zealand’s great outdoors can be very different to what you might have experienced in other places. If you are leaving urban areas, some preparation can help you get the most out of your trip and keep yourself safe.

    • Drive Carefully - New Zealand has some of the most amazing scenic drives in the world, but our roads can be challenging at times. Drive carefully to keep yourself and others safe on the road.

  • RESPECT CULTURE, TRAVELLING WITH AN OPEN HEART AND MIND

    • Show Respect - Travel with an open heart and mind. By taking the opportunity to understand our culture and respect our customs, you’ll have a positive impact on the communities you visit. In return, the people of Aotearoa New Zealand will leave a lasting impact on you.

For more information visit the Tiaki New Zealand website. Nau mai, haere mai ki Aotearoa. Welcome to New Zealand.