At a glance
A 2 hour catamaran cruise to the Mine Bay rock carvings
The Kakariki catamaran cruise leaves Taupō Boat Harbour at 9am, 11.30am and 2.30pm. You cruise past Acacia Bay to the Ngātoroirangi Māori rock carvings at Mine Bay, which can only be seen from the water, with local commentary, a summer swim stop and plenty of room to spread out. Bring your own food and drinks, put your playlist on and make a day of it. Adults $65, children $40.
The journey
What happens on the catamaran cruise
Taupō Boat Harbour
Arrive 15 minutes early at Berths 9 & 10 on Redoubt Street. The crew will check you in and help you find a seat on deck.
Acacia Bay and Jerusalem Bay
Cruise out past the western bays. Grab a drink from the bar, put your playlist on and watch the shoreline slide by.
The carvings at Mine Bay
Pull in close to the 14-metre carvings, reachable only by water, while the crew shares their story.
Stop for a swim (summer)
In summer, when the lake allows, jump in off the boat for a swim. Completely optional.
Cruise back to the harbour
Head back to the harbour, soaking up the views across Lake Taupō to the mountains.
The carvings
Seeing the Mine Bay Māori rock carvings from the catamaran
The main carving at Mine Bay is a 14-metre likeness of Ngātoroirangi, an esteemed tohunga (priest) and ancestor of Ngāti Tūwharetoa, set into the cliff above the water.
Finished in 1980, the carvings can only be seen from the lake. Kakariki pulls in close so everyone on the spacious deck gets a clear view and a good angle for photos, while the crew points out the smaller carvings of tupuna (ancestors) and kaitiaki (guardians) around the main figure.
Want the full story of Ngātoroirangi and the carvers? Read it on our Māori rock carvings sailing cruise page.
Why Kakariki
Why choose a catamaran cruise on Lake Taupō
Room to spread out
A spacious 12-metre catamaran with seating for up to 24 guests, so there's space for the whole group.
BYO, a bar and your playlist
Bring your own food and drinks or buy from the bar on board, and play your own music through the bluetooth sound system.
Swim stops in summer
When the lake allows, jump in off the boat for a swim. Bring your togs and a towel.
Great for families and groups
Kids, birthdays, family catch-ups and trips with friends. Free tea and coffee, and a restroom on board.
What’s included on your catamaran cruise
⎈ A 2 hour cruise on the Kakariki catamaran
⎈ Return trip to the Māori rock carvings at Mine Bay
⎈ Local commentary on the carvings, the volcanic landscape and the lake
⎈ Free tea and coffee
⎈ A swim stop in summer, when conditions allow
⎈ A bluetooth sound system for your own playlist
⎈ A restroom on board, plus warm ponchos and towels to use
What to bring
⎈ Layers, even in summer. It's cooler out on the water.
⎈ Flat, non-slip shoes
⎈ Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses
⎈ Togs and a towel if you'd like a swim
⎈ Your own food and drinks. BYO is welcome, and there's a bar on board.
⎈ ID if you're buying alcohol. The bar is 18+ only.
⎈ A camera. The carvings are best from the front of the boat.
What guests say
Sail Barbary cruise reviews
★★★★★
Based on 1,760+ reviews. 4.9 on Tripadvisor · Travellers' Choice · 4.8 on Google
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Victoria M
Such a fun tour with Lloyd, who was easy to chat to and also very knowledgable about the beautiful area, carvings and surrounding mountains! A great way to spend a morning, afternoon or evening with…
Such a fun tour with Lloyd, who was easy to chat to and also very knowledgable about the beautiful area, carvings and surrounding mountains! A great way to spend a morning, afternoon or evening with a chance to swim- would recommend highly!
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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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Sanarobertson
Lloyd was the best host, so friendly and made us feel so comfortable! My friend and I had a stunning time, thank you so much!!!
Lloyd was the best host, so friendly and made us feel so comfortable! My friend and I had a stunning time, thank you so much!!!
