Enjoy the breathtaking panoramas and untouched beauty of Lake Taupō as you cruise its clear blue waters aboard New Zealand's only commercial electric boat. Our sailing adventures in Taupō offer visitors a unique and eco-friendly way to explore the lake while preserving it for generations to come.
Cruise the sparkling turquoise waters of Lake Taupō on NZ's only commercial electric yacht or our all-weather catamaran and uncover the lake's natural wonders and hidden treasures. Since 1982.
No noise, no diesel fumes - it makes a real difference while you enjoy the Māori Rock Carvings.
Sails Daily - great value 2.5-hour Scenic Cruise & Māori Rock Carvings.
Day Cruise 10:30am and 2:00pm
Cruise includes complimentary hot chocolate, tea, or coffee. Licensed & BYO
Evening Cruise 5.00pm Spring and 7.30pm Summer
Cruise includes complimentary snacks, wine, beer or cider or hot cocoa, tea, or coffee. Licensed & BYO
Enjoy the serenity of our quiet, zero-emissions, 100% sustainable electric yacht. No fumes and no noise. Uncover the Māori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay and listen to old legends and engaging stories. This sailing adventure in Taupō is a must-do experience, allowing you to sit back, relax and unwind while immersing yourself in the untouched beauty and history of the lake.
What you’ll experience:
Barbary II - A Classic Kauri Ketch
Explore Lake Taupō aboard the quietly incredible electric eco-yacht. Make the most of your next event or special occasion with a unique sailing experience. From hen do's and corporate events to private parties and everything in between, this scenic Taupō boat cruise is an experience that is sure to be remembered. BYO or use our bar.
Kakariki. 12 Metre Pacific Catamaran
Make our stunning Pacific Katamaran your very own party boat. Whether you prefer to explore Taupo on a fishing charter, go clay bird shooting, have a barbeque, or go stand-up paddle boarding, our Pacific Catamaran lets you choose your own adventure! BYO or licenced. Always fun! A roomy catamaran catering to 24 passengers.
Our electric-powered yacht can do it all. When the wind is up, it’s smooth sailing… you can help hoist the sails or take the wheel. If it’s calm, our quiet, eco-friendly engines make sure you continue your journey. No noise, no fumes, no fuss. Support the future of travel today with an eco-friendly sailing adventure in Taupō!
Experience Lake Taupō from a unique perspective. Take a leisurely sail and enjoy the sights and peaceful sounds of the lake as you cruise along without the distraction of traditional diesel engines. Set sail and enjoy one of Lake Taupō’s premier experiences.
Journey to Mine Bay and listen as Māori legends are brought to life. Discover the masterful artistry of Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell and his vision of his great ancestor Ngatoroirangi. This is contemporary Māori Art, years in the making, full of history and significance. You may even see a Taniwha.
Our yachts allow you to fully immerse yourself in the experience, free from the distracting noise of a motor or the smell of unpleasant fumes. Skim the surface under the sustainable power of the wind or the gentle thrust of our eco-friendly electric engines.
Explore the sparkling waters of the Taupō caldera, created by the huge Oranui eruption almost 27,000 years ago. Still active, the caldera cradles the tranquil waters of the largest lake in New Zealand. This is Taupō Moana, our great ‘inland sea’. Explore her shores and uncover the mysteries of her volcanic past.
Feb 2023 couples
Feb 2023 couples
Initially our main aim had been to see the Maori rock carvings in an environmentally friendly way by sailing on Barbary. However, the actual sailing - with a little help from the electric(!) motor - and the funny and enlightening commentary of our well informed skipper (whose name I have sadly forgotten) turned out to be the best part.
March 2023
Lovely tour with great skipper. Brilliant and humorous commentary. Very relaxing experience with a chance to dip as well. Thank you very much.
March 2023
When looking for a tour of Lake Taupo and the carvings, there were a few options. Ultimately I chose Barbary because I’d been on boats similar to the competition before, and a sail boat felt like more like an experience.
I was not let down. Our guide Chris was a great laugh, telling stories and anecdotes the entire trip. We spent a good amount of time in front of the carvings and I even got to have a swim! Bering on an open boat so close to the water is as a great feeling. Super happy with the decision I made!
April 2021
Was a great morning out....The skipper Chris was very informative and very entertaining with his stories. Would definitely recommend to all! Thank you.
