About Us

Experience Hawke's Bay are located in West Quay, Ahuriri and operate the Cat, Duck, Bus and now Diving Trips. 

The Cat was the first asset purchased and continues to be a popular activity with tourists and locals, especially for Christmas work functions. The additional assets were sequentially purchased along with the growing tourism market in Hawke’s Bay.  The Duck has grown rapidly, largely due to its popularity, inimitability and growing cruise ship market. 

The business is run by a small team including; 4 full time staff, 3 part time and several casuals for the busy summer season, who seem to reappear year after year.

The business originally started in 2002 by a previous owner, however Russell Mogford purchased the business in 2008 with a silent business partner.  Russell has worked for the business since it started and has bought success and improvements to the company.

Our Vessels - the Cat, Duck, Bus.

The Catamaran

This 72 foot Catamaran was purchased from Tauranga, with it’s original name being the Island Princess. It was built for overnight charters out of Whakatane to White Island and for fishing trips to the East Cape.

The multi hull launch was made from Fujian Kari. It measures 21.58 meters in length and 8.6 meters in height. The licensed capacity is for 110 passengers and is certified under the Marinetime Safety Authority.

The Duck

The Duck was purchased from Paihia and was originally called the Paihia Duck.

It’s an amphibious vehicle that drives on both land and sea.  The Duck seats 34 passengers and is 11.89 meters in length. It’s powered by a 168kw – motive power engine.

The Bus

Our bus is a 1996 Hino Rainbow model which seats 33 passengers. It's fully air conditioned with velour fabric covered seats. It's comfortable, stylish and driven by our fully qualified and experienced drivers. 

The Jet boat

The Jet boat was purchased from River Jets in Taupo in 2004, seating 10 passengers. EHB operated the Jet for 6 years, before selling it on the 5th April 2011. They replaced the Jet with Rafting tours (for cruise ship passengers only) and Diving.

Our Team

Russell Mogford

Russell is the owner and manager of the company. He looks after the running of all operations, and still enjoys being the skipper.

He is originally from Wairoa, with experience in managing and operating farms.  He's also been a commercial fisherman operating his own boat with fishing charters, crayfish and tuna fishing. He’s the expert when looking to do a fishing trip with the Wine Cat. 

Russell has worked for the company since it’s humble beginnings. He is an expert skipper, and an extremely reliable operator.

Sarah Dodds

Sarah is the Sales and Marketing Manager of the business.  Her role extends from graphic design to business development. She looks after all advertising, sales, marketing and strategic development. 

Sarah completed her Management degree with double majors in strategic management and marketing with Honors at Waikato, before doing further study in Risk Management. She has worked in a strategic consulting firm, and a sales role before starting her much-loved role here.

Abbey Cadman

Abbey looks after the administration and catering side of the business.  She is originally from Napier and previously worked in sales. 

She is a loyal, talkative, outgoing and a valuable member of the team.

Todd Anderson

Todd drives the Duck for the company, and does mechanical maintenance on the vessel. He holds his skipper's ticket, and plays a crucial role within the company. He is currently the favorite. 

Part Time

• Catherine Watson (Cas)