‘Beyond the Horizon’ Feature Article
Four boats.
Four families.
One quiet stretch of Lake Taupō.
School holidays lined up with a good weather window, so we made a plan. Left Kinloch as a group—851, 821, 701 and 641—and headed across to Kawakawa Bay.
Easy run. Flat water.
The 851 set the tone—a proper week-long cruiser. The 821 right alongside it, built as a game fishing weapon but just as at home here. The 701 and 641 charged ahead — easy to manage, easy to clean, and more than capable for a trip like this.
By late afternoon we were in the bay. Anchors down, then each boat backed into the beach. Sterns in, with long lines run ashore to hold us.
Memorable Adventures
It didn’t take long before the kids were in the water. In and out, dragging bits of wood up the beach, building bivvies. Keeping themselves busy and entertained.
Softbait casting on the foredeck of the 641 proved successful! That turned into sashimi not long after—on the beach with soy and wasabi. A perfectly fresh entree.
The onboard cookers fired into life and dinner smelt amazing. Each family sorted their own, but we were all right there together. Moving between boats and the beach, kids everywhere.
The sun dropped across the western bays. It was a clear evening, good light, calm water.
Once it got dark, the underwater lights went on. You could see kōura moving around in the rocks below the boats and the kids spotted as many Milky Way constellations as they could find.
Later on, each boat’s covers were zipped up and everyone turned in on their own boats. A still night – and great sleeps.
Morning & The Run Home
The next morning was slow. Coffee first, then breakfast. No rush getting moving. A day was spent on the lake—swimming, cruising, and fishing.
On the run home, the wind had got up and there was a bit of chop. It didn’t slow things down. Each boat handled it easily, and everyone stayed comfortable.
Back to the ramp and onto the trailers.
Four boats.
One night.
That’s all it takes.
