At a glance
A 2.5 hour evening sail on Lake Taupō, drink included
The Lake Taupō sunset cruise runs from September to April and generally leaves Taupō Boat Harbour at 5.00pm or 7.30pm, with times adjusted to suit the season. You sail 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 the chance to steer. Adults $74, children $40.
The journey
What happens on the
sunset 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
Sails up and motor off as the afternoon light softens. Take the helm, help with the sails or just watch the shoreline.
The carvings at Mine Bay
Glide 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.
Sail home at golden hour
Enjoy your complimentary drink as the light turns gold over the lake. Everyone gets a postcard to keep.
GOLDEN HOUR
The best way to see Lake Taupō at golden hour
Evening is when Lake Taupō is at its calmest and most colourful. The wind often eases, the water flattens out and the cliffs around Mine Bay glow in the late light.
On the Barbary there's no engine noise to compete with it. You sail under canvas or glide on quiet electric power, 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. For the full story of Ngātoroirangi and the carvings, join our Māori rock carvings day cruise.
Why sail with us
Why choose an electric yacht for your sunset cruise
100% electric
New Zealand's only commercial electric yacht. On a still evening you hear the water, not an engine, and there are no diesel fumes.
A 1926 kauri classic
The Barbary was built from native New Zealand kauri in 1926. Read her story
Hands on, if you like
Steer, raise the sails or learn a knot from a local crew who love the lake. Or just sit back with your drink.
Qualmark Gold
Independently assessed for quality and sustainability, and proud Tiaki Promise operators. How we sail sustainably
What’s included on your sunset cruise
⎈ One complimentary wine, beer or soft drink
⎈ Sailing on New Zealand's only commercial electric yacht
⎈ A visit to the Māori rock carvings at Mine Bay
⎈ Commentary on Māori history, the volcanic landscape and the lake
⎈ The chance to steer and help raise the sails
⎈ A swim stop on warm evenings, when conditions allow
⎈ Warm ponchos, extra drinks to buy on board, and a postcard to take home
What to bring for an evening sail
⎈ 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, if you like. BYO is welcome.
⎈ A camera or phone for the sunset
What guests say
Lake Taupō sunset cruise reviews
★★★★★
Based on 1,760+ reviews. 4.9 on Tripadvisor · Travellers' Choice · 4.8 on Google
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Graeme W
We took the cruise in the evening. Conditions were perfect with a flat calm and beautiful sunset. The cruise was excellent and would thoroughly recommend to anyone planning a trip to Lake Taupo…
We took the cruise in the evening. Conditions were perfect with a flat calm and beautiful sunset. The cruise was excellent and would thoroughly recommend to anyone planning a trip to Lake Taupo. Lloyd was an excellent and informative host quickly engaging with all passengers to break the ice. He clearly enjoys hosting the cruise and this came through from the outset. For me the boat also took centre stage being fairly unique in having an electric motor - when in use this is smooth and virtually silent. In my experience a diesel yacht is quite noisy and fumes tend to be an unavoidable complication particularly below decks. On this cruise there is only fresh air and serene progress . The cruise takes in the rock carvings and is accompanied by informative local history about the origins of the lake and surroundings. In summary this cruise is an unforgettable journey which I highly recommend
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Sarah P
Highly recommend! Perfect for couples, friends and families! Captain Lloyd is the BEST! This was such a special experience. We loved relaxing on the sail boat, legs stretched, basking in the late…
Highly recommend! Perfect for couples, friends and families! Captain Lloyd is the BEST! This was such a special experience. We loved relaxing on the sail boat, legs stretched, basking in the late afternoon sun, complimentary drink (beer/wine) in hand, enjoying the most incredible views of Lake Taupō. Captain Lloyd was an excellent host and storyteller, you can tell he truely loves Taupō and showcasing the breathtaking sights it has to offer. It felt really special being on a sail boat as it was a smaller tour group than other options for a very similar price and we got to get so close to the rock cravings. There was even an option to have a little swim! I regret not bringing my swimmers! BUT it gives us an excuse to book with Sail Barbary again!
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Karen T
We were fortunate enough to do the evening sail on Sunday when the conditions were absolutely perfect. The sky was a clear blue, the lake flat and all but empty, and the company excellent. Lloyd is a…
We were fortunate enough to do the evening sail on Sunday when the conditions were absolutely perfect. The sky was a clear blue, the lake flat and all but empty, and the company excellent. Lloyd is a friendly and attentive host/skipper ensuring everyone was comfortable and having a great time throughout. This magical excursion has to be one of the best New Zealand and certainly Taupo has to offer, sublimely peaceful with the wind in your hair at one with nature. We can't rate it highly enough, it's worth every penny and will be an experience you will remember for life!