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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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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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AustinMartina
We loved the whole experience. A great way to get on the lake and see the carvings. Great crew and breathtaking scenery A must do Taupō activity
We loved the whole experience. A great way to get on the lake and see the carvings. Great crew and breathtaking scenery A must do Taupō activity
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F8424QHalext
Really awesome cruise out to the carvings. Chris the captain was both hilarious and informative. Genuinely amazing experience.
Really awesome cruise out to the carvings. Chris the captain was both hilarious and informative. Genuinely amazing experience.
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Bart G
Absolutely amazing! The conditions where pretty bad, yet the Barbary team made shure we could see the carvings safely. Thanks guys!
Absolutely amazing! The conditions where pretty bad, yet the Barbary team made shure we could see the carvings safely. Thanks guys!
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Before you go
What to know before your catamaran cruise
Where to meet
Berths 9 & 10, Redoubt Street, Taupō Boat Harbour. Arrive 15 minutes early. Directions
Weather
The skipper checks conditions before every cruise. If we can't head out, you can rebook or get a refund, and you can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund. Read our booking terms
Families
Babies and kids are welcome, and children cruise for $40. Anyone under 18 needs a parent or guardian on board, and the bar is 18+ only.
Access and parking
There's free parking at the harbour. Pushchairs are fine on board and there's a restroom, but Kakariki isn't suitable for wheelchairs. Accessibility on board
Kakariki catamaran cruise FAQs
Kakariki leaves Taupō Boat Harbour and cruises across Tapuaeharuru Bay, past Acacia Bay and Jerusalem Bay, to the Ngātoroirangi Māori rock carvings at Mine Bay. Your local crew shares stories about the carvings, the lake and its volcanic landscape, and in summer there’s usually a swim stop when conditions allow. The cruise takes about 2 hours return.
We cruise right up to the 14-metre carvings, which can only be seen from the water. Kakariki’s spacious deck means everyone gets a clear view and plenty of chances for photos.
The cruise takes about 2 hours return. Kakariki departs at 9am, 11.30am and 2.30pm from Berths 9 and 10 at Taupō Boat Harbour. If you can’t see availability for your date, give us a call on 07 378 5879.
Yes. BYO food and drinks are welcome, and there’s also a bar on board where you can pay by card. Tea and coffee are free. Alcohol is only served to guests aged 18 and over.
Kakariki is a spacious 12-metre catamaran for up to 24 guests, with a relaxed, social feel, a bar and a bluetooth sound system. The Barbary is a 1926 kauri sailing yacht and New Zealand’s only commercial electric yacht, where you can help sail and the cruise takes about 2.5 hours. Both visit the Māori rock carvings at Mine Bay.
Yes. Kakariki is a family-friendly cruise and babies and kids are welcome. Children cruise for $40, and anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
In summer, when the weather and lake conditions allow, there’s usually a chance to jump in for a swim. Bring your togs and a towel. Swimming is completely optional.
Wear layers and flat, non-slip shoes, as conditions on Lake Taupō can change quickly. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, your camera or phone, and togs and a towel if you’d like a swim. Warm ponchos and towels are available on board.
Pushchairs are fine on board and there’s a restroom, but Kakariki isn’t suitable for wheelchairs. If anyone in your group may need help boarding, please contact the Sail Barbary team before booking and they’ll talk you through it.
The skipper checks the weather and lake conditions before every departure. If it isn’t safe to head out, we’ll offer another time, date or boat, or a refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before your cruise for a full refund.
Keep exploring
More ways to explore Lake Taupō
Māori rock carvings sailing cruise
Sail to the same carvings on the Barbary, New Zealand's only commercial electric yacht, and hear the full story. See the sailing cruise
Kakariki sunset cruise
Cruise to the carvings in the evening light, with a complimentary drink included. See the sunset catamaran cruise
Private charters
Book the whole catamaran for birthdays, hens, work trips or family get-togethers. Plan a private charter