The Adventurer Contributers
Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show Celebrates 70 Years
The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show returns this May, celebrating 70 years as the country’s biggest boating and fishing event. Running 14–17 May at the Auckland Showgrounds, the show brings together the latest in boats, trailers, and gear — along with the people behind it all. We’ve highlighted a few exhibitors worth checking out, including Haul Safe, Aakron Trailers, and BoatDek, each offering practical upgrades for your setup on and off the water.
Black Marlin stuns in brutal conditions
A monster black marlin caught in brutal conditions has claimed top honours at the Kubota Billfish Classic, setting a new Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club record. The epic three-hour battle delivered life-changing prize money and a moment the crew will never forget.
Kubota Billfish Classic delivers on and off the water
While the fishing delivered as always, this year’s Kubota Billfish Classic made just as big an impact on shore — raising significant funds for local charities and bringing the Whitianga community together. From packed crowds to strong support for local groups, the event once again proved it’s about more than just fishing — it’s about community, contribution, and atmosphere.
Autumn conditions deliver quality kingfish
Inshore fishing is firing across the upper North Island, with strong snapper numbers and kingfish pushing into the shallows. A standout 25.8kg kingfish landed off the rocks highlights just how good the action is right now.
Strong start expected for duck shooting season
Duck season is nearly here, with great conditions and solid bird numbers reported. Opening weekend looks promising — time to get prepared and enjoy getting back out there.
Epic broadbill lands pending women’s record
Seven hours on the rod, one epic result. Helen Horrocks has landed a 279.3kg broadbill swordfish off Northland, now sitting as a pending NZ women’s record.
Offshore powerboats set to roar into Whitianga for season finale
The NZ Offshore Powerboat Racing Series heads to Whitianga this weekend for its season finale. With up to 20 boats, speeds over 170km/h and free pit access at Buffalo Beach, spectators can expect plenty of action.
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Season’s biggest yellowfin? 82kg giant stuns two-person crew
A trip north turned into an unforgettable offshore mission for Jody Verryt and husband Paul after landing a massive 82.4kg yellowfin tuna east of Great Barrier Island.
Three Kings trifecta
A first trip to the legendary Three Kings turned into the adventure of a lifetime for angler Mark Green, who landed an incredible offshore trifecta — tagging a blue marlin and swordfish before boating a massive 293kg northern bluefin tuna.
Tinny takes on the big boys
Big fish, small boat. Two glassy days in the Bay of Islands saw yellowfin tuna pushing in close, with a tinny mission delivering both a solid yellowfin and a marlin boatside. The following day topped it off with a first-ever game fish — a 70.7kg yellowfin at the weigh station.
Tracking collar programme looks to better understand young Sika
Better understanding and management of the Sika population.
Pelagic Charters celebrates record season
The tuna fishery continues to get better and better for Pelagic Charters, read how their 2024 season went down!
Jigging for SBT proving successful
Jigging for southern bluefin tuna has taken off this season, with more and more anglers choosing to fish through the night with great results.
Gisborne enjoys “best season ever”
Gisborne Tatapouri Sports Fishing Club couldn't have asked for a better start to 2024,
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A Kiwi innovation born on the water
JCJIGS is a New Zealand-born lure brand driven by innovation and a passion for fishing. Founded by angler Jacob Burton, the range focuses on sound, movement and proven colour patterns to target everything from snapper and kingfish to hapuka and bluefin. Designed to help anglers of all levels create memorable days on the water, JCJIGS continues to grow with performance and real-world results at its core.
Late drama caps off Top 10 Tuna Tournament
The Mercury Bay Game-Fishing Club’s Pacific Coast Marine & Diesel Top 10 Tuna Tournament wrapped up with late drama on the scales, record-breaking performances and strong junior involvement. A tight leaderboard went down to the final hour, capping off a successful month of fishing.
Building boats, building memories: The rise of kitset craft
Auckland’s Form & Float is bringing back the classic Kiwi tradition of DIY boatbuilding. Their clever flat-pack kits make it easy for anyone to build a kayak, dinghy, or catamaran — no workshop or special tools needed. More than just a boat, it’s a hands-on experience that brings families and communities together.
Cavalli Islands tag wins IGFA Great Marlin Race
Striped marlin travels an impressive straight-line distance of 4,739nm
Pacific bluefin in the Bay of Islands ‘as good as it gets’
Exciting times, as huge bluefin tuna make an appearance into the Bay of Islands
Annual Snapper Bonanza surf casting competition thrives at 90 Mile Beach
The annual Snapper Bonanza fishing competition saw more prizes, bigger crowds and heavier fish than ever before.
World class in the Bay
The 2024 Kubota Billfish Classic has been crowned the largest tournament in the world.
Trophy sword landed from a jetski
Keen angler Wesley van den Herik has caught and landed a trophy swordfish around 50km off the coast of Tasmania – all while on a jet ski.
Double land-based SBT caught at Cape Runaway
Landbased fishing for kingfish at Cape Runaway turned into a day these anglers will never forget, when a school of Southern bluefin tuna came in casting range!
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Welcome back Challenger boats
The Challenger boat brand is back – with a new owner, new branding and a new plan of attack.
NEW Marco 600 SouWester
I join the Marco team on the maiden voyage in the muddy waters of the Waihou river.
The latest breakthrough for launching your trailer boat
The Balex ABL2500 launches and retrieves your boat completely hands free and is so well built the marine industry is wondering why no one thought of it before now.
New Hunting & Fishing store opens in Whitianga
Hunting & Fishing stores expanding in the Coromandel Peninsula region.
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TK Helping anglers to their target
Take the guess work out of your game fishing and head straight to the hot spots where pelagic species maybe holding. The results speak for themselves, as many anglers around New Zealand and Australia are jumping on the TK Offshore crew and been rewarded with success!
Dream fishing for Kiwi in Azores
Blue marlin fishing in the world renowned Azores in the North Atlantic Ocean
Unexpected big eye at White Island
Epic battle and surprised catch for angler deep dropping near White Island
First ever Youth Nationals to kick off
Junior anglers get ready for the first national event to kick off in April
Hunter’s Paradise – ‘Hunting Opotiki’
Family friendly hunting block that suits all levels of hunters!
Companion Pro Nano Solo Cookset – A fun way to go hunting
The Adventurer goes hunting and reviews the Companion Pro Nano Solo Cookset
Live-baiting skipjack tuna
Live-baiting skipjack tuna can be a very successful form of game-fishing especially for marlin and big tuna, and is a fairly simple process. If you’re fishing on a budget this can save you a bit of extra cash, travelling at a slower speed, using less gas, only one game rod is needed, and you catch your own bait.
