Katabatic Charters

Grant is a great host and very easy to get on with. The food on the boat was fantastic and the fishing spot he took us to gave us a great variety of fish.Thanks Grant for a great day

One of the best experiences we had during our trip through New Zealand ! A combination of a wonderful boat trip through the Marlborough Sounds, as well as the delicious and original lunch: straight from the sea, and very pure and deliciously prepared by a fantastic chef/skipper. Respect and thanks for this experience. Carl and Lief

What an Awesome Day with Grant, who owns Katabatic Charters. Grant is an Amazing Captain, Tour Guide, Fisherman and Chef Extraordinaire! He toured us all through the Marlborough Sounds and taught us a great deal about the region. He also took us to the Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary where we were able to see native wildlife unique to New Zealand. The fishing was so much fun, we caught several fish which Grant then prepared for lunch. He prepared several dishes for us including steak! It was delicious and quite the special spread. The boat / cruiser was in impeccable condition and like brand new. Grant was a delight to spend the day with, he truly cares about his clients and their experience. We would highly recommend Katabatic Charters to Everyone visiting South New Zealand! Thank you Grant for such a memorable, fun day. We will definitely be back to see you!!!Bruce & Jill

My son and I just spent three days out with Grant. Slept on board and fished the outer Marlborough sounds. Grant is a great host, skipper and Chef. He also knows all the good fishing spots and introduced us to parts of the catch we didn't know tasted so good. It was an experience not just a charter even for locals. Thank you Grant. We will be back next winter.

Katabatic Charters - A father / son foodie and fishing experianceI highly recommend the overnight fishing and foodie charter on Katabatic with owner and chef Grant Orchard.The combination of the fantastic scenery of the Marlborough and Pelorus Sounds, fishing for blue cod, mussels, pippies, Paua (abalone) sea urchin, topped off with Grants local knowledge, culinary expertise and on board dinner is a truely unique experience.Grants passion for the Katabatic vessel and it’s history in his family shines through in the attention to detail, service and the whole experience.Heading from Picton out through the Marlborough Sounds you get to appreciate the beauty of these waterways and surrounding mountains as Grant shares point of interest and answers all our questions.Outside the heads and heading north we soon had lines down for the “fish” aspect of dinner. It wasn’t long before we had a combination of Blue Cod, Karwhie, and Perch on ice, which at dinner would be served both sashimi and battered. All the gear is top notch with Grant attending to all help needed with tackle, rigging and baiting. Nothing too much trouble.With the fish locked in we then headed into Pelorus Sound and a specific bay where we targeted abalone (paua) and sea urchin.With full intent to get in the water (until we felt it) with Grant we opted instead to fish a little more while Grant donned the wetsuit and net to collect part two of our seafood desgustation.At the heart of the Katabatic is the stove/oven not only critical to the chefs magic but also warming the whole saloon, another reason we decided to stay on board and leave Grant to the Abalone hunting.Despite day one for us being a little windy and somewhat cold the Katabatic is very comfortable both in ride and shelter from the elements, with lots of glass providing great views even from inside.With Abalone and Urchin collected we head to another two extreamly scenic bays, one to collect Mussels direct from the farm and then to collect pippies all of which would become seperate courses for that nights dinner.With the hunting done and a cool night setting in, hot showers and a clothes change all round before settling down in the Katabatic soloon for a variety of wine and Grant going to work on the preparation of sea food (some of which I’d never had).I’d urge you to try it all, even if you had been disappointed with prior tastings of the various fare….all fresh, tender and tastie.The preparation is both educational and results in a fantastic food and taste experience.By 10pm, time for bed with all clean bed linen and towels provided as part of the overnight experience.In complete contrast to day one, we awoke in a bay with mirror like water and the sheep covered mountains of the Sounds.Grant went to work on breakfast cooked on the stern outdoor grill overlooking the bay.With coffee and breakfast done we started to head back to Picton passing the many crayfish pots, some dolphins and the odd seal.Once back in the Marlborough Sounds we stopped off at the bay where the Queen Charlotte walk begins, then a fish reserve (fed some large Blue Cod) and lastly the Bay of Many Coves for coffee on the deck overlooking the bay.After reboarding, time for another hot shower and change, all ready for flight back to Auckland.For a truely personalised and unique experiance covering scenery, fishing and food, I highly recommend Grant and Katabatic Charters.

We had a dream evening out with Grant on our honeymoon. A wonderful host; relaxed, good for a yarn, awesome chef and great sense of humour. Pretty awesome story to the boat and the business too, what a legacy. Our charter was a highlight of our honeymoon - everything about it was awesome.

My family of 10 set off for an afternoon charter with Grant and his beautiful boat yesterday from Picton. The experience was amazing with everyone being able to have a laugh while catching and eating some lovely local fish. What I believe tops the experience off is Grants friendly nature , sense of humour and knowledge on any type of question you had for him. On top of it all his cooking was delicious. I would recommend this to anyone coming to Picton.

Awesome!The food was really fresh, unique, and tasty.Grant is a good captain and knowledgeable fisherman. We easily caught our own lunch and caught enough for dinner back at the hotel.His boat was very comfortable and cozy even in bad weather.Grant was very friendly and kind

Had a great day out on the water with Grant! It was just the right mix of fishing, sightseeing, and learning about the Sounds for our family. Caught a few fish and Grant made an absolutely fantastic meal for us. If we're ever lucky enough to get back to Picton we'll definitely do it again!

Wow, wow, wow! This was a highlight of our travels in NZ. Not only was the surrounding absolutely stunning, Grant is a superb Captain, providing just the right balance of adventure and pleasure. He cooked up a feast for lunch (freshly caught off the stern), a tour of the sound, a perfect post-lunch swimming cove, as well as many laughs and beautiful memories. Thank you for hosting our family and friends on this epic outing. Leo, our eldest was so smitten, he wants to grow up to be a Captain, too.