Police investigation underway after Taupō boat fire prompts rescue mission

Written by RNZ

22 December 2025

A boatie has been rescued from Lake Taupō after their vessel caught fire.

A callout came just after 6pm on Sunday to Whangamatā Bay at the northern end of the lake by Kinloch.

Police said a search and rescue operation got underway, and the person was rescued just before 8pm.

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The person was taken to hospital.

Hone Hato St John said their airdesk got a call from police at 6.49pm.

Rescue helicopter company Greenlea said it had a chopper over the water just before 8pm.

Police said they were investigating the fire on the boat.

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Boating NZ are proud to augment our news gathering with that of our partners. We work with RNZ to deliver additional news, current events, and local reporting. RNZ (Radio New Zealand) is New Zealand's independent public service multimedia organisation and is a Crown entity established under the Radio New Zealand Act 1995. RNZ has a specific role under the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act as the designated Lifeline Utility radio broadcaster in the event of a Civil Defence emergency. RNZ provides audiences with trusted and independent news and current affairs, a range of diverse programmes, podcasts and series both on-air and online in accordance with the Radio New Zealand Charter.