Sail Barbary

Berth 10, Redoubt Street | Taupo Boat Harbour, Taupo 3330, New Zealand

07 378 5879

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Sail Barbary to the Maori Rock Carvings!

80 visitor photos

Ranked #1 of 31 activities in Taupo

112 Reviews

Type: Boat Tours

Owner description: Sail Barbary offers sail cruises with a difference: take a spectacular scenic cruise across Great Lake Taupo on board a beautifully restored 1920s... more » Owner description: Sail Barbary offers sail cruises with a difference: take a spectacular scenic cruise across Great Lake Taupo on board a beautifully restored 1920s classic yacht! No noise, no pollution – just you and the sparkling water. Daily scenic cruises head out to the Maori Rock Carvings and along the Taupo lakefront, offering relaxation in beanbags, hands-on sailing or a swim in the lake on the way. Spin a yarn with the locals and add an on-board gourmet BBQ to your summer evening cruise! Barbary also provides Taupo yacht charters and movie cruises. The Barbary crew has outfitted New Zealand's only commercially operated electric yacht with luxury bean bags for cosy seating in the sun, an all-weather canopy and warm & waterproof custom-made ponchos for those adventure-filled days when the wind is up.Marvel at the Maori Rock Carvings as you lounge on deck or take a dip in the lake and swim right up close to this must-see attraction! Located on a stone cliff face over the crystalline waters of Mine Bay, the carvings are only accessible by boat. Resembling the remains of ancient Maori civilization, they were created in the late 70s by a group of artists led by artist John Randall and reach a height of over 10 metres! Back on board, you can give your friendly Captain a hand hoisting the sails or take a turn on the wheel and there are plenty of amazing photo opportunities.Barbary also sports comfortable interior seating, music surround sound entertainment system, bathroom facilities and a licensed cash bar. Whether you’re after a romantic cruise, family adventure or chilled-out day on the lake – a sail cruise with Barbary can be whatever you want it to be. The one thing everyone on board has in common is that they’re all having the time of their lives.

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112 reviews from our community

Trocio

London

Contributor

13 reviews

5 attraction reviews

Reviews in 10 cities

“Beautiful sunset sailing”

Reviewed May 5, 2013

Excellent way to end our day after skydiving! The captain was great...professional, friendly, informative and passionate about Barbary (which is a gorgeous sail boat) and nature. We found the sailing very very relaxing and a fantastic way to see Taupo and the mysterious Maori rock carvings. We were also very luck to see a surreal sunset (thanks Mother Nature!!). We... More

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Jazz R

Invercargill, New Zealand

Reviewer

3 reviews

“Wet, Wild and Windy”

Reviewed April 28, 2013

Weather was down and out but being aboard the Barbary was far from disappointing! Our skipper full of excitement and humor entertained us with stories of Lake Taupo, sailing and how to enjoy the experience even if the weather was threatening to rain. Wrapped in waterproof ponchos, resting upon bean bags the sailing experience on Lake Taupo was one to... More

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sakurasatsuma

Senior Reviewer

9 reviews

4 attraction reviews

Reviews in 2 cities

“Very relaxing.”

Reviewed April 14, 2013

Went on the Maori rock carving trip, about 2 hours and it went quickly as there was so much to see. Completely looked after by our host/captain, with bean bags and a nice glass of wine. We loved this very relaxing cruise.

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Mix good wine with good people and you get good times every time. Thanks for the review. Jamie More

Ian H

Aldermaston, United Kingdom

Top Contributor

65 reviews

21 attraction reviews

Reviews in 40 cities

15 helpful votes

“Sunset sail and BBQ”

Reviewed April 10, 2013

Liked it all, the skipper went out of his way to make sure all enjoyed themselves. The BBQ ,cooked on the back of the boat was basic but plentiful and the accompaniments were good.The Maori carvings were good to see but it was the sunset which took the prize. An experience not to be missed.

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No one does it better than mother nature, thanks for coming out. Jamie More

Holly W

Sydney, Australia

Reviewer

3 reviews

Reviews in 3 cities

“Delightful”

Reviewed April 5, 2013

This was one of the highlights of our trip. The Barnaby is beautiful boat and her captain is a entertaining bloke who cooks a mean BBQ. There is also the option to swim in the lake once but it was a bit too cold for us! We did the sunset tour which was lovely as you get to see the... More

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Yes the cooler months are upon us and it sounds like i might of been a bit slow bringing out the blankets, thank you for joining us and thank you for the review Jamie More

JS231

Sydney, Australia

Top Contributor

52 reviews

23 attraction reviews

Reviews in 23 cities

23 helpful votes

“a lovely cruise on Lake Taupo”

Reviewed April 3, 2013

Thoroughly enjoyed this two-hour cruise on Lake Taupo. The weather was perfect, the waters calm and the host companionable :-) Jamie is a skilled captain, navigating us around the lake to see the views whilst providing friendly banter about the history of both the lake and his yacht. The beanbags were a nice idea too. I'd definitely do this cruise... More

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Talking about what you enjoy and love is easy and it is always good to share it with others. Thank you for choosing us. Jamie More

Anita S

Wellington, New Zealand

1 review

“Dosent get much better than this”

Reviewed April 2, 2013

Growing up in this fabulous country I thought there was not much I havent experienced. Well I was wrong. I had not experienced the best NZ has to offer, The Barbary. Sarah and Jamie you made my weekend. The whole trip was FAB from start to end the views wow! and Jaimie's knowledge and infectious personality made for a truley... More

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holy cow you can write us a review any time. Thank you so much. As I read your review i could feel your positive energy. Hope to see you again Jamie More

Wayne B

1 review

“The best on the Lake”

Reviewed March 30, 2013 via mobile

Jamie is a good bugger. An awesome laid back tour of Lake Taupo. Jamie's relaxed way of hosting is awesome. He knows his stuff. And if not makes up a great story. The boat is well set out. Relaxing on bean bags is a great way to tour the lake. Great music. And he serves speights. Good on ya mate.... More

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Good on ya mate, i love those adds and i love the beer. you too are a good bugga for your beaut review. Look after yourself. Jamie More

p0rtia

Hong Kong, China

Senior Contributor

48 reviews

14 attraction reviews

Reviews in 29 cities

21 helpful votes

“Excellent sunset sail!”

Reviewed March 29, 2013

Just returned from our evening on the sail Barbary and we were extremely impressed! Jamie was friendly, welcoming and very informative about the area. The BBQ was lovely and the views spectacular. A must in Taupo!

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I am always looking for more information about this area as i love to pass it on to all who visit. Thank you for your review Jamie More

Anne B

Kendal, United Kingdom

Contributor

14 reviews

6 attraction reviews

Reviews in 6 cities

5 helpful votes

“for that really perfect evening”

Reviewed March 28, 2013

We arrived in the afternoon. What we really wanted was a relaxing introduction to Lake Taupo and Eddie at Silver Fern suggested this. How right he was! A beautiful evening, a warm welcome and a totally undemanding sit back and enjoy viewing of the lake and mountain scenery. Then a fascinating view of the Maori carvings ( circa 1980 but... More

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We love giving the unexpected. so glad you enjoyed the cruise. Jamie More