boat cruise lake taupo

65 Redoubt Street, Taupo Harbour      +64 21 669 139

Ernest Kemp scenic cruises

CARVINGS CRUISES

DAILY CRUISES  at 

10:30am & 2pm

  FAMILY SPECIAL: $105.00

Regal Flyer private cruises

  Corporate

  Trout fishing

Daily Cruises at 10:30am and 2pm | Family Special on Now $105 for 2 Adults/2 Children

Daily Maori Rock Carvings Cruise

Cruise to the world famous māori rock carvings.

Take a relaxing boat trip aboard The Ernest Kemp, the Lake Taupo Māori Rock Carvings Cruise Specialists. One of the world’s largest freshwater volcanic craters, Lake Taupō is home to the famous Māori Rock Carvings, only accessible by boat. Have your camera ready and enjoy this piece of spiritual and cultural significance of the lake on our replica steamboat.

• 1.5-2 Hour Cruises, 10:30am & 2pm Everyday
•   Family Special $105
•   Free WiFi

Make It An Experience To Remember!

Purpose built for entertaining with two expansive decks. An experience to remember for up to 70 guests.

Cruise the stunning bays of Lake Taupō Kayak, wake board, fish, swim - or relax and enjoy the service that our friendly crew will provide.

•   Day Time: 70 Guests
•   Overnight: 11 Guests
•   Cruise by the hour, day or stay on the Yacht over night

•   Fish all year round on Lake Taupo
•   Experienced & friendly skippers & crew
•   All fishing gear provided
•   Trout caught cleaned & bagged
•   Sashimi or BBQ your trout on board
•   Have us decorate the boat
•   Finger food & canape menu
•   Everything supplied for your special occasion
•   Hen & Stag parties
•   Unique Wedding venue
•   Fun family day out
•   Birthday & celebration parties
•   Corporate team meetings

Clay Shooting

•   Enjoy excitement of breaking clays
•   No previous experience needed
•   Instruction & supervision for safety
•   Great team competition for all
•   Menus for any occasion
•   BYO or fully catered
•   All glassware & crockery on board
•   Try our popular fillet beef steak sandwich
•   BYO BBQ meal
•   BBQ your freshly caught trout
• Ernest Kemp
• Regal Flyer

  +64 21 669 139

  [email protected]

Harbour Booking Office

Quietly incredible

Sail with us for a unique and authentic experience

Daily Sail to the Māori Rock Carvings

Don't miss this unique and authentic experience.

Cruise the sparkling waters of Lake Taupō on NZ's only commercial electric yacht or our all-weather catamaran and discover its natural wonders and hidden mysteries. Since 1982.

No noise no diesel fumes - it makes a real difference while you enjoy the Maori Rock Carvings.

Sails Daily - great value 2.5 hour Scenic Cruise & Māori Rock Carvings.

Day Cruise 10:30am and 2:00pm

Cruise includes a complimentary or hot chocolate, tea, or coffee. Licensed & BYO

Evening Cruise 5.00pm Spring and 7.30pm Summer

Cruise includes complimentary snacks, wine, beer or cider or hot cocoa, tea, or coffee. Licensed & BYO.

Sail Lake Taupō - Quietly Incredible on NZ's only electric yacht

Enjoy the peace of our quiet, zero-emissions 100% sustainable electric yacht. No fumes and no noise. Enjoy the Māori rock carvings at Mine Bay and listen to old legends and engaging stories. Sit back, this is relaxing, informative and fun - must-do experience.

What you’ll experience:

• A truely unique and authentic sailing experience
• Learn 'our story'. A journey to sustainability from 2010.
• Spectacular adventure - Explore the hidden bays of Lake Taupō
• You'll get up closet the carving with no noise or diesel fumes - it really makes a difference!
• Sustainable Sailing on our Eco-friendly yacht, no fumes, no noise, no pollution
• Highest rated activity or best of the best on TripAdvisor with the Travellers choice award 2019, 2020 and 2021 and Certificates of Excellence since 2012 - over 1000 reviews
• Explore the Maori culture, history, and sustainability of the region
• Enjoy a complimentary bevvy or BYO drinks and nibbles
• Qualmark Gold - Tourism NZ's highest award guaranteeing quality of experience, service and tiake or sustainability.

