The Cruise Cat Boat Charter

Enjoy the experience of hosting your event on a cruise boat, surrounded only by your friends or colleagues. Perfect for parties, with a spacious capacity of 90 people. The best charter boat available in Lake Taupō (in our opinion) is able to host varied events, with a fully licenced and stocked bar, dance floor and professional sound system. Enjoy a day trip or evening cruise, or both!

Trip Highlights

The view of the trio of snow-capped mountains, Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro is best from the water with a glass of bubbles in hand.

What’s Provided

Full use of the Cruise Cat’s amenities, including access to a fully stocked and licensed bar, and a galley if you would like your event catered. There’s seating for 75 or standing room for 90. The use of  Smart TVs and free Wi-Fi and a professional sound system. All fishing equipment is provided – we can fish 4 lines at a time.

Transport and Timing

Trip time is negotiable with our team and depends on the length of your event. The Cruise Cat is moored at the Taupō Marina and your guests should arrive at Berth 4, Taupō Boat Harbour, on Redoubt Street to embark.

Note: The Cruise Cat is stroller friendly and has wheelchair access though not a disabled toilet on board. 

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Take the party to the water – Gather your mates and make the most of our floating dance floor and bar!

Lake Taupo Sunset

Chartering the Cruise Cat

If you haven’t partied out on this boat, you haven’t experienced the best Lake Taupō’ has to offer. We’ve served some of the biggest offsite conference entertainment evenings in the region, so we understand exactly what it takes to pull off a stunning event on the water.

To charter the Cruise Cat, enquire now with your event information such as day and time you’d like to sail, estimated group size, and what you’d like to do!

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What to Bring

  • Sunscreen and sunhat
  • Sunglasses
  • Event appropriate clothing
  • Warm layers
  • Boat friendly footwear

The Charter Includes

  • Floating dance floor
  • Private party vibes
  • Party catering on request
  • Scenic backdrop for your event
  • Room to let go and relax with your mates

Visitor Information

  • The Chris Jolly staff are English speaking
  • There is nothing dangerous dwelling in the lake
  • No snakes, or poisonous insects
  • Our thin ozone layer means you can get sunburnt quickly

This was an unbelievable experience! The crew on the boat were so informative, highly recommend.

– Barry M

Chris Jolly Outdoors boys trip

What types of event or celebrations can the Cruise Cat cater for?

  • Birthday Parties
  • Corporate Functions
  • End of Year/Christmas Parties
  • Family Reunions
  • Hens or Stag Parties
  • Weddings

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My husband was over the moon at actually landing a trout and it has kickstarted his enthusiasm to get back into trout fishing again.

– Sarah G

Lake Taupo New Zealand ruapehu

Celebrate that Milestone with Chris Jolly’s Party Boat

Whether it’s turning the big five-0 or a 21st, it’s impossible not to have fun on a boat! Chris Jolly can cater for an intimate gathering of close friends, or full-on events of up to 90 passengers on our Cruise Cat.

We can do simple fun or make your event classy and luxurious, our outstanding crew can cater to it all. Call our team to plan your party today.

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View From The Top of hike Lake Taupo

Enjoy the Sunshine on our Party Deck

Dance in the sunset then carry on downstairs on our floating dance floor. Rock out like The Lonely Island singing “I’m on a Boat” at the top of your lungs, or hold up your mate on the prow and pretend to be Jack and Rose.

The possibilities are endless when you have your own private party boat hire with Chris Jolly Outdoors.

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fishing off a boat in lake taupo

Chartering a Boat for your Reunion

  • There’s no shortage of fun things to do on a boat! Whether you’re swimming, fishing, or just taking in the stunning views, there’s something for everyone.
  • It’s a great way to get everyone together in one place. What better way to catch up with cousins and grandparents than while cruising around on a boat?
  • It’s easy to accommodate large groups on a boat charter. Whether you have 50 or 90 people, there’s plenty of space for everyone to relax and have fun.
  • It’s a unique way to celebrate your reunion. Why not do something different this year and charter a boat for your family reunion? You won’t regret it!

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Partying on the cruise cat party boat charter

Host your Hens Party on the Party Boat

As Cyndi Lauper tells us, girls just wanna have fun! Bring your bridesmaids, your maid of honor and of course your hen out on the last party of her single life. Go out in style with our Cruise Cat Charter Boat.

Chris Jolly will sate your appetite and your thirst before turning up the music as you party the night away in Lake Taupō’s harbour. Your hens do can be as wild as you can handle! Start during the day and you can view the Maori Carvings, jump into the water off the nearby cliffs and swim in the sunshine before drying off aboard to party the night away.

