Sail Barbary Eco Sailing to the Māori Rock Carvings
About This Experience
Barbary runs New Zealand's first commercial electric sailboat, which in practice means the quietest trip on this list. No engine, no fumes, no diesel hum underneath the commentary — you hear the water and the wind, which is a genuinely different experience of the same lake.
The route takes in hidden bays and the rugged, volcanic shoreline before arriving at the Ngātoroirangi carving at Mine Bay. The carving stands roughly 14 metres above deep water, was completed in 1980, and cannot be reached on foot. Your guide handles the stories and legends that go with it, in a light-hearted rather than lecturing register.
Swimming is encouraged. The boat is fully licensed but you are also welcome to bring your own food and drink, there is a toilet on board, and hot drinks — including mulled wine in winter — are included. The operator holds Qualmark Gold for sustainability, which for once is not just a sticker: the boat is genuinely emissions-free.
Highlights
- New Zealand's first commercial electric sailboat — silent and emissions-free
- Hidden bays and volcanic shoreline on the way to Mine Bay
- Stories and legends of the carving from a guide who keeps it light
- Hot drinks included, with mulled wine on winter sailings
- Swimming encouraged, and you can bring your own food and drink
What's Included
- ✓ 2.5-hour cruise aboard an electric yacht
- ✓ Experienced local guide
- ✓ Light-hearted English commentary
- ✓ Life jackets
- ✓ Water- and wind-proof ponchos
- ✓ Hot drinks — tea, coffee, Milo, green tea, and mulled wine in winter
- ✓ An alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink on the evening/sunset sailing
Not Included
- Additional drinks (available to purchase)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food
What to Bring
- Swimwear and a towel
- Biodegradable sunscreen
- Sunglasses and a sun hat
- A warm jacket
- Comfortable clothes and flat shoes
- Camera
Good to Know & Caveats
- Leave luggage and large bags behind — there is no room for them on board.
- Bring biodegradable sunscreen rather than ordinary sunscreen; this is a lake people swim in and drink from.
- You may bring your own food, snacks and drinks. Alcohol is limited to guests aged 18 and over under New Zealand law. There is a toilet on board.
- All departures depend on demand, minimum numbers and lake and weather conditions. If the sailing cannot run you receive a full refund.
- The operator holds Qualmark Gold for sustainability.
Meeting Point
Taupō Boat Harbour. Daytime and evening/sunset departures, with the meeting point set by the option you book. Arrive 15 minutes before departure.
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.8/5 by 189 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
I was surprised that the rock drawing is not historical. But a good trip, nice conversations, restroom on board. Also coffee and cocoa ☕️
— Kathrin, April 2
It was great. Tour guide was very kind and knowledgeable.
— Joel, March 2
The trip out to the Māori carvings was amazing but the battery had not charged on the electric yacht so we had to take another boat which was still pretty good! After we looked at the Māori carvings we then had the opportunity to have a swim in the lake nearby which I did and loved it!
— Tracey, March 2
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an electric sailboat actually change?
The noise. There is no engine running under the commentary and no diesel smell on deck, so arriving at the carving is quiet in a way a motor cruise cannot be. It also means zero emissions on a lake that supplies drinking water.
Can I bring my own food and drink?
Yes. The boat is fully licensed, but BYO is explicitly welcome — food, snacks or beverages. Alcohol is restricted to guests aged 18 and over. Leave large bags and luggage behind; there is no space for them.
Why biodegradable sunscreen?
Lake Taupō is a swimming lake and a drinking-water source, and conventional sunscreen washes straight off into it. The operator asks for biodegradable sunscreen for that reason, and it is a reasonable ask on any of these trips.
Is there a sunset option?
Yes — the evening/sunset sailing runs alongside the daytime cruises and includes an alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink. Meeting points differ slightly between the daytime and evening options, so check the one attached to your booking.
