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Sail our Lake Taupō
pure beauty – pure heritage – pure fun
Cruise the sparkling waters of Lake Taupō on NZ's only commercial electric yacht or our all weather catamaran and discover its natural wonders and hidden mysteries. Since 1982
Sails Daily - 2.5hr Scenic Cruise & Māori Rock Carvings
Day Cruise 10:30am, 2:00pm & 5.00pm
Cruise includes a complimentary or hot chocolate, mulled wine, tea, or coffee. Licensed & BYO.
Spring special: 20% off - use Promo code: ECO20
Evening Cruise 5:00pm and 7.30pm (summer)
Cruise includes a complimentary pizza snacks, wine, beer or cider or hot cocoa, tea, or coffee. Licensed & BYO.
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 daily cruises, corporate events to private parties, a scenic cruise is an experience that is sure to be remembered.
Kakariki. 12 metre Pacific Catamaran
Enjoy a magnificent cruise tailored to your every need including trout fishing, clay bird shooting, barbeque, stand-up paddle board, swimming and even a biscuit towed behind the boat. BYO or licenced. Always fun! A roomy catamaran catering to 24 passengers.
See our trip advisor reviews
Let the fresh air revive and invigorate you as the shore recedes and the crystal-clear waters slide quietly beneath you, leaving your cares in their wake.
Admire the sparkle of sunlight across the surface of Lake Taupō, the North Island’s Inland sea, as you take in the scenery from the deck of our eco-friendly yacht. Take in dramatic vistas as they spread before you, the majestic peaks guarding the Taupō caldera rising majestically in the distance.
Enjoy the peace on our quiet, zero-emissions yachts. Experience the cultural significance of the Māori rock carvings at Mine Bay, listen to old legends and engaging stories. Sit back and relax or get involved and learn to sail.
Discover our Lake Taupō, don’t miss this must-do experience.
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.
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 engines. Set sail and enjoy one of Lake Taupō’s premier experiences.
Journey to Mine Bay and gaze, awestruck, as Māori legends are brought to life. Discover the masterful artistry of Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell, creations years in the making, and marvel as they reach out to touch the sky, full of history and significance.
Our yachts let you immerse yourself in the experience without the distracting rumble of a motor or the smell of noxious 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.
Now dormant and slumbering peacefully, the caldera cradles the tranquil waters of the largest lake in New Zealand. This is Taupō Moana, our great ‘inland sea’.
Come explore her shores and uncover the mysteries of her volcanic past.
20 January 2020
Skipper Chris was totally a joy to listen to for the duration of the sail. The facilities were top notch and we were totally relaxed and enjoyed the trip immensley. ( including the lesson in feeding the ducks.) This trip rates very highly in our top 10 activities during our 5 week stay in New Zealand, thank you Sail Barbary.
20 February 2020
Wonderful sailing to the Maori Rock carvings
Brilliant value for money
Very informative skipper
Would recommend to everyone:-))
6 March 2020
Wow what an amazing 3 hours out on the lake. The rock carvings were incredible as was the opportunity to jump off the boat for a swim in the lake.
We didn't catch the name of our skipper, but he was an amazing host and his knowledge of the carvings and the lake was so interesting.
I would highly recommend this for a morning or afternoon out, with your special someone.
There was a couple on the boat with a young child and that was no problem, so would recommend this to families as well
5 March 2020
We went on SV Barbary with Kerry as skipper. He is a very and experienced and skilful sailor and has considerable knowledge of the local area and Maori history. He also has a great sense of humour. This was a very enjoyable trip.
3 March 2020
Had another wonderful experience aboard the Barbary. This is my 4th time and thoroughly enjoyed it with my family and friends from the US. Beautiful afternoon - what a way to spend it!! Thank you once again
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