Charters on Taupo's premier yacht or catamaran

Barbary II - a classic Kauri ketch

Explore Lake Taupō aboard the quietly incredible electric eco-yacht. Make the most of your next event or special occasion with a unique sailing experience. From hen's do's, corporate events to private parties, a scenic cruise is a unique and authentic experience that is sure to be remembered. BYO or use our bar.

Kakariki.  12 metre Pacific Catamaran

Make the boat your party boat tailored to your every need including trout fishing, clay bird shooting, barbeque, stand-up paddle board, swimming and even a biscuit towed behind the boat. BYO or licenced. Always fun! A roomy catamaran catering to 24 passengers.

0800 eco sail 0800 326 7215

No wind? No problem.

Our electric-powered yacht can do it all. When the wind is up it’s smooth sailing… you can help hoist the sails or take the wheel. If it’s calm, our quiet eco-friendly engines make sure you continue your journey. No noise, no fumes, no fuss - support the future of travel.

Taupō’s must-do

Experience Lake Taupō from a unique perspective. Take a leisurely sail and enjoy the sights and peaceful sounds of the lake as you cruise along, without the distraction of traditional diesel engines. Set sail and enjoy one of Lake Taupō’s premier experiences.

Inspiring Māori Culture

Journey to Mine Bay and listen as Māori legends are brought to life. Discover the masterful artistry of Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell and his vision of his great ancestor Ngatoroirangi. This is contemporary Maori Art, years in the making, full of history and significance. You may even see a Taniwha.

Trip Advisor Reviews: Travellers Choice award 2020 and 2019. Over 1000 reviews

"Why we highly recommended this trip."

Feb 2023 couples

"We got more than we expected"

"Sooo good"

"I looked hard at the options"

"Book this tour"

Clean, Pristine, and Green

Our yachts let you immerse yourself in the experience without the distracting rumble of a motor or the smell of noxious fumes. Skim the surface under the sustainable power of the wind, or the gentle thrust of our eco-friendly electric engines.

Who said volcano?

Explore the sparkling waters of the Taupō caldera, created by the huge Oranui eruption almost 27,000 years ago.

Still active, the caldera cradles the tranquil waters of the largest lake in New Zealand. This is Taupō Moana, our great ‘inland sea’.

Come explore her shores and uncover the mysteries of her volcanic past.

Rob McMahon

Great way to get out on the lake with friendly and informative skipper. Much better than all the other motor driven craft chugging their way along. Were happy to let us switch trip from the original booking to the next day when the conditions were perfect. That was much appreciated.

Ecky Prolingheuer

Initially our main aim had been to see the Maori rock carvings in an environmentally friendly way by sailing on Barbary. However, the actual sailing - with a little help from the electric(!) motor - and the funny and enlightening commentary of our well informed skipper (whose name I have sadly forgotten) turned out to be the best part.

Lovely tour with great skipper . Brilliant and humorous commentary. Very relaxing experience with a chance to dip as well. Thank you very much.

When looking for a tour of Lake Taupo and the carvings, there were a few options. Ultimately I chose Barbary because I’d been on boats similar to the competition before, and a sail boat felt like more like an experience. I was not let down. Our guide Chris was a great laugh, telling stories and anecdotes the entire trip. We spent a good amount of time in front of the carvings and I even got to have a swim! Bering on an open boat so close to the water is as a great feeling. Super happy with the decision I made!

Was a great morning out....The skipper Chris was very informative and very entertaining with his stories. Would definitely recommend to all! Thank you.

THE 10 BEST Taupo Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in taupo.

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• Up to 1 hour
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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

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Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

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What travellers are saying.

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Berth 2, Taupo Harbour      +64 21 669 139  

• Our Cruises

  Well behaved dogs are always welcomed on board.

Enjoy a scenic cruise in any weather condition with fun, informative commentary of the history of the Maori Rock Carvings and the surrounding lake area.

With comfortable seating both inside and out, bathroom facilities and a licensed bar, we’ll ensure your cruise on the Ernest Kemp is warm and comfortable.

Don’t forget to have a look at the beautiful art piece on board by master carver, Matahi Whakataka Brightwell.

