THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Spend eight hours on Lake Taupō aboard a fully catered, crewed premium charter that combines gourmet meals, hydrofoil thrills, trout fishing, and a front-row view of the Māori Rock Carvings.
Spend eight hours on Lake Taupō aboard a fully catered, crewed premium charter that combines gourmet meals, hydrofoil thrills, trout fishing, and a front-row view of the Māori Rock Carvings.
Book with Greatlake Adventures
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Greatlake Adventures · Taupō, Waikato Region
On the western shore of Lake Taupō, New Zealand's largest freshwater lake, 38 South offers a full-day, all-inclusive premium charter that reads like a daylong celebration of water, food, and local sightlines. Departing from Lake Taupō Marina – Berth 7 (65 Redoubt Street, Taupō, 3330, New Zealand), this eight-hour cruise threads along sheltered western bays and pauses at the famous Māori Rock Carvings, the hand-carved cliffs that loom out of the clear lake like a cultural landmark on stone. Key features include sheltered bays, volcanic pumice beaches, rocky headlands, and the carved Māori figures etched into dark lake scarp. The geology here is volcanic: pumice and ignimbrite shorelines rim a bowl carved by the Taupō eruption. Wildlife includes black swans and freshwater trout that draw anglers to the surface. The charter is a regional standout because it pairs premium hospitality with a suite of high-end water toys—Fliteboard electric hydrofoil, Yamaha Pole-Ski, paddleboards—and supervised trout fishing with up to four licenses and gear included. Food and drink are central to the experience. A professional crew delivers a curated menu that ranges from salmon tartare and charcuterie to New Zealand lamb rack and an apple tart with vanilla bean ice cream. Coffee, sparkling and still water, and cocktail service are included, and setups on deck include loungers, beach towels, and a shaded platform for swimming and sun. The small maximum group size of 12 keeps the vibe intimate and service attentive. For active guests, the day can be as adventurous as you like. Try a Fliteboard for near-silent foiling across glassy water, take the Yamaha Pole-Ski for a brief adrenaline spike, or cast for trout from the swim platform. Guests not in the water can relax on deck, explore shoreline coves, or simply watch the western light shift across volcanic cliffs. All water toys are supervised; the operator reserves the right to alter activities for safety. Practical details are straightforward: check in at Lake Taupō Marina – Berth 7 at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure, and expect departures at 10:00 AM or 12:00 PM with returns at 6:00 PM or 8:00 PM. The vessel is fully accessible and accommodates guests up to age 90 within the operator’s parameters; swimwear, a light jacket, hat, sunscreen, and camera are recommended. Note that some activities have supervised use only. Whether you lean into the gourmet catering, chase trout off the swim platform, or glide above the lake on a hydrofoil, the 38 South full-day charter condenses the best parts of Lake Taupō into a single, well-executed day. For travelers based in Taupō looking to trade land time for lake time, this is an unmistakably Kiwi way to meet the lake, its geology, and culture.
easy.
8 hours.
Suitable for most travelers with light mobility needs; participants should be able to board a vessel and move around deck. Basic swimming recommended for active participants.
Check in at Lake Taupō Marina – Berth 7 (65 Redoubt Street, Taupō, 3330, New Zealand) at least 15 minutes before departure.
Yes — the full-day premium package includes a curated gourmet menu, coffee, sparkling and still water, and cocktail service.
Yes, the vessel accommodates a range of ages up to 90 per operator guidelines; children should be supervised and able to follow crew safety instructions.
Yes — up to four trout fishing licenses and equipment are included and supervised by crew.
No prior experience is required; both are supervised by trained staff, though basic swimming ability is recommended.
The operator reserves the right to alter or cancel trips for safety or operational reasons; trips may be rescheduled when necessary.
The Māori Rock Carvings are recent cultural artworks accessible only by water and are an important contemporary cultural site along Lake Taupō's western shore.
Operators minimize in-water impact by supervising toys and restricting access to sensitive shoreline areas; please avoid littering and respect cultural sites.
Greatlake Adventures operates from Taupō in New Zealand’s Waikato Region, offering private cruises, fishing charters, and all‑inclusive boat experiences on Lake Taupō. The company operates two primary vessels: a modern 38 South cruiser that provides hourly and multi‑hour private charters, and the restored 1965 Loloma used for scenic cruises and dedicated fishing trips. Greatlake Adventures runs a range of trips including 1.5‑hour scenic cruises, 2‑ and 3‑hour cocktail or fishing charters, extended 5‑ and 6‑hour hourly-rate cruises, and half‑day and full‑day all‑inclusive premium packages. Trips accommodate fishing, swimming, sightseeing, or relaxed social gatherings, with options for cocktails, catering, and on‑board refreshments. The full‑day and half‑day premium packages explore Lake Taupō’s western shores, include water toys such as hydrofoils and jet skis, and pair gourmet food with professional crew service. Scenic highlights include close views of the Māori Rock Carvings, sheltered bays, and hidden fishing spots. The Loloma’s restored 1965 layout offers spacious indoor‑outdoor areas suited to celebrations and small events, while the 38 South provides flexible private hire for tailored itineraries. Safety and local knowledge underpin every voyage: trips are crewed by trained operators familiar with Lake Taupō conditions and navigation. Bookings are available for private groups, special occasions, corporate outings, and customised experiences focused on fishing, sightseeing, or leisure. Greatlake Adventures is featured on The Adventure Collective, where its trip listings and summaries are presented for visitors planning Lake Taupō activities. Flexible booking and clear pricing make private charters easy to reserve for groups, special events, and tours today.
Book with Greatlake Adventures