Doughboats venture offers a perfect bubble outlet when we reach level 2

A unique Kiwi business that launched just before New Zealand entered level 4 blocking will soon be able to offer rides on the best bubbles in town.

The locals at Taupo James and Laurel Kells spent more than a year thoroughly researching and planning their little sightseeing boats.

The bright pink donut-like boats had just touched the water in Lake Taupo when Covid-19 hit and shuttered the new business.

“We had just started spreading the word and we had some full weekends,” said Laurel Kells.

“It was quite difficult to start the business, import the boats and get the consent and then the blows kept coming with the closure.”

Heading to the running of the bulls so soon after they launched their business was just another obstacle along the way for the couple.

The year they were planning the business was also a year of rehabilitation and recovery for James after he was seriously burned in a bonfire accident.

When Laurel was 37 weeks pregnant, James suffered severe burns from above the knees to the toes from a bonfire.

He spent three weeks at Waikato Hospital and had to undergo numerous painful skin graft surgeries.

“We had been through a lot before the business was launched, we just had to laugh at the situation, either laugh or cry,” said Kells.

“That was quite difficult for us, but I think what we went through gave us the strength to overcome everything else.”

The couple, desperate to get out of the hospital, had baby Sophia, now 15 months old, at home.

The couple said that despite financial pressures from the shutdown, they were accepting the trip and optimistic for the future.

Before the business closed, word spread and all three ships were fully booked.

The dough jars, small circular jars topped with a cabana-style roof and a round table in the center surrounded by a bench, had received rave reviews before the business had to close.

“People absolutely loved them, it’s a very unique way to enjoy Lake Taupo and for people to connect,” said Kells.

The boats were reserved for birthdays, family outings and corporate team work days.

“People can have wine and cheese or order pizza that we can deliver to them at the dock and then just enjoy each other’s company: the round table means everyone is involved and no one can escape.”

As the possibility of level 2 approaches, the couple hopes to be able to get the kiwis who were previously at home out into the water.

“We will take precautions to keep people safe and stop any possible spread of the virus,” said Kells.

“We have the added advantage that the boats are their little bubbles and the people in them are together and do not mix with other tourists.”

The Kells have spent the weeks at Level 3 preparing their business to start at Level 2, including improving their jetty.

“We look forward to taking people out to the lake for those sunny winter days,” said Kells.

“This would have been perfect on sunny days during closing, but we have bought heaters and blankets and we cannot wait for people to come out.”