Flying Above the Waves: How New Zealand Became the World’s Electric Hydrofoiling Tourism Capital

For decades, New Zealand has been synonymous with adrenaline and untouched natural beauty—the “Adventure Capital of the World.” But as we move through 2025, the nation is successfully rebranding itself with a new, quieter, and far more sustainable title: the World Capital of Electric Hydrofoiling Tourism.

The era of roaring diesel engines and disruptive wakes is being replaced by the silent “flight” of state-of-the-art foils. From the bustling Waitematā Harbour in Auckland to the pristine freshwater expanse of Lake Taupō, New Zealand is proving that the future of luxury travel isn’t just green—it’s gravity-defying.

The Tech Behind the “Magic Carpet Ride”

At the heart of this maritime revolution is Vessev, an Auckland-based pioneer in sustainable marine technology. Their flagship vessel, the VS-9, is not just a boat; it is a precision-engineered craft that utilizes carbon-fiber foils—technology born from the high-stakes world of the America’s Cup.

What makes the VS-9 a game-changer?

• Energy Efficiency: By lifting the hull out of the water, the VS-9 reduces drag by up to 90%, consuming significantly less energy than traditional vessels.
• The “Flight” Experience: Traveling at a service speed of 25 knots, the vessel glides above waves rather than crashing through them, eliminating sea sickness and providing a ride often described as a “magic carpet.”
• Zero Impact: Powered by battery-electric propulsion, these vessels produce zero emissions and virtually no wake, protecting delicate shorelines and marine ecosystems.

Auckland: The Gateway to Digital Marine Luxury

In early 2025, Auckland’s Fullers360, the country’s largest ferry operator, made history by incorporating the world’s first certified electric hydrofoiling tourism vessel into its commercial fleet.

Named the Kermadec, this 9-meter vessel offers intimate, 40-minute tours of the Hauraki Gulf. For $195 NZD, passengers aren’t just getting a ride; they are getting a front-row seat to the future. With panoramic glazing and minimalist interiors, the experience is designed to keep travelers connected to the environment—without the noise and smell of fossil fuels.

Lake Taupō: Freshwater Flight Arrives

The momentum is now shifting to New Zealand’s freshwater heart. Set to launch fully in 2026, Taupō Hydrofoil Tours will bring the Vessev technology to the North Island’s iconic lake. Owner-operators James and Laurel Kells are positioning Lake Taupō as one of the few places on Earth where tourists can “fly” to see Māori rock carvings and hidden bays on an emissions-free catamaran.

A Legacy of Innovation

Why New Zealand? The answer lies in a “brains trust” that combines expertise from Team New Zealand (America’s Cup) and Rocket Lab. By merging race-winning yacht design with aerospace engineering and vehicle electrification, Kiwi innovators have solved the “efficiency hurdle” that has long plagued electric boats.

As Vessev CEO Eric Laakmann puts it, “Ten years from now, every major body of water will have electric hydrofoiling vessels.” New Zealand isn’t just waiting for that future; it is building it.

The Human Impact: Changing the Way We Connect

Beyond the carbon credits and engineering stats, there is a profound human element to this shift. For the tourist, it means a more peaceful connection with the water. You can hold a conversation at a normal volume while traveling at 30 knots. You can watch dolphins or birds without the engine noise scaring them away.

For the local communities, it represents a “Force for Good.” In the South Island, the Candela P-12 is already being used to transport workers across Lake Manapōuri, saving 240 tonnes of carbon emissions annually. It’s a reminder that tourism doesn’t have to come at the expense of the environment—it can be the catalyst that helps preserve it.

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