Classical Sailing - Māori Rock Carvings -Taupo Sailing Adventures
Overview
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Experience the beauty of a scenic sailing tour to the Māori Rock Carvings, one of the most extraordinary contemporary carvings in the world. Only view-able from the water, the likeness of Ngātoroirangi towers 14-meters above Lake Taupō, surrounded by over 40 smaller carvings..
Escape from hectic life for a while and enjoy the breathtaking views around.
Relax on our charter yacht “Kindred Spirit” and enjoy the superior comfort with a large deck space.
Listen to our experienced skippers and learn about the history of the lake. Give the crew a hand hoisting the sails and take a turn on the wheel or just snuggle under some blankets and enjoy the wide selection of drinks.
Kindred Spirit sails under full sails as much as possible or gently meanders, when it is truly calm, by a quite inboard diesel engine.
Take a dip and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the largest freshwater lake in Australasia (weather dependent).
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Sailing trips are subject to minimum numbers, lake and weather conditions.
Departs from Taupo Marina. (Redoubt St), Check-in at Berth # 16/17, 30 minutes before scheduled departure. Check-in closes 15 minutes before scheduled departure. Boarding time 10 minutes before scheduled departure
People failing to show up for check in will not be refunded.
We reserve the right to upgrade passengers to our other sailing yacht Tiua should weather conditions, demand or other circumstances require it. No extra costs will apply. The trip at 9.30am might be postponed by 30min in such circumstances.
In the event of quickly changing bad weather and lake conditions, it may not be possible to view the Maori Rock Carvings, this decision is made at the discretion of the skipper for the health and safety of all on board the vessel
Please let us know in advance if you have medical issues. The skipper has the last call on check in to decide if the trip is suitable regarding medical issues due to health and safety regulations.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Additional drinks can be purchased on board
Blankets
9.30am: complimentary hot drink & biscuit.
Sunset Cruise (times vary throughout the year): 1 glass of beer, wine or non-alcoholic drinks.
3.30pm: complimentary tea, coffee or refreshing soft drink.
12.30pm: complimentary tea, coffee or refreshing soft drink.
Live commentary on board
BYO
Longest swim stop out of any company on the lake (weather dependent)
Accommodation pickup and drop-off
Food
What To Expect
Lake Taupo
Experience the beauty of a scenic sailing tour to the Māori Rock Carvings, one of the most extraordinary contemporary carvings in the world. Escape from hectic life for a while and enjoy the breathtaking views around. Listen to our experienced skippers and learn about the history of the lake. Give the crew a hand hoisting the sails and take a turn on the wheel or just snuggle under some blankets and enjoy the wide selection of drinks. Take a dip and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the largest freshwater lake in Australasia (weather dependent). Enjoy free pizza and beverages on some departures - or purchase light refreshments on-board. You are also able to bring your own food and drinks with you, should you wish. Afterwards, return to the marina where you tour concludes.
Maori Rock Carvings
Experience the beauty of a scenic sailing tour to the Māori Rock Carvings, one of the most extraordinary contemporary carvings in the world. Escape from hectic life for a while and enjoy the breathtaking views around. Listen to our experienced skippers and learn about the history of the lake. Give the crew a hand hoisting the sails and take a turn on the wheel or just snuggle under some blankets and enjoy the wide selection of drinks. Take a dip and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the largest freshwater lake in Australasia (weather dependent). Enjoy free pizza and beverages on some departures - or purchase light refreshments on-board. You are also able to bring your own food and drinks with you, should you wish. Afterwards, return to the marina where you tour concludes.
Options
9.30am Maori Rock Carvings
Morning Escape
Sunset, Maori Rock Carvings
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
1 drink: 1 glass of beer, wine or non alcoholic drinks.
Drinks are also available for purchase on board
Sunset Heaven
3.30pm Maori Rock Carvings
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
1 drink
12.30pm Maori Rock Carvings
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
1 Drink
Taste of Taupo
Reviews
116 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wonderful Kindred Spirit cruise
X9156PWjulieh,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The Kindred catamaran was wonderful. We sat in bean bags over the water, very tranquil. The crew were informative and accommodating. The scenery was incredible and the carvings were worth seeing. I would highly recommend this company and cruise to anyone
Quick peaceful sail
Sonia M,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Well worth the price! We had the best time enjoying the gorgeous day on the lake! The carvings were beautiful and to learn the history behind them was amazing. We got a drink and pizza with our tour which was an added bonus. Erin and the Captain were amazing and so kind throughout the whole journey!
An amazing trip
Emma S,
Oct 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00An amazing trip out to the rock carvings. Not crowded like some of the other tours, meaning we had space to move around.
Great relaxed experience
S3690UMkarens,
Apr 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a great time on this tour. Not packed on boat as other tours appear to be. Friendly staff who are knowledgeable about Taupo history. Would recommend.
Great experience, friendly crew, beautiful boat.
Catherine C,
Apr 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Lovely boat, great guide, space to enjoy the lake, and the carvings. The sailing boat was so smooth, even on a windy day!
Disappointing
Phoebeontour,
Mar 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00So disappointing! Cancelled one hour before departure apparently due to high winds even though every other boat/yacht still operating. Including their own catamaran. Yacht nowhere to be seen. Offered us later on their catamaran or next day but none of these suited. No other yacht sailing available at short notice. Heard from locals problems with crew and trying to sell business. Ruined our only full day in Taupo. Would not recommend.
Worth doing
Lauren H,
Mar 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00The skipper and crewmate were both great and shared a lot of great information. Had the water been came so we didn't get switch from the sailboat to the catamaran, I am sure I would have given it a 4 or 5 start rating. In either case this was well query the money.
Lovely and worth every penny
Susan B,
Mar 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00I loved this tour. The boat was comfortable, the crew extremely pleasant and knowledgeable. The carvings were interesting, although not of historical influence, still something to see. The swim was wonderful. Would do again and again
Great experience and it...
Reed H,
Mar 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience and it was a beautiful day. Definitely a little chilly on the way back and blankets they provided were helpful
Sailing to Maori carvings
Becky W,
Feb 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Send clear reminder that we should arrive 30 minutes early. It was our mistake, but the reminder could’ve helped. Really enjoyed the experience. The crew were really friendly, and there were lots of comfortable cushions and blankets that could be used.
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Operated by Taupo Sailing Adventures