Why We Chose Eco Sailing on Lake Taupō?
- Sail Barbary
- Jun 23
- 6 min read
When people step aboard Sail Barbary Eco Sailing Cruise on Lake Taupō for the first time, one of the first things they notice isn't what they see, it's what they don't hear.
There's no loud diesel engine humming away in the background. No constant vibration through the deck. No fumes drifting across the boat. Instead, there's the sound of the water gently moving past the hull, the breeze filling the sails, and the conversations happening around you. It's peaceful. It's relaxing. And it's exactly why we chose electric sailing.
Back in 2010, long before electric vehicles became a common sight on New Zealand roads, Sail Barbary was converted to electric propulsion. At the time, it wasn't the easiest or most obvious path to take, but it was one we believed in. More than a decade later, we're proud to still be sharing Lake Taupō with visitors aboard New Zealand's first commercial electric sailing yacht.
More Than A Cruise. A Truly Unique Authentic Eco Sailing Experience.
Your Taupō eco sailing adventure starts here.
Discover Lake Taupō aboard New Zealand's first commercial electric sailing yacht. Enjoy authentic sailing, local commentary, spectacular scenery and an unforgettable journey to the Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings.
Why Go Electric?
The simple answer is that we love Lake Taupō.
For many of us, this lake isn't just somewhere we work. It's our backyard, our playground and a place we've spent countless hours exploring. When you're lucky enough to spend your days on one of New Zealand's most beautiful lakes, looking after it becomes pretty important. Converting Sail Barbary to electric propulsion allowed us to reduce our environmental impact while creating a better experience for our guests. It gave us the opportunity to offer something different from a traditional sightseeing cruise – something quieter, more authentic and more connected to the environment around us. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions we've ever made.
A Different Experience to Traditional Boat Cruises
Most commercial vessels rely on diesel engines to move from destination to destination. They do the job, but they also create noise, vibration and emissions that become part of the experience.
Electric sailing feels very different. Guests often comment on how peaceful the cruise feels compared to other boat trips they've been on. Without the constant sound of an engine, it's easier to relax, take in the scenery and enjoy the journey itself.
You can hear the water lapping against the hull. You can hear the sails working overhead. You can actually have a conversation without raising your voice.
It might sound like a small thing, but once you've experienced it, it's hard to go back.
Authentic Eco Sailing on Lake Taupō
While we're proud of our electric propulsion system, Sail Barbary has always been about sailing first.
Whenever conditions allow, we raise the sails and let the wind do the work. That's one of the things that makes a cruise aboard Sail Barbary so different. This isn't simply a boat ride to a destination. It's an authentic sailing experience on Lake Taupō.
Guests are welcome to get involved by helping hoist the sails, chatting with the crew about life on the lake, or even taking a turn at the helm under guidance from the skipper.
Of course, if you'd rather sit back with a drink and enjoy the views, that's perfectly fine too.
The Perfect Way to Visit the Māori Rock Carvings
One of the highlights of any Lake Taupō cruise is visiting the spectacular Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay.
Standing 14 metres high above the water, the carvings are one of Taupō's most iconic attractions and can only be viewed from the lake. Approaching the carvings aboard an electric sailing yacht creates a unique experience. Without a noisy engine dominating the moment, guests can fully appreciate the scale, beauty and cultural significance of this incredible artwork.
Many visitors tell us that seeing the carvings from the water becomes one of the standout memories of their Taupō holiday. If you're planning a visit, our Māori Rock Carvings Cruise remains one of the most popular things to do in Taupō and a fantastic way to experience this remarkable landmark.
We're proud supporters of the Tiaki Promise.
Sail Barbary: Eco Sailing Cruise
Sustainable Tourism Isn't New to Us
These days, sustainability is a word you'll hear a lot in tourism. For us, it's never been a marketing trend. It's simply been part of how we operate. Choosing electric propulsion back in 2010 was one of the first steps on that journey, but it certainly wasn't the last.
We're proud supporters of the Tiaki Promise, a nationwide initiative encouraging visitors to care for New Zealand's people, places and culture. The message is simple: if we all do our part, future generations can enjoy these special places too.
