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Boatie's HandBook

Autumn Boating Adventures

Autumn is a fantastic season for boating around the country, offering epic shoulder season conditions and thrilling fishing opportunities for those in the know. From anchovy runs to wildlife spotting and visiting some top spots, Autumn has a lot to offer.

Paddles & Hooks: A Quick Guide to Kayak Fishing in NZ

Kayak fishing has captured the hearts of Kiwis across the country. Here's guide on the basic essential kit needed, as well as what to watch out for when planning and paddling out for a yak fish on the water.

Waikawa, Picton, Marlborough Sounds

Top 7 Boating Destinations this Summer

There’s endless miles of coastline and inland waters to take your pick from, but we’ve gone and handpicked seven of New Zealand's most enticing boating destinations you shouldn’t miss this year.

Spring into Action: Guide to Thrilling Fishing

Spring marks the beginning of another exciting saltwater fishing season for many enthusiastic kiwi anglers. Here's some special tips to get the most out of spring fishing and ensure a successful day on the water.

Stay safe on the water this winter

Our friends at Tower have some top tips for winter boat trips! With stronger gales and higher seas, more than ever, it’s important that you’ve got safety in mind when you hit the water.

 

Top 5 Boating Claims and How to Avoid Them

In this article we spoke with Tower, our preferred insurance partner, to discuss the 5 common boating claims they have seen over the past couple of summers. 

Stream movies wherever you are

Coastguard have teamed up with Wireless Nation to bring members a great discount on broadband and mobile. It’s for everyone, whatever your lifestyle.  

Winterising your boat

A few simple steps to winterise your boat now, can save you a lot of aggravation and expense come summer.

Century Marine Pro battery

Checking your battery

Avoid ruining a day on the water by making sure your battery is in good nick.

Handheld flare

All about flares

If you're in an emergency and you need to attract attention, you need to know how to use flares safely and effectively.

Do you have a callsign?

All VHF radio transmissions in New Zealand are legally required to be individually identifiable, and the best way to do this is with a callsign.

Child on boat in yellow Hutchwilco lifejacket facing away from camera

Looking after your lifejackets

Read our tips on how to best care for your lifejacket over the years.

Boat on a trailer.

Taking care of your trailer

We give you tips on how to keep your boat trailer in top condition.

Person holding fish

The five principles of FishCare

FishCare promotes best practice techniques to help people contribute to fishery and environmental sustainability.

Man using radio on boat

VHF radio and Nowcasting channels

Broken down, need a tow, or simply looking to make a trip report? Use these VHF channels to contact us.

Boatie's Best Mate.

Get a Coastguard membership today for peace of mind when you’re out boating.