Built in 1976 by Alan Orams in Whangarei, Kindred Spirit features an L. Francis Herreshoff design, a cutter rigged sloop and a full keel, which gives the boat less draft and a wider beam.
Originally built for Alan Orams’ friend John Anderson Oldfield, the boat changed hands over time after the next owners lived on it for 10 years with their family, then to a couple who lived on it for 15 years.
In 2019, Dave and Jess came across it in Tauranga and bought it to Taupo. They both fully restored it over seven months including rewiring, replumbing and repainting the boat, having it ready to sail in January 2020.
Sharon F
2024/01/09
Highly recommend. Crew were amazing and so friendly. They were highly knowledgeable and answered all my questions It was such a relaxing few hours out on the lake
Manon L
2024/01/06
This is an incredible experience! We were only 6 people on board, and we felt very privileged being there. There were hot drinks and biscuits in the 9.30am trip which were appreciated with the cold weather. The explanations, the experience everything was excellent. Dany and David were the perfect hosts for this experience! We strongly recommend them!
julie k
2024/01/07
We booked to sail on Kindred Spirit, but were upgraded to Tiua, which we thoroughly enjoyed. The catamaran was much more roomy and probably more stable than the yacht. There was also a very spacious & comfortable internal area on the Tiua (including toilets), where you could see fairly well but stay warmer (& drier if the weather was damp). The pizza and drink were a great addition, and we were grateful to be able to get gluten free pizza (Pizza Hut) by requesting them at the time of booking. We enjoyed sitting in beanbags on the front of the catamaran. Dave was a friendly and entertaining host and gave us interesting information as we travelled, without it sounding like a pre-written tour speech.
Alice S.
2024/02/03
It was such a lovely day not only because the weather was amazing! The guys were not only super kind but also made sure we got all out questions answered. We even did some fishing that day! Plus they invited us to stay on the boat even after the tour was over to sail with the next tour. we need more tourist guides like you! Thanks for everything :)
Phil S
2024/01/03
Amazing experience run by a very professional outfit. Despite there being quite a few people on board who not sailors, I never felt unsafe. With drinks and food laid on we had a lovely cruise in slightly choppy waters. It was great fun when we went under sail. Fully recommend
Escape61225278750
2024/01/02
Great fun, a beautiful catamaran and excellent crew. The outward bound trip, into a strong headwind and 1m waves was bouncy and fun. The view of the rock carvings and the return voyage (under sail) were very smooth and relaxing. The opportunity to swim in the lake was great fun ( for those of us brave enough to jump!). Overall an excellent day and good value.
