Eco Sailing Tour to Maori Rock Carvings on Lake Taupo
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Uncover the beauty of Lake Taupō as you sail to the iconic 14-metre Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings, uniquely accessible only by water. Experience a laid-back atmosphere where you can bring your own food and drinks while enjoying engaging stories about the lake's rich history from the crew. With our 100% electric yacht, enjoy a serene sailing experience free from engine noise and fumes. Whether you're looking to swim, relax, or take the helm, this eco-friendly adventure offers something for everyone, making it perfect for families and friends alike.
- Daily electric cruises to the stunning Māori Rock Carvings
- BYO food and drinks with a Bluetooth sound system on board
- Enjoy complimentary drinks on evening cruises
- Swim stops available, weather permitting, with friendly crew assistance
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Step aboard for more than just a scenic cruise. Sail Barbary invites you to explore Lake Taupō in a way that is quiet, thoughtful, and connected to nature. Discover the Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings, soak up panoramic views, and enjoy the calm of the lake under sail or electric power. Every journey is guided by a passion for the environment and true Kiwi hospitality.
Options
Sail Barbary Day Cruise
Duration: 2 hours
What‘s Included
Free drink on Sunset Cruises
Restroom on board
Ponchos and Warm Towels
Coffee and/or Tea
Swimming is encouraged
We have a bar that you can purchase these during your cruise. You are welcome to bring your own beverages but these are not included.
You are welcome to bring your own food and snacks, but these are not included.
Gratuities
We don’t not offer hotel pick ups
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
20 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Awesome cruise, captain is amazing
F8424QHalext,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really awesome cruise out to the carvings. Chris the captain was both hilarious and informative. Genuinely amazing experience.
Sail out to the Māori carvings on lake Taupo
perrym623,May 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00First experience on a sailboat … it was fantastic especially with the Captains commentary we had an unfogetable time
Rock Carving Cruise
708bookings,May 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wow what a great trip we had with sail barbary. Our Captain Lloydo was amazing to say the least. Couldnt have been more accomodating and knowledgeable of the lake and surrounds. His passion for the lake was obvious from when we arrived. The trip was amazing and the carvings need to be seen to be fully appreciated. For anyone who is looking for a nice relaxed experience we cant recommend Sail Barbary highly enough.
10/10 Taupo must do
MarpaungXVII,May 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We truly enjoyed our trip with Sail Barbary. Skipper Lloyd is very friendly and informative. We learnt a lot about the Maori Rock Carving, Lake Taupo and the area. All while knowing we explored the lake on an Eco friendly Sailing Boat. Highly recommend!!
Bad weather, great experience, awesome crew!
Bart G,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely amazing! The conditions where pretty bad, yet the Barbary team made shure we could see the carvings safely. Thanks guys!
Must do trip on the Lake!!
Jet14029336444,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00EPIC trip out on the lake! Great vibes hosted by Lloyd! So peaceful being out on the lake. Great bang for buck too. A must do in Taupo! How good to swim off the boat too!!
Absolutely epic afternoon
853kats,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely fantastic. Wonderful boat, awesome scenery and Lloyd the skipper is a great host. A highlight for our family and well worth the money. We had superb weather and the Lake was like glass. There was little wind which was a shame but we got the mainsail up and with the eco engine we couldn’t hear a thing. The carvings are impressive. And really well worth the trip. Huge thanks to Lloyd for his wonderful hospitality (and patience). Will definitely return on our next trip to Taupo.
Silently sailing on Lake Taupo
SusanC4948,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was one of the highlights of our NZ trip. The electric-powered sailboat provides a silent ride across Lake Taupo so it is very peaceful. While the electric engine provides security that you will get there and back in the allocated time the sails are not just decoration - they were in constant use on our trip and gave a true sailing experience. [This depends on wind direction, of course, but we had the mainsail up heading out and both mainsail and jib returning]. The skipper clearly loves the boat, gave some interesting comments and my husband, a yachtsman himself, had some interesting and detailed conversations with him. The contemporary [1980s] Maori carvings offer an interesting endpoint and they are impressive from the water. Our skipper drew attention to the smaller accompanying carvings as well. We also had a chance to swim in the lake water near here. We booked online the day beforehand when we sure of our arrival times and the weather. Our afternoon session was pretty full but not crowded. The skipper definitely made sure that both sides of the boat had good views of the carvings. It might pay to book ahead more than we did if you can as it can be booked out (as was the sunset cruise was the day we tried). Please note that I had to check carefully what website I was booking online as there are a number of other cruises out to the carvings on more standard boats.
Trip to see the carvings
xanthe M,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great day out Chris the skipper was very knowledgeable & friendly would recommend this trip.
Amazing trip!
R3633TJjaimel,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had an amazing time!! Would highly recommend to everyone.
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Operated by Sail Barbary