⭐  Ernest Kemp is back from a major refurbishment! Come and check out the stunning new livery!  ⭐

Maori Rock Carvings - 2hr

Towering 14 metres above the waters of Lake Taupo, the Maori Rock Carvings have become one  of the biggest tourist attractions in the North Island of New Zealand.

Time: 10:30am 2:00pm

Duration: 2 Hours

Prices: Adult   $45

Senior $40 Child   $15 Infant  $5

Family Pass (2A,2Ch) $105

Cruise Detail

Taking four years to sculpt, the spectacular carving was completed in 1980 and has been visited by hundreds of thousands of people since. The lead carver, Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell, led a team of four artists, who, wearing nothing but safety goggles and speedos, carved out the rock alcove at Mine Bay to create the carvings.

Two smaller figures of Celtic design, which depict the south wind and a mermaid, have also been carved at the base of the rock face to represent the cultural diversity of New Zealand.

Prices: Adult  $35 Child  $10 Infant $0

• Live informative commentary
• Colour brochure of history & meaning of Maori Rock Carvings
• Complimentary tea, coffee, and cookies
• Comfortable seating both inside and out
• Free postcard
• Children visit the skipper and receive a Wheel Certificate
• Swimming if conditions allow (bring a towel)

Maori Rock Carvings - 1.5hr

Time: 12:30pm

Duration: 1.5 Hours

Prices: Adult $40 Child $15 Infant $5

  +64 21 669 139

  [email protected]

Harbour Booking Office

• See & do
• Eat & drink
• Our stories

Ernest Kemp Scenic Cruise Lake Taupo

Daily scenic cruises to the Maori Rock Carvings onboard the Ernest Kemp, a replica steamboat. Ernest Kemp cruises daily all year round - four times during summer and twice in winter. Enjoy stunning Lake Taupo and the carvings on this 2 hour cruise.

• Adult $35 - $45
• Child $10 - $25
• Phone: +64 7 378 9222
• Email: [email protected]

Cruise with the unique vessel Ernest Kemp to the magnificent Maori Rock Carvings. The carvings are only accessible by water. Ernest Kemp gets you up close for great photo opportunities. Cruise by beautiful native tree-lined bays with snow-capped mountains in the background while our experienced skippers tell you about the local history. Ernest Kemp has comfortable seating both inside and out, suitable for cruising in all weather conditions. Complimentary WIFI, postcard, hot drinks and cookies provided and we have a fully licensed bar. Bathroom facilities are available on board.

Opening times

Prices are as follows: $35 Adults (10:30am/2:00pm) $30 Seniors (65 y +) $10 Children (5y-15y) $0 Infants - (0-4 y) Special Mates Rates - 2 Adults for $70 *Special 12.30pm extra summer cruise Adults $30pp children $10 5pm Summer Cocktail Cruise $35 Adults $15 Children(2-15y), *Includes a Wine, Beer or non-alcoholic beverage* Family package $80 for 2 Adults & 2 Children (10:30am/12:30pm/2:00pm only)

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Berth 2, Taupo Harbour      +64 21 669 139

Make it an experience to Remember

Up to 70 guests • fully catered, weddings • anniversaries • christmas parties • corporate events and more.

Up to 70 guests can experience the decadence of the Regal Flyer. With two expansive decks, entertaining is a breeze.

The opportunities are endless. Kayaking, Fishing, a refreshing swim - or take a relaxing and luxurious cruise of the bays of Lake Taupo and enjoy the service of our friendly crew.

•   Day Time: 70 Guests
•   Overnight: 11 Guests
•   Cruise by the hour, day or stay on the Yacht over night

Harbour Booking Office

Māori Rock Carvings

Lake experiences, river experiences, land experiences, experience together.

• Get A Voucher

Chris Jolly Outdoors

Providing unparalleled unique experiences of New Zealand's scenic great outdoors. Journey Further, Discover Lake Taupō.

Daily Scenic Cruises to the Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings.

Chartering a boat on Lake Taupō is the ultimate escape.

Step into some of the most exclusive and untouched areas of wilderness in New Zealand.

Chris Jolly Outdoors can cater to all your group's outdoor entertainment needs.

Experience unforgettable trout fishing in the Taupō region.

Chris Jolly Outdoors’ has 40 years of experience creating ultimate adventures.

Find your experience.

