Private boat charters on Lake Taupō
Private yacht and catamaran charters on Lake Taupō
Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, hosting a corporate event, planning a family gathering or simply after an unforgettable day on the water, we'll help you plan a private charter around your group.
Choose Barbary, our classic kauri yacht and New Zealand's only commercial electric yacht, for up to 18 guests, or the spacious Kakariki catamaran for groups of up to 24. Sail to the Māori rock carvings at Mine Bay, stop for a swim in summer and set your own pace on Lake Taupō.
Our charter fleet
Choose from our range of Lake Taupō private charter boats, including the iconic Sail Barbary electric yacht and the spacious Kakariki catamaran. Whatever your group size or preferred style of cruising, we'll help you find the perfect charter experience on the lake.
Barbary II
A classic kauri ketch
Capacity: up to 18 guests
Powered by: wind & quiet electric engine
A proven party boat for hens, stags, weddings, proposals, business events and team outings. Barbary is NZ’s only electric sailing yacht, quiet, clean, and full of charm. Seats up to 18 guests and cruises past dramatic bays and Māori Rock Carvings in eco-friendly style.
Why Sail Barbary?
Zero-emissions electric engine
Silent cruising with the wind
Spacious open deck + covered cabin
Bluetooth sound system
BYO drinks & snacks
Kakariki
12 metre Pacific catamaran
Capacity: up to 24 passengers
Features: wide deck space, onboard toilet, covered seating
Kakariki is your floating party HQ, a 12-metre catamaran built for big energy and good times. With room for up to 24 guests, a sound system that slaps, swim stops, fishing, and flexible BYO or bar options, it’s the ultimate Lake Taupō party boat.
Why Kakariki?
Great for larger groups
Option for BYO or licensed bar
Fishing-friendly setup
Plenty of shade and seating
Music system & flexible cruise routes
Perfect for
Private charters for every occasion on Lake Taupō
Corporate events and team building
Take the team out of the office and onto the lake. Charters suit team outings, client entertainment and end-of-year functions, with BYO catering and a skipper who looks after the rest.
Weddings, engagements and proposals
From a surprise proposal at golden hour to wedding photos with the lake as your backdrop, a private sail makes the moment feel like yours alone.
Birthdays and family celebrations
Bring the cake, the playlist and the whole whānau. Swim off the boat in summer, cruise past the rock carvings and celebrate without sharing the deck.
Hens and stag parties
A relaxed BYO party on the water, with a Bluetooth sound system, swim stops and plenty of deck space. Fishing trips and private sightseeing cruises can be arranged too.
What’s included on a private charter
⎈ Exclusive use of the boat for your group
⎈ A professional skipper and local crew
⎈ An itinerary built around your plans
⎈ Sailing on New Zealand's only commercial electric yacht, if you choose Barbary
⎈ A visit to the Māori rock carvings at Mine Bay
⎈ Swimming and paddleboarding in summer, when conditions allow
⎈ Fishing options on request
⎈ BYO food and drinks welcome
⎈ A Bluetooth sound system, outdoor decks and covered seating
Charter pricing and duration
Most private charters run for about 2.5 hours. Longer or custom charters can be arranged, depending on availability.
Private charters start from about $900 to $2,000, depending on:
⎈ How long you'd like to be out
⎈ Which boat you choose
⎈ Your group size
⎈ Any catering or event extras
Standard pricing covers up to 15 guests, with a per-person charge for extra guests (up to 18 on Barbary and 24 on Kakariki). A deposit secures your date, and BYO rubbish disposal and lake user fees are added to the total.
What guests say
Private charter reviews
★★★★★
Based on 1,760+ reviews. 4.9 on Tripadvisor · Travellers' Choice · 4.8 on Google
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J9
A wonderful way to celebrate my friend's 60th birthday. We did the BYO drink & food. Lloyd & Joe were great hosts. Loved swimming off the boat. The 3 hours went too quickly. Would book again. Great value for money.
