Owned and operated by Steve and Sandra Kafka since 1984, the business grew organically from their love of the ocean and a deep connection to New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands. What began as a family lifestyle evolved into a globally respected expedition charter service, supporting world-class scientific and conservation work in some of the planet’s most remote and challenging marine environments.
At the heart of the operation is Evohe, a 25-metre steel expedition yacht registered in New Zealand. With capacity for 12 passengers and 7 crew, Evohe is ideally suited for research and natural history filming expeditions. Her robust design and duplicated vital systems, including main engines, make her a reliable platform for navigating the world’s wildest waters.
Evohe’s track record is nothing short of extraordinary. She has supported expeditions across the South Pacific, South Atlantic, and Southern Ocean, including voyages to South Georgia, the Antarctic Peninsula, and New Zealand’s Subantarctic islands; Campbell, Auckland, Snares, Antipodes, and Bounty. One of her most notable achievements was a successful transit of the Arctic via the Northwest Passage, journeying from the Pacific to the Atlantic.
In 2011–2012, Evohe served as the mothership for seven traditional vaka on a trans-Pacific voyage, spanning from New Zealand to the USA, Mexico, Galapagos, and across the Pacific Islands. In 2014–2015, she was again at the forefront, supporting research and supply expeditions to the Subantarctic Islands in partnership with the Department of Conservation, a relationship that continues to this day.
When asked about the secret to their success, Steve reflects, “The business grew by word of mouth. We started out with the boat, which we used to travel the world as a family for nine years. We offered it to the Natural History Unit of TVNZ, and things took off from there.”
Operating in the Southern Ocean comes with its fair share of challenges. “The challenges are ongoing,” Steve shares. “For me, they’re more about weather and keeping people safe than business.” That commitment to safety and professionalism has earned Evohe the trust of clients who are always grateful to return from their journeys safe and sound.
Throughout their journey, PKF Dunedin has been a trusted partner. “Continuity has been important to us,” says Steve. “The personal relationships we’ve developed over the years have meant a lot.”
Now, after decades of exploration and service, Evohe Charters has entered a new chapter. The business has recently been sold. At 70, Steve is looking forward to spending more time at home, reflecting on a life well-lived at sea and the legacy he and Sandra have built.
PKF Dunedin is proud to have supported Evohe Charters through its remarkable journey and wishes Steve and Sandra all the best in their next adventure.