8.30 am Scenic Cruise on Lake Taupō

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10.30 am Scenic Cruise on Lake Taupō

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1.30pm Scenic Cruise On Lake Taupō

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3.30pm Scenic Cruise On Lake Taupō

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5pm Scenic Cruise On Lake Taupō

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Corporate Functions

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Guided Full-Day Fly Fishing

View Guided Full-Day Fly Fishing

Guided Half-Day Fly Fishing Trips

View Guided Half-Day Fly Fishing Trips

Guided Hiking with Chris Jolly

View Guided Hiking with Chris Jolly

Gift Voucher

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Every cruise raises funds to plant trees in our community.

Explore the Cruise & Plant initiative

•   Gift Vouchers
• Photo Gallery

Māori Rock Carvings

Morning Escape 9:30am

Experience the Māori Rock Carvings by sail!

• 9:30am start

Taste of Taupo 12.30pm

Includes Pizza & Drink, Experience the Māori Rock Carvings by sail!

• 12:30pm start

Set Sail 3:30pm

Includes 1 drink + pizza

• 3:30pm start

Sunset Heaven

Includes Pizza & 1 Drink, Experience the Māori Rock Carvings by sail!

• variable (Nov-March) start

Escape the hectic life and enjoy your sailing experience in comfort and style. Join us on our classical sailing boat Kindred Spirit for a true sailing experience.

Enjoy a large deck space and a comfortable lounge under the main deck. We have a fridge and freezer aboard, as well as a high quality sound system. The boat is fully equipped for safety and enjoyment.

As Kindred Spirit offers a faster sailing experience, you will have more time at the carvings and for the swim stops.

Kindred Spirit can also be booked for private charters .

Built in 1976 by Alan Orams in Whangarei, Kindred Spirit features an L. Francis Herreshoff design, a cutter rigged sloop and a full keel, giving the boat less draft and a wider beam.

• Length on deck: 47ft (14.3m)
• Length on waterline: 38’6ft (11.7m)
• Beam: 12’6ft (3.8m)
• Draught (lightship)5’8 ft (1.76m)
• Max speed under engine: 7 knts
• Max speed sailing: 9-10 knts

• 433 reviews

School Holidays are here! Come and join us on our new luxury sailing catamaran Tiua! Go inside into the big saloon with bar or covered cockpit to stay warm or move outside to enjoy the sailing breeze and soak up some sun before winter is here. Check in for a deal you can't refuse and get 20% off the morning sail with the promo code "holiday" (just valid on the 10am trip, valid till 30th April)

Taupo's party, events and fishing boat 0800 BYO FUN

Fishing trips, Scenic, Stag and Hens, Corporate, business, birthdays or family fun - Kakariki is a proven party boat.

How can we make your event memorable? Call 0800 BYO FUN or email to find out. Best rates guaranteed.

Specializing in events from 1 -8 hours. BBQ, clay birds, sea biscuit and fishing.

We also offer Educational trips with full commentary on the lake, the volcanics, the fishing and the Maori Carvings.

Kakariki is a large 12 metre catamaran licenced for 24 passengers. Guaranteed fun for all ages. 

Taupo Fishing - screaming reels!

Expert tuition and guiding. Your main guide knows the lake like the back of his hand.

Fully licenced or BYO, BBQ and clay bird options. Maori Rock Carvings can be included.

Relaxed but serious fishing or serious fishing with party atmosphere - you choose on the best Taupo charter boat. 

Fresh trout can be sashimied or bbq'd on the boat. 

Free tea, coffee, hot chocolate. Large on-board toilet 

There is no shortage of lake to fish from and you are allowed 6 fish per person per day. We have 8 rods on board. Jigging, soft baiting, down rigging and trolling are preferred options. Harling is available on request for early morning and evening trips.

Whether you are planning a trip with your mates, a birthday gift, or a stag do with a difference, a fishing trip with us is geared to make you happy. All tackle, rods and lines provided to make this the perfect day out. Maximum 6 fish per person.

Day licences are $23 per adult, $5 per child

Fishing updates:  December 2023: The smelt have turned up. A recent trip saw 25 landed and very happy clients. We give full instruction on how to catch, wind in and land every fish - you hold the rod!

Call us on 0800 BYO FUN weekend and weekday spots are available.  

