Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Fiordland? 

 

We think any day is a good day to be in Fiordland, whether there are bluebird sunny days or you are experiencing a true Fiordland rainstorm the weather is all part of the adventure. 

 

We run our charters from September through until June, during spring the fiords are full of wildlife returning to the area to rest up and breed following winter. In summer the days are long with the sun setting as late as 10.30pm, meaning plenty of time to explore. Autumn is typically associated with the deer rut and hunters come from far and wide to hunt Red Stags in the roar. 

 

Do you offer share with other trips? 

 

All of our trips are private charters, meaning it's just you, your friends and whānau and the friendly Fiordland Charters crew onboard. 

 

Is there a set itinerary? 

 

No two days are the same in Fiordland and we want you to explore Dusky/Breaksea at your own pace.The MV Pembroke would normally start a charter in either Breaksea or Dusky Sound and finish in the alternative sound (using the inland Acheron Passage to access either sound). This means you don't have to go out to sea in a swell - unless you want to.

Itineraries are tailored daily while onboard to suit your needs based on what you want to see and do. Whether you come to explore, dive, fish, take in the scenery, hunt, hike or just relax, we have something for everyone.

 

How do we get there? 

 

There is no road access to Dusky or Breaksea Sound making it one of the most remote areas in New Zealand. All of our charters start and finish in Te Anau, Southland. In partnership with Southern Lakes Helicopters your journey begins and ends with a 30 minute helicopter flight across the Southern Alps. On arrival in Fiordland you will land on the beach in either Supper Cove or Broughton Arm where you will  be tendered across to the MV Pembroke.

 

We encourage passengers to arrive in Te Anau the night prior to the start of their trip, transfers can be arranged through a number of local operators from either Queenstown or Invercargill airports. 

 

What is included in our trip? 

 

Our charters are fully catered and supplemented by your catch of the day. Linen and bedding are supplied. The MV Pembroke is equipped with everything you will need for fishing, we carry two kayaks, 2 paddle boards and have a 4.5 meter RIB for exploring. For SCUBA divers we supply tanks, unlimited air and dive weights.  

What do we need to bring?

 

• BYO Alcohol

• The temperature can be changeable, so bring some warm clothing just in case. The boat does have central heating throughout.

• A pair of boots/walking shoes for going ashore

• A towel

• A reusable water bottle. 

• Slippers/indoor footwear

• A good raincoat.

• Insect repellent. It is usually only required when going ashore, not that we have any sandflies down here of course!!

• Soft shell gear bags rather than suitcases.

• As we have 240v power, you are able to charge camera’s, laptops, etc.

• BYO dive gear, we supply tanks, unlimited air, dive weights and epic dive locations

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