The contract for her construction was awarded to Astilleros Armon Vigo in Spain in 2022 as a replacement for the RV Kaharoa, put into service in 1981.

The ship passed through the Panama Canal and then stopped in San Diego, California in June 2024 en route to New Zealand.

[7] The Kaharoa II was built with the intention of supporting the next 40 years of fisheries research in New Zealand, as well as taking over a number of scientific responsibilities from its predacessor.

[3][8] It is 8 meters longer than the Kaharoa, with additional deck space to continue the deployment of Argo floats.

[10] RV Kaharoa II was christened by Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology Judith Collins on 19 August 2024.