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riginally launched in 1965, the historically restored Loloma used to tow a barge from Kawakawa Bay to Taupo carrying the shingle that was used for the foundations of the town. Nowadays, she has been beautifully preserved after a full interior restoration, taking on the role of a private charter boat. Guests can hire the boat per hour with Shaun, the skipper, who will take them out on Lake Taupo on one of the pre-arranged tours or wherever they please. We arrived one miserable Sunday to experience what the Loloma had to offer. The 42ft vessel stood out from other charter boats. We were a smallish party of two families, one with two children (aged four and six) and ourselves with a toddler (almost 2). The Loloma can accommodate up to 30 guests on board but most parties average around 10-15, which is probably the perfect size. The design of the boat also means that it’s a perfect rainy day activity, especially if you have to suffer bad weather like we did. Due to the very strong winds, Shaun suggested a tour that included a gentle meander along the western flanks of Lake Taupo, stopping at a trout fishing spot so
the children could have a go. This was a great suggestion as not only was it the first time on a boat for the older kids but we would all get to try trout fishing, too. Perfect! The open fishing deck was relatively wind free when the boat was positioned at the right angle and it was rare to get any drops of rain when we were all standing out there.
As we pushed off from the marina, the children were pointing out everything they saw, from float planes to a helicopter landing pad, and out in the open waters of Lake Taupo, the Loloma handled the lumpy swell admirably, which was a relief as I was suffering motion sickness and forgot to take appropriate tablets. As we motored along, the children were either running
LOM A O L PRIVATE CHARTER AT IT’S BEST - INTRODUCING TAUPO CHARTER BOAT LOLOMA
Many Taupo charter boats have come and gone over the years, but none have ever come close to the comfort, facilities and ambience that Loloma has to offer. Combined with the option to overnight and the freedom of being able to create a package to suit your numbers and budget, you truly get unmatched boat hire. Loloma can sleep up to 8 passengers for overnight boat hire in Taupo and is surveyed to carry 27 passengers plus 3 crew. Our luxurious Taupo charter boat offers on-board facilites including comfortable lounge seating, well-appointed galley, BBQ, private toilet facilites, wash room and shower. We provide the latest equipment / tackle for our Taupo fishing crusies, and we even offer watersports hire. Catering can be arranged or you can simply organise your own.
Visit our website for more info or contact our skipper Berth 7, Taupo Marina, Taupo, New Zealand | 021 071 4986 | www.cruiseloloma.co.nz