Stag do - the ultimate Taupo party boat

Creating an awesome stag do for all budgets is what we do. We make the planning easy for the best man, knowing he’s got a pretty huge brief to fill. 

Book any trip up to 31st January 2024 and be in the draw to win a free Bungy Jump for the stag.

BYO FUN - Drink: BYO or use our fully licensed bar we’ve got you covered.

A selection of super-fun activities will make this a memorable do:

* fishing. All rods and gear supplied free of charge - Taupo Fishing is awesome!

*Food: These are the options: Catered BBQ, you rent our bbq, catered platters, byo food or eating is cheating! 

* clay-bird shooting

* paddle boarding

* biscuit towing with paintball option

* swimming is mandatory

* Ladies and hostess' - eye popping and jaw dropping good

Maori rock carvings included.

Bring your own playlist to bluetooth to our 6 speaker surround sound system - then dance where only your mates can see you!

We also have 3 excellent accommodation options to choose from. Backpacker from $45, holiday park $50 and Motel $65 per person. We do not add on a commission when booking accomodation on your behalf.

Remember, what goes on on the boat stays on the boat.

Hen party in style on Taupo's best party boat

"Girls just want to have fun." Bring your enthusiasm, appetite and thirst. The entertainment starts before we even leave the harbour.

Book any trip up to 31st January 2024 and be in the draw to win a free Bungy Jump for the hen.

Kakariki is a large catamaran, taking up to 24 passengers, and perfectly set up for a hens do.

Start by decorating the boat

BYO food and alcohol or use our bar and kitchen. Fully catered trips available or use our bbq.

Swimming. Jump off Shag rock.

Biscuit and paddleboard. 

Surround sound system for your bluetooth playlists. Dance your ass off and make it the party of a life-time. What goes on on the boat stays on the boat!!!

Fishing and clay birds

Male hosts can be arranged.

Large on board toilet. Separate changing room.

Four accommodation options available. Air bnb, Motel, Backpacker or Holiday park. We pass on the accomodation providers rate with no added cost.

Call 0800 BYO FUN to book your hens party boat trip.

Celebrate on Taupo party boat Kakariki

A private charter on Lake Taupo has to be the ultimate venue for any celebration.

Kakariki has four seating areas - bowrider, flybridge, cockpit with duckboard and a covered cabin - we  take up to 24 passengers on Taupo's best party boat. 

Birthday, Anniversary, Christmas, family fun, Staff work party and friends.

Kakariki party boat is your place and Lake Taupo is the playground.  Explore Maori rock carvings and private bays while you mix and mingle with those closest to you.

Many activities: fishing, clay birds, paddleboard, biscuit, paintball, swimming

Full catering option with our BBQ or bring your own festive banquet.  You can use our fully licensed bar or BYO. Outside caterers available with food made to your budget.

We have many accommodation options available. Note: we do not charge a fee on top of the accomodation providers rate.

Book Taupo party boat by calling 0800 BYO FUN  0800 296 386

Business events Kakariki boat charter Lake Taupo

A unique space to talk shop (or not) over chilled bevvies, build skills or celebrate a group win. Kakariki party boat is the perfect venue for your next work function or team building event. 

Take your team out and we will bring them back with a new perspective because a cruise in one of the most beautiful spots in New Zealand should make an impression on anyone.

Activities include: fishing, clay birds, biscuit, paddleboard, swimming, visiting Maori rock carvings or a relaxed educational tour.

Self-catering or BBQ options,

BYO or use our fully licensed bar we’ve got you covered.

Three accommodation options available.

Book now or call 0800 296386,        0800 BYOFUN

Yacht Charter - on the Barbary. It's a great party boat and a very 'green' option

A proven party boat for hens, stags, weddings, proposals, business, educational groups and team events.

Celebrate any event in unique style on our classic kauri yacht which is also the only commercial electric yacht in NZ.

Barbary silently skims the waters of great Lake Taupo. Experience the incredible quietness and fresh air of zero-emission sailing - with no noise.

This is unique and authentic experience.

The skipper will show you dramatic views of the surrounding bays, in-lets and coves, highlighted by the intense back drop of the surrounding mountains and Maori Rock carvings.

