Abyss is certified to carry up to 8 passengers including children.
A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking paid directly into our account to secure the charter. The remaining 50% must be paid into our account at least 48 hours prior to departure. Please contact us directly to arrange payment.
Prices quoted are in New Zealand Dollars and include Goods and Services Tax.
Passengers with any medical conditions that may be relevant must advise Abyss Charters at the time of booking and prior to boarding. This will allow the skipper to plan for any unexpected medical emergencies.
Pick up and drop off options are from Paihia, Waitangi or Russell wharf.
Travel to specific locations including Motu Kōkako and through “The Hole in the Rock’ is subject to sea conditions. With numerous stunning bays and beaches other options are available if the conditions become unfavourable. Sighting of marine mammals is not guaranteed.
Trips to more remote islands without wharf access may require disembarking by dinghy requiring mobility to step into and out of the dinghy. Due to time restraints this option is not currently available for half day bookings.
Unfortunately our boat is not wheelchair accessible. If you have questions about accessibility please contact us and we will try our best to accommodate your needs.
Illegal drug use is not permitted.
Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the vessel. Vaping is only permitted outside in the rear cockpit.
A reasonable amount of alcohol is permitted, however, passengers are not permitted to become intoxicated. Any passenger presenting intoxicated at the commencement of the trip will not be permitted to board. The skipper will monitor intoxication and warn a passenger if required. If a passenger becomes intoxicated the skipper may return to shore and end the trip. No refund will be given if a trip is cancelled or shortened due to intoxication.
All children must be actively supervised by their adult caregiver.
Tea and fresh bean to cup coffee is supplied along with standard milk. Bottled water is also available on-board as are cups, plates, glasses and cutlery.
Please bring sunscreen, sunhat, warm clothes, food and drink for the day, swimsuit and towel if you wish to swim, walking shoes if hiking.
If you are prone to motion sickness you may wish to take ‘Sea Legs’ or a similar sea sickness tablet before boarding. These can be purchased at most pharmacies.
You are liable for the cost of repair for any damage you cause to the boat, its gear or fittings. You will be asked to pay for the replacement cost for any rods and reels that you damage or lose overboard even if this occurs accidentally. You are not liable for any normal wear and tear on fishing gear or loss of lures. Please follow the skipper’s instructions for correct use of gear.
All personal gear bought onto the boat is the responsibility of the passenger. Please ensure you have adequate insurance for such items as Abyss Charters will make no compensation for lost or damage to passenger personal property.
Our primary concern is your safety and you must follow the skipper’s instructions at all times while on board. Failure to follow instructions from the skipper will result in cancellation of the trip with no refund provided.
Abyss Charters is committed to catching fish in a way that maintains healthy fish populations, protects marine biodiversity, and minimises damage to habitats. As such we request you take only what is required for your table and ‘Limit your catch, not catch your limit’
All fish taken will be measured and must comply with NZ fishing regulations. *
Abyss Charters reserve the right to cancel or postpone trips due to unfavourable weather or sea conditions, or for any safety concerns including safe operation of the vessel. Full refunds will be given where the operator cancels a trip due to weather or sea conditions, or for any safety concerns including safe operation of the vessel. We will give you as much notice as possible of a cancellation and if possible discuss other suitable options.
Abyss Charters does not accept liability for any travel costs, meals, accommodation or any other costs incurred by the customer as a result of cancellation of a trip due to weather or sea conditions, or for any safety concerns including safe operation of the vessel.
If a customer wishes to cancel a booking, a full refund will be issued if notification of the cancellation is received at least 10 days prior to the intended departure. If cancellation is within 10 days of departure you will forfeit your deposit. We will endeavour to fill your booking and if successful will refund your deposit.
If you give notice less than 48 hours, or you fail to show up on the day of charter, you are liable to pay for the full charter and no refund will be given.
Upon confirming a booking all members of the group shall be deemed to have read, understood and accepted these terms and conditions.
We can tailor your day on the water to meet your needs. Whether you desire meandering around the many islands, stopping to walk through the wonderful flora and fauna listening to amazing native birdsong, exploring the hole in the rock, visiting Otehi Bay, beach walks, swimming, a picnic or the thrill of trying to catch a fish we can create an itinerary to suit.
We are here to ensure you have an enjoyable time so please ask should you have any special requests.
A full safety briefing will be given by the skipper to all passengers at the commencement of the trip.