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lake taupo from above and chris jolly boat

Get loud with a Stag Do on the Cruise Cat

Chris Jolly Outdoors is the perfect place to charter a boat for your stag do. With over 30 years of experience, we know how to make your day on the water special. Our charter boats are perfect for cruising around Lake Taupō, and our experienced guides will make sure you have a great time.

We can customize your trip to suit your group, and we’ll even throw in a few extras like fishing gear and a BBQ lunch. So if you’re looking for a unique and memorable way to celebrate your last night of freedom, Chris Jolly Outdoors is the perfect choice.

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Wedding Rings on a white cloth

Get Married on a Charter Boat

Chris Jolly Outdoors offers the perfect way to make your wedding day truly unique – by chartering a boat on Lake Taupō. Chris Jolly Outdoors has experienced skippers and will be more than happy to show you the best of what the lake has to offer.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic boat cruise or an action-packed ride, Chris Jolly Outdoors can tailor a package to suit your needs. And what could be more magical than saying your vows with the stunning Lake Taupō as your backdrop? Start your married life in style with Chris Jolly Outdoors!

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Lake Taupo New Zealand ruapehu

Give the Gift of the Great Outdoors

Do you have a friend or loved one who loves being outdoors? Then a Chris Jolly Outdoors gift voucher is the perfect present! They can use it towards a charter boat trip on Lake Taupō, or put it towards another one of Chris Jolly’s great experiences.

With $100 to spend, they’ll be able to treat themselves to an unforgettable time in beautiful New Zealand. So give the gift of adventure today with a Chris Jolly Outdoors gift voucher.

Take a trip with us

Coming from a nervous boat person this trip was brilliant. Felt safe and at ease with our entertaining skipper…

– A C

Chartering the Chris Jolly Outdoors Cruise Cat is the best way to celebrate with your friends.

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What We Offer

  • Private charter boats with catering/bar/fishing equipment and crew
  • Access to private land, water and know-how of local’s secret spaces
  • Functions, corporate events & team building

Reliable & Experienced

  • Over forty years in the central North Island tourism industry
  • We’re a family business, with local Taupō knowledge
  • Our staff are experienced adventure experts

Adventure Qualified

  • 5 Star Rated Gold Qualmark
  • Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guides
  • Trip Advisor’s Travellers Choice 2023
  • Partnered with Ngāti Tūwharetoa

Your Taupō Activity Partner

From beautiful lake views, to fishing crystal pools, to scenic hikes in the central North Island wilderness; Chris Jolly Outdoors are the go-to guides to tick off that bucket list.

In Taupō, the adventure possibilities are truly endless. We guarantee one thing – we’ll create a memorable experience for you that you’ll treasure forever.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I book a trip with Chris Jolly Outdoors?

You can book a trip with Chris Jolly Outdoors by either calling us on +64 7 378 0623, emailing us at bookings@chrisjolly.co.nz or filling out the form to make an enquiry. If you want to book a cruise to the Māori Rock carvings, head over to the experience page to book direct.

Is jumping into the lake allowed from the boat?

It is encouraged! The crew will tell you when it’s go time. Show us your best bomb – the more water spray, the better!

Can you swim in Lake Taupō?

Yes! From December through to March it is absolutely beautiful to get in to that fresh crystal clear water. We would advise a good quality wetsuit if you’re going to attempt it in winter!

Is Lake Taupō a volcano?

Lake Taupō is a caldera volcano, formed approx 26,000 years ago. It erupted 29 times, with the last eruption about 1800 years ago. These days, Lake Taupō is the second largest freshwater lake in the southern hemisphere.

Is Lake Taupō fresh water or salt water?

Lake Taupō is a fresh water lake with excellent water quality, perfect for swimming, fishing and even drinking!

What fish can be caught on Lake Taupō?

Lake Taupō offers great fishing for rainbow trout and brown trout.

What should I pack for the boat?

Bring the basics: sunscreen, insect repellent, a snack, a filled water bottle, and a warm jersey. If you’d like to go swimming, we suggest togs (kiwi for swimsuit!), a towel and a spare change of clothes.

What risks are involved in your activities?

All our activities include some level of risk. Your guides takes all practicable steps to ensure your safety, and with any activity in the outdoors you acknowledge an element of risk involved.

Scenic Cruise / Private Charters are operated on Lake Taupō, which is a deep and exposed body of water, with its inherent risks.

Mountain biking is an inherently dangerous sport.

Hiking in the outdoors is an inherently dangerous activity.

Fly Fishing is a water based activity, and that with water, risks are increased.

Please read our Disclosure document for a full list of potential risks.

Related Activities

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