Evening Eco Sailing Adventure to Māori Rock Carvings Lake Taupō
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Discover the stunning Māori Rock Carvings on Lake Taupō aboard a 100% electric yacht. This eco-friendly cruise offers a unique blend of relaxation and cultural storytelling, perfect for all types of travelers. Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere where you can bring your own food and drinks while soaking up the sun, swimming, or even taking the helm. Engage with knowledgeable crew members as they share tales of Taupō’s volcanic landscape and Māori heritage, ensuring a memorable experience. Whether you're seeking a scenic day trip or a sunset cocktail cruise, Sail Barbary provides an unforgettable connection to nature and culture.
Explore the iconic 14-meter Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings, accessible only by water
Enjoy a relaxed cruise with BYO food and drinks, plus complimentary drinks on evening sails
Engage in cultural storytelling from the enthusiastic crew about local legends and history
Experience sustainable sailing on a 100% electric yacht, perfect for eco-conscious travelers
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Maori Rock Carvings
Artist Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell created the Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings in the late 1970s. The images were carved by hand into the cliffs over Lake Taupo using traditional Maori techniques. Matahi and a team of four assistants completed the work over four summers. The centerpiece of the Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings depicts the tattooed face of Ngatoroirangi, the legendary navigator who guided the Maori tribes of Tūwharetoa and Te Arawa to the Taupo region more than a thousand years ago. Additional Celtic sculptures show other local Maori tupuna (ancestors) and kaitiaki (guardians).
Taupo Bay
The more than 33-foot (10-meter) tall artwork can only be viewed from the water, so the best way to visit is by boat from nearby Taupo.
Options
Evening Eco Sailing Adventure to Māori Rock Carvings Lake Taupō
What‘s Included
Knowledge and Friendly Skippers
Plenty of free parking
Ponchos and Towels
Free drink and Postcard
Restroom on board
We have a bar on board to purchase alcohol
We do not provide food but you can BYO your own food and snacks
We do not offer private transportation
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
15 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Taupo Highlight
AustinMartina,May 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We loved the whole experience. A great way to get on the lake and see the carvings. Great crew and breathtaking scenery A must do Taupō activity
Amazing experience
Theo L,May 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Went on the Barbury to see the rock carvings as an evening activity, was an amazing experience really friendly and good team on board too :). Defienatly Something to do when in Taupo!!
Rock Carving Tour
Bardin G,May 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an experience this tour was, our Captain Lloydo was incredible. His knowledge of the lake and its surrounds was amazing you could tell he has a real passion for Lake Taupo and the surrounding area. The carvings are ones you have to see to appreciate and the service you get at sail barbary is second to none. Would highly recommend to anyone who is in Taupo looking for a chilled and relaxed activity to check them out!
Best way to spend the end of a day in Taupo.
73graemew,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We took the cruise in the evening. Conditions were perfect with a flat calm and beautiful sunset. The cruise was excellent and would thoroughly recommend to anyone planning a trip to Lake Taupo. Lloyd was an excellent and informative host quickly engaging with all passengers to break the ice. He clearly enjoys hosting the cruise and this came through from the outset. For me the boat also took centre stage being fairly unique in having an electric motor - when in use this is smooth and virtually silent. In my experience a diesel yacht is quite noisy and fumes tend to be an unavoidable complication particularly below decks. On this cruise there is only fresh air and serene progress . The cruise takes in the rock carvings and is accompanied by informative local history about the origins of the lake and surroundings. In summary this cruise is an unforgettable journey which I highly recommend
Magical Sailing Experience
365mashap,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was truly magical. We sailed for 3 hours through unbelievably crystal-clear water — it felt surreal and very special. Seeing the gorgeous black swans up close was absolutely unforgettable! We were offered a complimentary drink, which made the whole experience feel extra relaxing. What really brought everything together, though, was the amazing company of Lloyd — such a wonderful person who made the experience so much more enjoyable. If you’re going, definitely bring your bathing suits — you’ll get a chance to swim, and you might not want to miss it!
Absolutely fabulous
PukeBurnsFam,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such an amazing tour. Our skipper was Chris, who was extremely knowledgeable and entertaining. We did the sunset cocktail cruise and were lucky enough to have gorgeous weather, with many taking the opportunity to swim in the lake. Would highly recommend!!!
1980 Carcings
903bradfordh,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00I was a little disappointed to learn that the Māori wall carvings are from 1980. Maybe I should have known, but I presumed they were much older. The boat motors out and sails back. Not a lot of sailing action.
An Unforgettable Experience!!!
U189FOkarent,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were fortunate enough to do the evening sail on Sunday when the conditions were absolutely perfect. The sky was a clear blue, the lake flat and all but empty, and the company excellent. Lloyd is a friendly and attentive host/skipper ensuring everyone was comfortable and having a great time throughout. This magical excursion has to be one of the best New Zealand and certainly Taupo has to offer, sublimely peaceful with the wind in your hair at one with nature. We can't rate it highly enough, it's worth every penny and will be an experience you will remember for life!
Wonderful way to spend an afternoon
Daydream516791,Feb 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00One of the best tours I have done and also one of the best value for money. Super friendly and super chilled. Expert sailing in a beautiful boat.
Stunning sail
Jo M,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Beautiful evening. Entertaining and informative captain, Chris. Stunning carvings. What is not to like
Related Experiences
Operated by Sail Barbary