Qualmark Gold Operator
New Zealand's Official Mark of Sustainable Tourism
When you see the Qualmark Gold badge on our site, here's what it actually means for your experience with us.
Qualmark is New Zealand's official tourism quality assurance organisation, working alongside Tourism New Zealand to recognise sustainable tourism businesses that genuinely deliver on their environmental and visitor experience commitments, not just claim to. It's an accreditation that helps travellers instantly recognise quality, sustainable tourism operators, while giving businesses access to specialist guidance along the way.
Every Qualmark-accredited business is independently evaluated against the Sustainable Tourism Business Standards, criteria officially recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, meaning Qualmark accreditation meets genuine international standards of sustainable tourism, not just a local stamp of approval.
2010, the year our sustainability journey began
NZ's only commercial electric yacht
Zero diesel emissions through wind and electric power
NZ's highest tourism accreditation
Tiaki Promise, we are proudly committed
What Gold Accreditation Actually Means
Qualmark accreditation comes in three tiers: Bronze, Silver and Gold. Gold is the highest level a New Zealand tourism business can achieve.
A Gold accreditation identifies a business as best-in-class for sustainable tourism in New Zealand, with an exceptional guest experience built into everything the business does. It's reserved for operators leading the way in sustainable tourism practices, not just ticking compliance boxes.
We're proud to hold Qualmark Gold accreditation at Sail Barbary, and we don't take it lightly.
How Sail Barbary Earned Qualmark Gold
Earning Qualmark accreditation isn't a one-off form or a quick checklist. It starts with a full evaluation from an experienced Qualmark Specialist, followed by reviews every 12 months to make sure sustainable tourism standards are maintained, not just achieved once and forgotten.
That evaluation looks across five areas: business systems, health and safety, environment, people, and community and culture. For us, the environmental criteria carry real weight, cruising aboard New Zealand's only commercial electric yacht, careful waste management onboard, and a genuine relationship with the Lake Taupō environment we operate in are all part of what an evaluator looks for.
But every part of how we run Sail Barbary is assessed, from how we look after our team and guests to how we engage with the local community.
Want to understand more about how Qualmark accreditation works, or what sustainable tourism evaluation involves? You can find full details on the official Qualmark website.
Sail Barbary all booked up? Come aboard Kakariki instead!
If your preferred date on the Sail Barbary is unavailable, don’t worry! We’d be happy to take you out on the Kakariki Experience instead. Kakariki offers the same breathtaking scenery and warm hospitality, with a touch of its own unique charm.
Our Lake Taupō Eco Sailing Cruises
Climb aboard Taupō’s only commercial electric sailing yacht for authentic sailing, smaller groups and an unforgettable journey to the Māori Rock Carvings.
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