A wonderful way to celebrate my friend's 60th birthday. We did the BYO drink & food. Lloyd & Joe were great hosts. Loved swimming off the boat. The 3 hours went too quickly. Would book again. Great value for money.
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ItsStaish
My Family and I did a private charter with Sail Barbary. The supper was good with everyone from the kids to the Adults. We got to enjoy beautiful lake Taupō and learn some facts about it as locals we…
My Family and I did a private charter with Sail Barbary. The supper was good with everyone from the kids to the Adults. We got to enjoy beautiful lake Taupō and learn some facts about it as locals we should have known. Would reccomend everyone goes out at least twice!
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Go63510968341
We had a great cruise with Kakariki! We had catered food which was fantastic and the crew on board were awesome! Would reccomend these guys again for any private charter etc you need!
We had a great cruise with Kakariki! We had catered food which was fantastic and the crew on board were awesome! Would reccomend these guys again for any private charter etc you need!
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Jet14029336444
EPIC trip out on the lake! Great vibes hosted by Lloyd! So peaceful being out on the lake. Great bang for buck too. A must do in Taupo! How good to swim off the boat too!!
EPIC trip out on the lake! Great vibes hosted by Lloyd! So peaceful being out on the lake. Great bang for buck too. A must do in Taupo! How good to swim off the boat too!!
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708bookings
Wow what a great trip we had with sail barbary. Our Captain Lloydo was amazing to say the least. Couldnt have been more accomodating and knowledgeable of the lake and surrounds. His passion for the…
Wow what a great trip we had with sail barbary. Our Captain Lloydo was amazing to say the least. Couldnt have been more accomodating and knowledgeable of the lake and surrounds. His passion for the lake was obvious from when we arrived. The trip was amazing and the carvings need to be seen to be fully appreciated. For anyone who is looking for a nice relaxed experience we cant recommend Sail Barbary highly enough.
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Susan B
We were very lucky to have beautiful weather. The crew Aaron & Erin were very friendly and made us feel welcome, along with providing us with information on the lake etc. Quite a few people went in…
We were very lucky to have beautiful weather. The crew Aaron & Erin were very friendly and made us feel welcome, along with providing us with information on the lake etc. Quite a few people went in for a swim and enjoyed it - a bit chilly! We would definitely recommend.
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Private charter FAQs
Yes. Most charters include a visit to the Ngātoroirangi Māori rock carvings at Mine Bay, which can only be seen from the water.
Barbary, our classic electric yacht, takes up to 18 guests. Kakariki, our catamaran, takes up to 24 guests.
Yes. BYO food and drinks are welcome on both boats. A fee applies for BYO rubbish disposal.
Private charters start from about $900 to $2,000, depending on the boat, how long you're out, your group size and any extras. Standard pricing covers up to 15 guests, with a per-person charge for extra guests.
Most private charters run for about 2.5 hours. Longer or custom charters can be arranged, depending on availability.
Yes. Tell us your plans when you enquire and we'll help you choose the right boat and timing for the moment.
Choose Barbary for a classic, quiet sail on New Zealand's only commercial electric yacht. Choose Kakariki for bigger groups, more deck space, covered seating and an onboard toilet.
Fill in the enquiry form, call 07 378 5879 or message us on WhatsApp on +64 27 231 1300. We'll confirm availability and pricing, and a deposit secures your date.
Fishing options are available. Let us know when you enquire and we'll talk you through what's possible.
In summer, when the weather and lake conditions allow, there are chances to swim and paddleboard off the boat.
Planning a private charter? Let’s set sail!
Fill in the form and we’ll get back to you with availability, pricing, and all the details to get things underway. The more you tell us, the better we can tailor your charter.
Contact us
Phone. 07 378 5879
Toll-Free. 0800 ECO SAIL
WhatsApp. +64 27 231 1300