Up to 25 passengers

Swimming, BYO food and alcohol or use the bar and catering service.

Large onboard toilet and changing room.

Bluetooth sound system with huge speakers for your playlist - only great playlists allowed!

Call 0800 BYO FUN or 0800 296386

Regular Day Trips - only when a charter is not booked

Enjoy the daily cruises to the culturally significant Māori rock carvings at Mine Bay. Listen to old legends and engaging stories while you sit back and relax.

Explore the masterful artistry of Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell with a unique sailing experience. Marvel at the magical creations as they stretch 14 metres above you, only accessible by boat.

Where time permits we will stop for trout fishing

Taupo Classic

Cruise lake taupō to the mine bay māori rock carvings, then jet boat to huka falls.

Here's your chance to ride on two of Taupo's original boating adventures - Hukafalls Jet and Chris Jolly Outdoors .

Departing from the Taupo Marina at 10:30am, climb aboard the 52 ft catamaran Cruise Cat and cruise in comfort and style through Lake Taupo's stunning bays on a 90-minute journey culminating in a close-up view of the famous Maori Rock Carvings.

Enjoy the live commentary as you savour delicious homemade muffin and hot drink. Sit back and unwind in the comfortable booth seating with viewing platforms on two levels. There are tons of activities for kids on board, and some epic photo opportunities.  The Cruise Cat is an excellent all weather boating option.

Package include:

• 90-minute Cruise on Lake Taupo, including muffin and hot drink
• 30-minute Hukafalls Jet experience

You can book this combo online now! 

On the day:

• Start your adventure at Chris Jolly Outdoors with your lake cruise.  Departure is at 10.30am , check in at the T aupo Boat Harbour, Berth 4 on Ferry Road, Taupo, 15 minutes prior to departure.  Wear appropriate clothing to suit the weather on the day of your trip.
• Your jet boat experience at Hukafalls Jet departs at 1pm .  Check in at the base 15 minutes prior to your departure time, 200 Karetoto Road , Taupo.  You may get a little wet while jet boating, so bring a jacket and wear warm clothing should it be a cold day. 

Accessibility:

Chris Jolly Outdoors Lake Cruise - wheelchair access is dependent on lake water levels and size of the wheelchair. Call the office to book prior to travelling to see if the wheelchair can be accommodated during the cruise. Note that there is no wheelchair access to the toilets onboard.  Phone +647 378 0623 to chat.

Hukafalls Jet - accessibility car parks are available directly in front of the Huka Prawn Park restaurant entrance, next door to the base. After checking in a path is available around the base building to take you to the boat boarding area. Staff are available should you require help boarding and disembarking the jet boat.  Some ability is required to hold on to the handrails in the boat but call us to chat if required. Phone +647 374 8572.

• Lake cruise departs at 10:30am, jet boating at 1pm. These times can be changed - call us if you need to adjust your timings.
• Once booked and paid, there are no refunds for cancellations or no-shows.
• If either activity in your Taupō Classics combo is cancelled due to adverse weather or for any other reason by Hukafalls Jet or Chris Jolly Outdoors a full refund will be given for that cancelled activity only.
• These prices are not valid in conjunction with any other offer.
• All normal registration requirements for lake cruising and jet boating must be complied with.
• Tickets are valid for one month: activities are normally completed in the same day but can be completed on separate days; either activity can be completed first.
• Regular daily departures and minimum passenger numbers must be reached to confirm a departure.  We will contact you if the departure in unable to proceed.
• There is a minimum height for all children of 1 metre to ride Hukafalls Jet.

Taupo Lake Adventures

Criusing & fishing charter service, lake taupo trout fishing charters.

Taupo Lake Adventures Limited offer skippered trout fishing charters and scenic cruises on Lake Taupo, New Zealand aboard our charter boats, Bravado 3 and Te Arani II, operating out of Taupo Boat Harbour.

We do not operate to a schedule. You charter the boat of your choice for the time and duration that suits you.We provide top quality fishing tackle and complimentary tea or coffee.You are welcome to bring you own food and beverages aboard or we can arrange catered meals to suit your requirements.

Our boat charter options

Trout fishing.

We supply all the fishing tackle and offer deep trolling with downriggers, harling or jigging.  Our Trout fishing charters start at a minimum of two hours.

