Evening Eco Sailing Adventure to Māori Rock Carvings Lake Taupō

Overview

Available languages

English

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

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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).

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

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.

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

What‘s Included

Ponchos and Towels

Free drink and Postcard

Knowledge and Friendly Skippers

Restroom on board

Plenty of free parking

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

Options

Evening Eco Sailing Adventure to Māori Rock Carvings Lake Taupō

Reviews

5.00

1 review

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

So special!
pinder surprise,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Highly recommend! Perfect for couples, friends and families! Captain Lloyd is the BEST! This was such a special experience. We loved relaxing on the sail boat, legs stretched, basking in the late afternoon sun, complimentary drink (beer/wine) in hand, enjoying the most incredible views of Lake Taupō. Captain Lloyd was an excellent host and storyteller, you can tell he truely loves Taupō and showcasing the breathtaking sights it has to offer. It felt really special being on a sail boat as it was a smaller tour group than other options for a very similar price and we got to get so close to the rock cravings. There was even an option to have a little swim! I regret not bringing my swimmers! BUT it gives us an excuse to book with Sail Barbary again!