Sail with us
for a unique and authentic experience
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 - great value 2.5 hour Scenic Cruise & Māori Rock Carvings
Day Cruise 10:30am and 2:00pm
Cruise includes a complimentary or hot chocolate, tea, or coffee. Licensed & BYO
Evening Cruise 7.30pm (summer)
Cruise includes complimentary 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 a unique and authentic 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
Enjoy the peace of our quiet, zero-emissions 100% sustainable electric yachts. No fumes and no noise.
Enjoy the Māori rock carvings at Mine Bay and 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.
Still active, 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.
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.
July 2021
It was a great way to explore Taupo. Definitely recommend it if you have a few hours to spare. Friendly staff and the beautiful sailing yacht. Enjoyed the story about the rock carvings while having a hot drink on a clear winter day.
July 2021
Have done this sail many times, enjoy it so much, very peaceful. Felt so welcomed by the owner. You learn about the history in such a way it’s relaxing and interesting however if you want your own vibe, it goes with that too! Honestly suits everyone from families ( have attended with my family) or with friends (also done this) and both times was equally as good!! To top it off, sail Barbary also has refreshments available and waterproof/wind resistant ponchos for free use during the sail (very comfy and warm.) honestly highly recommend, will continue to make this a must do activity every time I pass through Taupo!!
2 August 2021
Was such an amazing experience, being on a yacht out in the open was fantastic and the skipper was hilarious and knew his history which was awesome. Was a very unique experience and I'm glad I did this. The ponchos and complimentary milo was a lovely addition too, especially as it was a little chilly. Very relaxing time and I highly recommend this.
8th August 2021
"We sailed during windy and gusty conditions (10 to 25 knots). Two of our party of six had not sailed before and when the gusts moved Barbary along at 10 knots we experienced the excitement of real sailing. Due to the varied wind direction and force we sailed hard to windward and then on the way back a peaceful down wind sail. A great experience for all.
An excellent professional Skipper ."