Scenic Cruise

Enjoy a one hour scenic cruise out past Acacia Bay to the Maori Rock Carvings in Mine Bay and back along the Lake Front or take the time to see more of Lake Taupo’s spectacular scenery.

Big Day Out

Spoil yourselves with a luxury cruise aboard our Markline 1100, “Bravado 3”. This is a six hour (min) excursion to the pristine Western Bays of Taupo which hold amazing fishing and scenery.

Your Captain

While you choose which of our boats you want to charter, we only have one skipper. You will be fishing or cruising with Nick Reed. Nick has been fishing for trout since he was big enough to hold a rod and has been fishing the Taupo fishery since 1987. An experienced skipper, he offers professional, personal and friendly service on our well maintained and presented boats.

Whether you are cruising or trout fishing, a novice or an experienced angler, with Taupo Lake Adventures, you will have an experience we guarantee you will remember on Lake Taupo.

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Boat cruises in Taupō

Mine Bay Rock Carving by boat, Taupō

By Destination Great Lake Taupo

Sailboat in Lake Taupo, Taupō

A scenic boat cruise on beautiful Lake Taupō is one of the best ways to experience New Zealand's largest lake.

Take a trip on a catamaran, steam boat, sail boat or luxurious private charter - you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to cruising on Lake Taupō. Many of these operators will visit Lake Taupō's fascinating Mine Bay rock carvings which are only accessible by water, providing full commentary on the cultural significance of the carvings and the lake itself. If you're a keen angler, choose a cruise that also offers trout fishing - Lake Taupō is known for its trophy-sized rainbow trout. If you're cruising in the summer months, take a romantic sunset cruise or experience fly fishing and stand up paddle boarding in the remote Western Bays - you'll also be able to take a dip in Lake Taupō's fresh, pristine waters.

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Visit the official travel website for Taupō

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Lake Piru, Southern California’s Hidden Remote Gem

Lake Piru lies in Ventura County, California, in the Los Padres National Forest next to the Sespe Condor Sanctuary and the Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge. The Topatopa Mountains encompass Lake Piru laying the Piru Canyon. The Ventureño Chumash Indians called the reeds they used to make baskets piru. 

The Chumash people include the Tataviam, and other related native peoples who spoke the Hoken language and traditionally inhabited the Southern California (SoCal) region. They were hunter gatherers who lived in the California coastlands and adjacent inland areas from Malibu northward to Estero Bay, and on the three northern Channel Islands off Santa Barbara.

It takes less than an hour from Santa Clarita and a little over an hour via the I-5 from Los Angeles to reach Lake Piru. Canyons and gorges surround Lake Piru in an extremely remote area with little to no developments. The Piru Canyon Road is the only road at Lake Piru, running along its eastern border. The Lake Piru Recreation Area is Lake Piru’s only park. 

How deep is Lake Piru, California?

The Lake Peru Recreation Area has one campground, The Olive Grove Campground, and two group campsites. The United Water Conservation District (UWCD) owns and operates Lake Piru. Over the years, Lake Piru has suffered droughts and floods, and parts or all of it may be closed at times. 

Lake Piru is 130 to 160-feet deep and covers 1,240 acres when full, with 12 miles of shoreline. 

Can You Still Swim at Lake Piru?

The UWCD determines safety conditions at Lake Piru. It may, at certain times of the year, close the lake to swimming, parts or all of it to boating and water sports, and roads. The UWCD website lists all the closings and boating and swimming notices. 

Visitors can swim in Lake Piru during season if UWCD is permitting swimming that year. Its season runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day. As of September 9, 2023, Lake Piru is closed to swimming until Memorial Day 2024. 

Does Lake Piru Allow Dogs?

The UWCD allows dogs in the recreation area but not in the water. 

How full is Lake Piru Right Now?

The Piru Creek, a tributary of the Santa Clara River, and other creeks feed Lake Piru. Until spring 2023, SoCal experienced a years-long drought. Over the years, Lake Piru has had its ups and downs concerning its water level. 

The SoCal 2023 spring floods filled Lake Piru in 2023 to 311% over its full capacity. On September 29, 2023, Lake Piru was 307% over its full capacity. 

When Did Lake Piru Open?

