Your Lake Taupō sailing adventure takes place aboard our classic white Kauri sailing yacht or catamaran on New Zealand’s largest freshwater lake.
Passengers must be present at the marina 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure: Sail Barbary is located at Berths 9 & 10, Redoubt Street, Taupō Boat Harbour, Taupō.
New Zealand’s only commercially operated electric yacht: Sail Barbary’s yacht has an electric motor – this means that for times when we need to motor, we remain eco-friendly, produce no pollution, move noiselessly through the water and are 100% sustainable which gives you free travel miles.
Our skipper and crew: will make your sailing trip aboard our classic yacht, Lake Taupō’s quietest cruise boat, enjoyable and memorable. Soak up the sun or roll up your sleeves. You can take the wheel, help hoist the sails or just sit back and enjoy the view.
We’re equipped for all conditions: If the wind dies down, Sail Barbary’s quiet, eco-friendly electric engine kicks in. Or if you prefer a real sailing adventure, then come aboard when the wind is up and enjoy sailing without salty sea spray and noisy outboard motors.
Photos & Videos: Sail Barbary often takes photographs and videos for use in Social Media and Advertising. Acceptance of these terms and conditions and allowing your photo/video to be taken during the cruise will mean that you agree to the use of those images of yourself being used by Sail Barbary Ltd. for the above purposes. Should you not wish to be included please feel free to let us know on board.
All Sail Barbary skippers are commercially qualified and are Maritime New Zealand certified. They are certified First Aiders.
Sail Barbary’s vessels are Maritime New Zealand surveyed: Sail Barbary Ltd is externally audited to ensure systems and operating procedures are of highest standards. There is a documented maintenance program and all gear is maintained regularly.
Sail Barbary is fully licenced for sale & supply of alcohol: Any consumption and sale of alcohol is strictly limited to 18 years and over. You may be asked to provide acceptable photographic proof of age. Acceptable forms of ID are: Current Passport, NZ Drivers Licence or HANZ 18+ card. BYO (bring your own) is limited to 1 bottle of wine or a 6 pack of beer per person. Sail Barbary promotes responsible drinking and will not tolerate excess consumption of alcohol or intoxication. The Taupo Boat Harbour is a liquor ban area at certain times of the day and of the year – this means you are not allowed to consume liquor when you are not on board one of our vessels, and cannot take open liquor off the vessels.
Qualmark has quality assured our sailing operation: Sail Barbary is a Qualmark Gold level endorsed visitor activity which meets environmental and social criteria. Our business operates in an ethical, professional and environmentally sustainable way.
Listen carefully to the pre-departure safety briefing: Your Captain will give you a safety briefing on board Barbary before you leave the marina. Pay close attention. These rules are in place for your comfort and ultimate safety, so please abide by them.
Sailing can be adventurous when the wind is up: Your Captain/Crew know the conditions and know how the boat will respond. If asked to do something, please do as requested. At any time if you are not comfortable or feel unsafe please advise your Captain. The cruise can be adjusted so that all passengers have a good time.
Sail Barbary will not be responsible for any personal injuries, equipment loss or damage sustained while travelling with Sail Barbary.
We reserve the right to withdraw any person who in our opinion is likely to endanger themselves or others. We also reserve the right to cancel the cruise if we become concerned for any reason for your safety or that of any other person.
Children are the Parent/Guardian’s responsibility: Children must be under continuous adult supervision when on board and while the boat is under way. Maximum of two children (under 15 years) per adult sailing on the boat.
Age Restrictions: Sail Barbary’s vessels are licenced premises, any minor (under 18 years of age) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Stow your gear: You are welcome to stow bags and personal belongings below decks. Please note, Sail Barbary Ltd or Sail Barbary Captain/Crew cannot be held liable for loss or damage to your belongings.
Life jackets: Sail Barbary is equipped with life jackets for all persons aboard. It is recommended that they are worn by children during the cruise.
While we are underway: Please keep “one hand for yourself and one for the boat” when moving around the boat. Please try to keep the main cabin entrance clear.
No Smoking: For health and safety, smoking is not permitted on public cruises.
Toilets: A marine toilet (called “head” on boats) is located below deck. Please Do Not flush sanitary items or rubbish as will block the system. Use bins provided. If you’re in doubt, ask before use.
Dress for the conditions: Layered clothing works best. There is potential for getting wet, wear suitable shoes and jacket. Hat and sunglasses recommended.
Swimming is an option: During scheduled cruises, or private charters we may stop for a swim if conditions allow. To participate in swimming you must be able to swim competently in open water: The Captain/Crew must be informed of any medical condition that may affect your swimming ability. Children under the age of 15 must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times. Life jackets are provided when asked for.
If weather conditions or other safety or time constraints prevent sailing to a given area or swimming in the lake, don’t argue the point. The captain wants to provide you with the best experience possible and, within reason, cater to your every wish – but they are also ultimately responsible for your safety and the safety of the yacht.
On the lake, Mother Nature ensures that every trip is different. Each season of the year brings different conditions. Sometimes the sailing is easy, sometimes it rains, sometimes there’s not enough wind for us to use the sails and we use our quiet electric engine. But whichever way it happens it always works out great. Please note that you may be transferred to Kakariki where the weather is too inclement to sail - this way you will still enjoy the day and definitely make the Maori carvings.
As is normally the case with group tours, a minimum number of bookings are required in order for a tour to be financially viable and to have a pleasant group atmosphere. In the event that adequate numbers cannot be achieved, it may be necessary to cancel a scheduled departure and to offer the nearest possible alternative date (or a full refund of monies paid).
Information we collect: We collect personal information from you, including information about your name and contact information, in order to make bookings for our cruises.
How we use it & why: Besides our staff, we only share this information with our booking provider for external processing to make the bookings. We do not share personal information with companies, organisations and individuals outside of Sail Barbary.
We look forward to sharing an amazing cruise with you,
The Sail Barbary Team