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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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Theo L
I booked an evening sail with Sail Barbary when arriving in taupo, was honestly one of the best experience, beautiful sunset cruise to see the Māori carvings, great friendly team on board told us all…
I booked an evening sail with Sail Barbary when arriving in taupo, was honestly one of the best experience, beautiful sunset cruise to see the Māori carvings, great friendly team on board told us all about the history of the carvings, shout out Chris! Will definitely be back when in taupo again can’t wait to be back on the Barbary! This is a must do when in taupo!!
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Masha P
This was truly magical. We sailed for 3 hours through unbelievably crystal-clear water — it felt surreal and very special. Seeing the gorgeous black swans up close was absolutely unforgettable! We…
This was truly magical. We sailed for 3 hours through unbelievably crystal-clear water — it felt surreal and very special. Seeing the gorgeous black swans up close was absolutely unforgettable! We were offered a complimentary drink, which made the whole experience feel extra relaxing. What really brought everything together, though, was the amazing company of Lloyd — such a wonderful person who made the experience so much more enjoyable. If you’re going, definitely bring your bathing suits — you’ll get a chance to swim, and you might not want to miss it!
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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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kleinydan
Such an incredible experience from start to finish. Seeing the Māori rock carvings from the water was something really special, but what made it unforgettable was the crew. Lloyd was an absolute…
Such an incredible experience from start to finish. Seeing the Māori rock carvings from the water was something really special, but what made it unforgettable was the crew. Lloyd was an absolute legend – so friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about what he does. You could tell he really cared about making sure everyone had a great time. Joe was great too, super relaxed and helpful. Couldn’t recommend Sail Barbary more. Even with the rain this trip was awesome.
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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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Before you go
What to know before your sunset cruise
Where to meet
Berths 9 & 10, Redoubt Street, Taupō Boat Harbour. Arrive 15 minutes early. Directions
Weather
The skipper checks conditions before every sail. If we can't head out, you can rebook or get a refund. Read our booking terms
Families
Kids are welcome on the sunset cruise, and children sail for $40. Anyone under 18 needs a parent or guardian on board.
Access and parking
There's free parking at the harbour. Boarding is a small step from the jetty and the crew will lend a hand, but the yacht isn't suitable for wheelchairs. Accessibility on board
Lake Taupō sunset cruise FAQs
The Sunset Cruise lets you see Lake Taupō as the afternoon light turns golden and the surrounding landscape changes towards dusk. It also includes a complimentary wine, beer or soft drink, making it a lovely choice for date nights, celebrations or an evening on the lake with friends and family.
You’ll cruise across Lake Taupō aboard Sail Barbary, New Zealand’s only commercial electric sailing yacht. Along the way, you can soak up views of the lake, surrounding bays, mountains and volcanic landscape while your local crew shares stories about the area.
The Sunset Cruise operates seasonally from September to April and generally departs at 5.00pm or 7.30pm. Departure times may vary to suit seasonal sunset conditions, so check the current time when booking. Cruises leave from Berths 9 and 10 at Taupō Boat Harbour. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early.
The cruise is scheduled to make the most of the evening light, but the colour and visibility of the sunset will depend on the weather and cloud conditions. Every evening on Lake Taupō is different, and the cruise still offers beautiful lake and mountain views if the sunset is less visible.
Your cruise includes one complimentary wine, beer or soft drink. You’re also welcome to bring your own food and beverages, and additional hot and cold drinks are available to purchase aboard.
Evenings on Lake Taupō can become cool, so wear comfortable layers and flat, non-slip shoes. Bring a warm jacket, your camera or phone and any food you’d like to enjoy aboard. Pack swimwear and a towel if you’re hoping to swim. Warm ponchos are available if needed.
Accessibility depends on each guest’s individual mobility requirements. If you or someone in your group may need assistance boarding or moving around the yacht, please contact the Sail Barbary team before booking. They can explain the boarding process and help determine whether the cruise will be suitable for your needs.
Yes. The Sunset Cruise is family-friendly, and children can enjoy the changing evening views, Māori Rock Carvings and authentic sailing. Children must remain under adult supervision, and anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
No sailing experience is needed. When conditions allow, you may be invited to help hoist the sails or take the helm under the crew’s guidance. Getting involved is completely optional, so you’re equally welcome to sit back and soak up the evening views.
The skipper will assess the weather and lake conditions before every departure. If it isn’t safe to operate the scheduled cruise, the team may offer an alternative vessel or date. If a suitable alternative cannot be arranged, you’ll receive a refund in accordance with the booking terms.
Keep exploring
More ways to explore Lake Taupō
Māori rock carvings day cruise
Sail to the Mine Bay carvings at 10.30am or 2.00pm and hear the full story of Ngātoroirangi. See the day cruise
Private charters
The whole yacht for your group, celebration or proposal, with your own skipper and crew. Plan a private charter
Gift vouchers
Give a day on the lake. Vouchers cover any cruise and arrive by email, ready to print or forward. Buy a gift voucher