Whether it's reducing emissions, minimising our impact on the lake or encouraging responsible tourism, we believe small actions can make a meaningful difference.
Why Qualmark Gold Matters
One of the achievements we're most proud of is earning Qualmark Gold.
Qualmark is New Zealand tourism's official quality assurance programme and recognises businesses that deliver exceptional visitor experiences while demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism.
While our electric sailing system certainly contributed to this recognition, it was only one part of the story.
Qualmark Gold reflects the entire experience we strive to provide, from the quality of our cruises and customer service through to our environmental practices, safety standards and ongoing commitment to continuous improvement.
For visitors, it's a reassuring sign that they're choosing a tourism experience that meets some of the highest standards in New Zealand.
More Than Just a Cruise
At the end of the day, Sail Barbary has always been about more than simply getting people from A to B.
It's about sharing our passion for Lake Taupō.
It's about helping visitors discover hidden bays, incredible scenery and local stories they may otherwise never experience.
It's about creating memorable moments for families, couples, groups of friends and travellers from around the world.
Most importantly, it's about doing all of that in a way that respects the environment we're fortunate enough to call home.
Experience Electric Sailing for Yourself
Whether you're visiting Taupō for the first time or returning for another adventure, there's no better way to experience the lake than from the water. Join us aboard New Zealand's first commercial electric sailing yacht and discover why guests consistently describe Sail Barbary as one of the most unique things to do in Taupō. Choose from our popular Māori Rock Carvings Cruise, enjoy a magical Sunset Sailing Cruise, book a Private Charter for a special occasion, or surprise someone with a Gift Voucher they'll never forget.
Whichever experience you choose, you'll enjoy authentic sailing, stunning Lake Taupō scenery and a quieter, more sustainable way to explore one of New Zealand's most remarkable destinations. We'd love to welcome you aboard.
Experience the Sail Barbary Difference.
From electric propulsion and authentic sailing to Qualmark Gold accreditation and the Tiaki Promise, discover why thousands of visitors choose Sail Barbary for their Lake Taupō adventure.
To Sum It Up
A More Sustainable Lake Taupō Cruise
Electric sailing produces significantly fewer emissions than traditional diesel-powered vessels, helping to reduce the environmental impact of tourism on Lake Taupō. It's a cleaner, more sustainable way to explore one of New Zealand's most beautiful natural environments while supporting responsible tourism practices.
A Quieter, More Relaxing Experience
One of the first things guests notice aboard Sail Barbary is how peaceful the journey feels. Without the constant noise and vibration of a diesel engine, you can fully appreciate the sounds of the lake, the wind in the sails and the stories shared by our crew. It creates a more authentic and enjoyable sailing experience.
Better Energy Efficiency
Electric propulsion systems are highly efficient, converting more energy into movement and reducing unnecessary waste. Combined with the power of the wind whenever conditions allow, Sail Barbary offers a smarter and more environmentally conscious way to cruise Lake Taupō.
Lower Environmental Impact
By reducing fuel consumption and emissions, electric sailing helps minimise our footprint on the lake. It's one of the many ways Sail Barbary has embraced sustainable tourism since converting to electric propulsion in 2010.
Smooth and Precise Handling
Electric motors provide instant, responsive control, making manoeuvring around bays, jetties and docking areas smooth and efficient. This allows for a comfortable ride and helps ensure a safe experience for guests onboard.
Proven Reliability
Electric propulsion systems are known for their durability and reliability. With fewer moving parts than traditional engines, maintenance requirements are reduced, allowing us to focus on delivering exceptional sailing experiences year after year.
Powered by Innovation
Electric sailing works hand-in-hand with nature. Combined with traditional sailing and renewable energy technologies, it represents a forward-thinking approach to boating that aligns with our commitment to protecting Lake Taupō for future generations.
Experience the Difference
The result is a quieter, cleaner and more memorable cruise experience. Whether you're joining us for a Māori Rock Carvings Cruise, Sunset Sailing Cruise or Private Charter, you'll enjoy a unique Lake Taupō adventure aboard New Zealand's first commercial electric sailing yacht.
