Step aboard and join us for a sail on New Zealand's only commercially operated electric yacht–zero emissions, no noise or fumes

Step aboard and join us for a sail on New Zealand's only commercially operated electric yacht–zero emissions, no noise or fumes

Highlights

  • Quietly incredible. A unique and authentic experience on a electric yacht
  • 2.5 hours of fun and relaxation
  • Soak up the scenic views, sun and enjoy a refreshing swim
  • Learn about the ecology of the lake, the cultural history of the carvings and volcanic rock
  • BYO or purchase refreshments onboard
  • Ultimate quality sailing experience with up to 18 seats available

Welcome aboard New Zealand's only commercial electric sailing yacht.

As we silently cruise out to the carvings on crystal clear water you will be able to view the spectacular scenery from the comfort of your seat.

Our experienced skippers will inform you about the ecological, historical, spiritual and cultural significance of the area as you sail out to the 14-meter high Maori Rock Carvings in Mine Bay. These carvings are only accessible by water. Sail Barbary will take you right up close for the perfect photo of Ngatororangi carved into the rock face.

On the trip home, you can jump into the deep blue freshwater lake for a swim or your captain will gladly show you the ropes and you can help hoist the sails or even take a turn at the wheel!

To top it all off, we are licensed or you can BYO (Bring Your Own) food and beverages. Things really couldn’t get more Kiwi.

Reduce your travel miles and make the ethical choice to experience eco-travel at its best. We're equipped for all conditions so you can enjoy sailing at its best. Sail Barbary - We don’t promise the best cruise on the lake, we deliver it!


Departures:

10.30am: Day Cruise - 2.5 hours includes free tea, coffee, hot chocolate and a postcard

2.00pm: Day Cruise - 2.5 hours includes free tea, coffee, hot chocolate and a postcard

5.00pm: Evening Cruise - 2.5 hours includes free tea, coffee, hot chocolate, free wine or beer and a postcard (Summer Only)

Adult $59.00 (Day Cruise)
Child $35.00 (Day Cruise - Aged 0-15 years)
Adult (Evening) $69.00 (Evening cruise)
Child (Evening) $40.00 (Evening cruise)

What's included

  • 2.5 hour cruise
  • Tea, coffee, hot chocolate
  • Amusing commentary and sustainability information
  • Swimming (subject to weather condtions)
  • Sailing instruction
  • BYO or fully licenced bar

Duration

  • Allow 2.5 hours for the whole experience

Location

  • Berth 9
  • Redoubt Street
  • Taupo Marina.

Child Friendly

  • This experience welcomes families with children.

Bad Weather Refunds

  • If your experience is cancelled by the operator (because of the bad weather, safety concerns, unscheduled maintenance etc) you will be entitled to a full refund.

Notes

  • ***Important Information***

    Please note: there must be 1 adult ticket purchased for every 2 child tickets for safety reasons.

    When purchasing a child's ticket please include the ages of all children in the notes section.

    Proof of age may be requested upon check-in at the skipper's discretion.

    We reserve the right to transfer passengers to an alternative boat should weather conditions or other circumstances require it. This will not alter the tour route or inclusions - only the boat will change.

    Please chose your trip carefully. If you need to change your time or date, you will be charged full price rates.

    Cancellations by the customer with less than 24 hours notice will not be refunded. Tickets are non-transferable - please check your departure time and date are correct before proceeding to check out.

    All departures are subject to demand, minimum numbers, lake and weather conditions. If you are travelling from out of town please call to confirm your trip.

  • Pet friendly: dogs on a leash please - call to confirm.

    Eco-friendly: 100% sustainable travel.


Available Bookings from26 Jul to 8 Aug 2026

All prices are shown inNZD ($)

Change Dates
Sun 26 Jul
Mon 27 Jul
Tue 28 Jul
Wed 29 Jul
Thu 30 Jul
Fri 31 Jul
Sat 1 Aug
Sun 2 Aug
Mon 3 Aug
Tue 4 Aug
Wed 5 Aug
Thu 6 Aug
Fri 7 Aug
Sat 8 Aug

  • Adult$29.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$39.00
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$29.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$39.00
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$29.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$39.00
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$39.00
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$29.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$39.00
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$29.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$39.00
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$39.00
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$39.00
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$29.00
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$29.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$39.00
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$29.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$39.00
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$29.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$39.00
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$39.00
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$29.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$39.00
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$29.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$29.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$25.00
Awesome Cruise Nice experience Māori Carvings Awesome tour, blissful day! Unforgettable experience in Taupo
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Authenticated Reviews

Real highlights, tips, and the helpful advice straight from Bookme customers who’ve actually done this experience, summarised with AI support

  • emergencyLloyd, the captain, received high praise for his friendliness and informative commentary (15 people said this).
  • emergencyThe electric yacht provided a peaceful and relaxing experience with minimal noise (12 people said this).
  • emergencyCustomers loved the stunning views of the Maori rock carvings and the surrounding scenery (10 people said this).
  • emergencyMany enjoyed the complimentary drinks and snacks offered during the trip (8 people said this).
  • emergencyThe overall atmosphere was described as welcoming and enjoyable, making it a great family outing (9 people said this).
  • emergencyThe trip was well-organized and provided a unique eco-friendly sailing experience (7 people said this).
  • star_shineConsider bringing a camera for great photo opportunities.
    Check the weather before booking to ensure a sunny day for the best experience.

4.8

1236 reviews

Showing all 1236 authenticated Bookme reviews

Yam Gurung from New Zealand wrote on 22 July 2026

Maori stone craving sail

Great experience

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liangsh from Australia wrote on 16 July 2026

10/10 experience

although it was raining we switched to another boat but it is a fantastic experience and I hope I could go the trip again on summer time and jump into water

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beckstanley from New Zealand wrote on 14 July 2026

Awesome Cruise

The weather was pretty hit and miss so we were moved from the yacht to a launch (which was a great move as the weather certainly changed on us several times!). Chris was our Skipper. He was awesome! Great stories, knowledge and his sense of humour made the trip even better. The carvings are beautiful, the water is clear....but going in winter its far too cold to jump off for a swim! All in all a 10/10 experience!

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Bradly Deane from New Zealand wrote on 23 June 2026

Brilliant!

Had a beautiful morning out sailing on a mid winter morning. Our skipper, Chris was incredibly knowledgeable and experienced. The boat had everything we needed, from a cuppa to warm blankets and great commentary! Thanks so much

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Hayley Baker from New Zealand wrote on 14 June 2026

Nice experience

We got a great day sailing to and from the Maori carvings, it's my third time doing this trip but each time I do it in a different boat. Our skipper was a neat guy and the boat was very comfortable and smooth.

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Booking

10:00 a.m.Thursday 13 July

12

Adult Day Cruise

Child Day Cruise - Aged 0-15 years

Adult (Evening) Evening cruise

Child (Evening) Evening cruise

*This option must be made together with another price type.
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