Moeraki Fishing Charters owner Caleb Clark, whose partner, Angela May, died two months ago, said the ocean was her "happy place" and she always tried to make "everyone’s day a bit brighter".
Four and a half years ago, Mr Clark met his future wife, Ms May, on a fishing charter trip and never looked back.
As a tribute to his lost love, he is naming his 7m catamaran after her and offering charter cruises for anyone going through a tough time.
Mr Clark, who runs charters out of the scenic village’s harbour, catching mostly blue cod and sea perch, plans to run free charters twice a month for those experiencing hardship or mental health issues.
"If people are going through depression, or struggling with cancer or menopause, you name it, whatever — we’re going to group them together and chuck them on this boat and charge absolutely zero.
"People who can’t afford it, who may have kids, who want to experience the sea, this is your chance. We just want to share the love and open the doors up," he said.
Mr Clark has been offered support for his mission from New Zealand mental health advocate Mike King.
He planned to organise group charters with "like-minded" people, women going through menopause or young Maori youth struggling with their mental health and give them a space to share and talk about life, Mr Clark said.
"Sometimes people want to hide or not say anything about what they are going through — this will have everyone in the same boat, with the same issues and they can support each other ... the world will be a better place," he said.
This gift, through sacrifice and loss, had given him a way to give back to others, the way his late partner, who had the "kindest nature", did, he said.
"She had the ability to get through to people who were struggling, especially youth. She was the easiest person to talk to.
"She was a lovely, beautiful, giggly person and the first person to be there for others — she had a beautiful nature."
His sister, Kirstin Olsen, who had been his "rock" since the death of his wife, said her brother was a kind person who was "pretty amazing" and would give the "last shirt off his back" to help others.
"He wants to help people. His wife struggled going through menopause. He wants people to know you’re not alone."
Mr Clark’s daughter, Ella, 11, wanted to paint the boat pink as that was Angela’s favourite colour.
It will be painted pink in January.
The free fishing charter tours will run from next week, just in time for Christmas.
