SAME ICONIC LAKE.
A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT EXPERIENCE.
Most boat tours take you across Lake Taupō. Ours takes you above it.
Discover the magnificent Māori Rock Carvings aboard a revolutionary luxury electric hydrofoil. A boat that actually rises above the water, offering a remarkable sensation of flight, extraordinary comfort and an entirely new perspective on one of New Zealand's most beautiful lakes.
EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE →
IMAGINE A BOAT THAT DOESN'T HAVE TO BATTLE THE WAVES.
Instead of pushing through the water like a conventional hull, our hydrofoil rises above it. And that's when everything changes.
IT STARTS AS A BOAT.
THEN IT TAKES FLIGHT.
Beneath the vessel are specially engineered underwater wings called hydrofoils. As the boat gains speed, these wings generate lift, raising the hull clear of the lake's surface.
You'll still feel the adventure of being on Lake Taupō — but with less of the wave impact you might expect from a conventional boat.
FIRST-CLASS COMFORT.
WITHOUT LEAVING THE LAKE.
The best seat on Lake Taupō might just be inside our boat.
Forget choosing between a spectacular view and a comfortable journey. Our climate-controlled cabin is designed to give you both.
Settle into your own cushioned seat, enjoy panoramic windows and take in the incredible scenery while sheltered from wind and spray.
This is more than transport to the Māori Rock Carvings. It's an experience where every minute of the journey is part of the luxury.
THE MĀORI ROCK CARVINGS.
NOW WITH A JOURNEY TO MATCH.
One of Lake Taupō's most iconic sights deserves an unforgettable journey.
Travel across the lake to the remarkable Māori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay. Admire the dramatic cliffs, incredible scenery and extraordinary artworks from the water.
But here's the difference: with Taupō Hydrofoil Tours, the carvings aren't the only unforgettable part.
The moment the vessel lifts above the lake, the journey becomes an experience in itself.
DISCOVER OUR FLIGHTS →
NOT JUST DIFFERENT.
DESIGNED TO BE BETTER.
Every part of the experience has been considered, from the way the vessel moves to how you feel sitting inside it.
RISE ABOVE THE CHOP
By lifting the hull above the surface, hydrofoil technology reduces the impact of smaller waves and creates a smoother ride when foiling.
THE SOUND OF ELECTRIC
Fully electric propulsion replaces the rumble of a combustion engine with a quieter, more refined journey.
UP TO 25 KNOTS
Experience the thrill of high-performance hydrofoil travel, with a cruising speed of around 25 knots in suitable conditions.
ONLY 10 GUESTS
Enjoy an intimate experience with individual seating and just ten passenger places — rather than the atmosphere of a large-group excursion.
MINIMAL WAKE
Travelling above the water dramatically reduces the wake produced while foiling, helping us tread more lightly on the lake.
KIWI INNOVATION
Our VS–9 was designed and built by New Zealand marine technology company Vessev. World-class innovation, experienced right here on Lake Taupō.
AN ORDINARY CRUISE?
OR SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY?
There are many wonderful ways to explore Lake Taupō. Here's what makes a luxury hydrofoil flight unique.
| THE EXPERIENCE | OUR HYDROFOIL | CONVENTIONAL BOAT TOURS |
|---|---|---|
| HOW IT TRAVELS | Hull lifts above the water on advanced hydrofoils | Hull travels through or across the water |
| RIDE COMFORT | Foil stabilisation designed for a smoother ride | Ride comfort varies with vessel type, speed and lake conditions |
| PASSENGER CABIN | Climate-controlled cabin, cushioned seats and panoramic windows | Cabin facilities and weather protection vary by operator |
| GUEST CAPACITY | Just 10 passengers | Options range from small-group boats to larger cruises |
| PROPULSION | 100% electric | Many use conventional fuel-powered engines |
| WAKE | Very low wake while foiling | Wake varies by vessel design and operating speed |
| THE BIG DIFFERENCE | The sensation of flying above Lake Taupō | A more traditional on-water boating experience |
Comparisons are general and depend on the individual operator and vessel. Hydrofoil performance and comfort are subject to lake and weather conditions.
YOU'RE NOT JUST PAYING FOR A BOAT RIDE.
You're paying for a remarkable experience you won't get from a conventional boat.
The moment the hull rises from the water. The quiet electric propulsion. The beautifully appointed cabin. Your own cushioned seat. The panoramic views. And the magnificent Māori Rock Carvings waiting at the other end.
We've brought together adventure, innovation, sightseeing and first-class comfort in one unforgettable journey.
This is the difference between simply seeing Lake Taupō and experiencing it in an entirely new way.
YOU'VE SEEN LAKE TAUPŌ.
NOW COME FLY ABOVE IT.
Experience the iconic Māori Rock Carvings in a class of their own. Choose a 60-minute scenic flight, unwind on a 90-minute adults-only experience or book your own private charter.