Lake Piru is the only lake in Ventura county that allows swimming if conditions are safe. Based on historical newspaper accounts, development of the Piru Canyon began in the 1880s. David C. Cook founded the town of Piru in 1887 after purchasing 14,000 acres in Piru Canyon.   

In 1955, construction of the Santa Felicia Dam began over Piru Creek, which created Lake Piru. Cook built miles of roads and irrigation ditches for his farm, where he grew almonds, apricots, chestnuts, grapes, olive trees, oranges, English walnuts, and other crops. 

Does Lake Piru Have Bears?

Lake Piru supports habitats for a diverse species of fish, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and birds. Lake Piru attracts migratory birds like eagles, hawks, and other species that fly into breed and feed. It attracts anglers for its largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish, crappie, redear sunfish, and rainbow trout.

Yes, bears live at Lake Piru, along with bobcats, deer, ducks, geese, mountain lions, ospreys, and many other wildlife species. Quagga mussel infestations cause problems at Lake Piru and across California by clogging pipes used for drinking water, irrigation and hydropower.

Why Is Lake Piru Notorious for Drownings?

There are several reasons why Lake Piru is known for a high rate of drownings. Swimmers of all abilities need to wear life vests approved by the U.S. Coast Guard in Lake Piru. Even the strongest swimmer can find themselves easily overwhelmed, even though most people who have drowned were inexperienced swimmers.

A combination of strong afternoon winds and columns of cold water temperatures, dangerous whirlpools, drop-offs, and rip currents present a high-risk for drowning at Lake Piru. When a victim disappears in Lake Piru, it can take days, weeks, and sometimes months to recover their body.

Lake Piru’s high winds cause unstable boating conditions that can cause people to fall overboard and sweep swimmers too far out to get back to shore. Its waters are extremely choppy in the afternoon. Whirlpools form when opposite flowing currents collide and create a strong vortex. 

The Santa Felicia Dam causes Lake Piru’s rip currents. UCWD stores water in Lake Piru in winter and spring, and releases water from the dam, if needed, in September and October. Swimmers can encounter drop-offs unexpectedly and a fast-moving current can pick them up as Lake Piru is extremely deep. 

One man, wearing a life vest, drowned as a current or whirlpool pulled him under Lake Piru. Glee actress Naya Rivera disappeared under Lake Piru on July 8, 2020. Officials found her body floating in Lake Piru five days later. Lake Piru has low underwater visibility and a mesh of aquatic plants growing in the lake bed, which can hold on to drowning victims. 

Boating Lake Piru

UWCD establishes boating regulations at Lake Piru. Boaters must follow its regulations or risk receiving a citation. Regulations can change throughout the year, and year to year. 

The UWCD developed a Monitoring and Control Plan to contain the quagga mussel infestation. As part of that plan, a strict inspection policy is in effect for all watercraft entering and leaving Lake Piru. As of September 2023, only vessels entering Lake Piru are inspected, not leaving. Failure to undergo an inspection prior to launch may result in a citation. 

Boaters should download and print the Lake Piru Vessel Inspection Permit Application. For more information, contact Lake Piru Rangers office at 805 521-1201 or United Water Conservation District at 805 525 4431.

There are separate high-speed boating and fishing areas. The maximum speed limit on the lake is 35 MPH. Boats must be between 12-feet and 26-feet long. Canoes and kayaks over eight feet long are permitted in the special-use area.

The UWCD allows personal watercraft (PWC) and motorized boats up to 26 feet in length. It allows 20 PWCs at Lake Piru at a time. 

The UWCD allows water skiing, wakeboarding, and fishing. Lake Piru offers three boat ramps and docks with 66 boat slips.

Strong winds at Lake Piru make it a popular location for sailing. Winds typically pick up after 10 AM.

There are separate Olive Grove Campground fees and day use fees for boats and PWCs.

Tommy’s Boat Rentals provides boat, ski, surf board, tube, and wakeboards rentals at Lake Piru. 

Author:  Kendall Davis

Kendall currently lives on the shores of Lake Texoma in Texas. She traveled across two-thirds the U.S. for many years camping at lakes, rivers, and three oceans before motels and hotels if at all possible. Writing for LakeHub allows her to share lake life in real life time! https://kdavis1836.wixsite.com/luminiwrites

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