Sail with us
for a unique and authentic experience
Don't miss this 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.
No noise no diesel fumes - it makes a real difference while you enjoy the Maori Rock Carvings.
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 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 peace of our quiet, zero-emissions 100% sustainable electric yacht. No fumes and no noise. Enjoy the Māori rock carvings at Mine Bay and listen to old legends and engaging stories. Sit back, this is relaxing, informative and fun - must-do 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's do's, corporate events to private parties, a scenic cruise is a unique and authentic experience that is sure to be remembered. BYO or use our bar.
Kakariki. 12 metre Pacific Catamaran
Make the boat your party boat 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.
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.
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 Maori Art, years in the making, full of history and significance. You may even see a Taniwha.
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.
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.
