At a glance
A 2 hour evening catamaran cruise, drink included
The Kakariki sunset cruise runs from September to April and leaves Taupō Boat Harbour at 5.00pm and 7.30pm, with times adjusted to suit the season. You cruise past Acacia Bay to the Māori rock carvings at Mine Bay as the light turns golden, with a complimentary wine, beer or soft drink, local commentary and plenty of room to spread out. BYO food and drinks are welcome too. Adults $74, children $40.
The journey
What happens on the sunset catamaran cruise
Taupō Boat Harbour
Meet the crew at Berths 9 & 10 on Redoubt Street 15 minutes before departure, and find your spot on deck.
Acacia Bay and Jerusalem Bay
Cruise out as the evening light softens. Grab your complimentary drink, put your playlist on and watch the shoreline.
The carvings at Mine Bay
Pull in close to the 14-metre carvings in the evening light. They can only be reached by water.
Stop for a swim (summer)
On warm evenings, when the lake allows, jump in off the boat. Completely optional.
Cruise home at golden hour
Head back to the harbour as the light turns gold over the lake and the mountains.
GOLDEN HOUR
Lake Taupō at golden hour, from the catamaran deck
Evening is when Lake Taupō is often at its calmest and most colourful. The wind tends to ease, the water flattens out and the cliffs around Mine Bay glow in the late light.
Kakariki's spacious deck gives everyone a good spot to take it in, drink in hand, while the crew points out the bays, the volcanic landscape and, on a clear evening, the peaks of Tongariro National Park across the lake.
The sunset cruise still visits the Māori rock carvings at Mine Bay, a 14-metre likeness of the tohunga Ngātoroirangi. For the full story, see our Māori rock carvings sailing cruise.
Why Kakariki
Why choose a catamaran for your sunset cruise
Room to spread out
A spacious 12-metre catamaran with seating for up to 24 guests, so the whole group gets a view of the sunset.
A drink on us, plus BYO
Your first wine, beer or soft drink is included. Bring your own food and drinks too, or buy more from the bar.
Your playlist, your vibe
Play your own music through the bluetooth sound system and settle in for the evening.
Celebrations and groups
Birthdays, date nights and catch-ups with friends and family. Free tea and coffee, and a restroom on board.
What’s included on your sunset catamaran cruise
⎈ One complimentary wine, beer or soft drink
⎈ A 2 hour evening cruise on the Kakariki catamaran
⎈ A visit to the Māori rock carvings at Mine Bay
⎈ Local commentary on the carvings, the volcanic landscape and the lake
⎈ A swim stop on warm evenings, when conditions allow
⎈ A bluetooth sound system for your own playlist
⎈ Free tea and coffee, a restroom, and warm ponchos on cool evenings
What to bring for an evening cruise
⎈ Warm layers and a jacket. Evenings on the lake get cool.
⎈ Flat, non-slip shoes
⎈ Sunglasses for the low evening sun
⎈ 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 or phone for the sunset
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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Daydream18852078001
Such an amazing experience on the Sail Barbary Sunset Cruise. Lloyd was knowledgeable, welcoming, and made sure everyone had a great time, with awesome music to top it off. Would absolutely recommend to anyone visiting Taupō.
Such an amazing experience on the Sail Barbary Sunset Cruise. Lloyd was knowledgeable, welcoming, and made sure everyone had a great time, with awesome music to top it off. Would absolutely recommend to anyone visiting Taupō.
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Vanessa Burns
Such an amazing tour. Our skipper was Chris, who was extremely knowledgeable and entertaining. We did the sunset cocktail cruise and were lucky enough to have gorgeous weather, with many taking the…
Such an amazing tour. Our skipper was Chris, who was extremely knowledgeable and entertaining. We did the sunset cocktail cruise and were lucky enough to have gorgeous weather, with many taking the opportunity to swim in the lake. Would highly recommend!!!
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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 sunset 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
Kids are welcome on the sunset cruise, 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 sunset catamaran cruise FAQs
It’s a 2 hour evening cruise on the Kakariki catamaran from Taupō Boat Harbour to the Māori rock carvings at Mine Bay and back, timed for the golden evening light. It includes a complimentary wine, beer or soft drink, and you’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Yes. Kakariki cruises right up to the 14-metre Ngātoroirangi carvings at Mine Bay, which can only be seen from the water.
The sunset cruise runs from September to April and departs at 5.00pm and 7.30pm from Berths 9 and 10 at Taupō Boat Harbour. Times can change to suit the season, so check the current times when you book, and arrive 15 minutes early.
Yes. Your cruise includes one complimentary wine, beer or soft drink. You can also bring your own food and drinks, or buy more from the bar on board (cards accepted). Alcohol is only served to guests aged 18 and over.
The cruise is timed to make the most of the evening light, but how the sunset looks depends on the weather and cloud. Every evening on Lake Taupō is different, and the lake and mountain views are beautiful either way.
Evenings on Lake Taupō can get cool, so wear warm layers and flat, non-slip shoes and bring a jacket. Pack sunglasses for the low sun, your camera or phone, and togs and a towel if you’d like a swim. Warm ponchos are available on board.
Kakariki is a spacious 12-metre catamaran for up to 24 guests, with a relaxed, social feel, a bar and a bluetooth sound system, and the cruise takes about 2 hours. The Barbary is a 1926 kauri sailing yacht and New Zealand’s only commercial electric yacht, with a 2.5 hour sunset sail. Both include a complimentary drink and visit the carvings.
Yes. Kids are welcome on the sunset cruise and children cruise for $40. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
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
Lake Taupō sunset sailing cruise
Sail to the carvings at golden hour on the Barbary, New Zealand's only commercial electric yacht. See the sunset sailing cruise
Kakariki day cruise
Cruise to the carvings by day at 9am, 11.30am or 2.30pm, with summer swim stops. See the day catamaran cruise
Private charters
Book the whole catamaran for birthdays, hens, work trips or family get-togethers. Plan a private charter