Luxury Sailing - Māori Rock Carvings - Taupo Sailing Adventures
Overview
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2 hours 30 minutes
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Step aboard Tiua, Taupō Sailing Adventures’ luxurious sailing catamaran and cruise Great Lake Taupo in comfort and style..
Our sailing experience offers a quiet and gentle way to connect with the natural beauty of Lake Taupō. With her stable twin-hull design, Tiua provides a smooth ride and plenty of space to stretch out and enjoy the journey.
Tiua is the only boat on Lake Taupo which combines the relaxing feeling of an eco friendly sailing experience with the comfort of indoor and outdoor seating. With the spacious saloon and covered cockpit she is perfectly set up to go out in any weather and keep customers out of rain and the cold if needed.
[Tee-ua] Māori
1. (verb) To move with the wind
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
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.
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 To Expect
Lake Taupo
Enjoy an eco-friendly sailing experience on crystal clear waters in pure comfort on our stylish 53ft Catamaran. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the lake’s remarkable coastline and immerse yourself in Taupo’s history and culture while listening to the onboard commentary. Tiua brings smooth sailing to effortless entertaining, as a high-end charter vessel. She blends her original character and style with the latest comfort and class. Featuring a spacious saloon, covered cockpit, NZ timber panelling, 3 illuminated cabins, Tiua is a luxury 53ft long sailing catamaran. She is fully equipped for enjoyment, comfort and safety. The large main cockpit table folds together to comfortably seat 10 for entertaining and dining. Tiua is suitable for all weather sailing, making her a great choice to visit the Māori Rock Carvings in any weather.
Maori Rock Carvings
Discover the majestic Māori Rock Carvings, one of the most extraordinary contemporary carvings in the world. Only view-able only from the water, the likeness of Ngātoroirangi towers 14-meters above Lake Taupō, surrounded by over 40 smaller carvings.
What‘s Included
12.30pm: complimentary beer, wine or non-alcoholic drink.
10am: complimentary hot drink & biscuit
Blankets
Restrooms/Changing rooms on board
Sunset Sail (times vary):complimentary pizza snack (1/2 pizza) & 1 beer, wine or non-alcoholic drink
Beanbags
Live commentary on board
3.30pm: complimentary beer, wine or non-alcoholic drink.
Longest swim stop out of any company on the lake (weather dependent)
Fully licensed bar onboard (drinks & snacks)
Accommodation pickup and drop-off
Options
12.30pm Maori Rock Carvings
Eco Sailing Catamaran "Tiua": Encounter the best Lake Taupo has to offer and join us for an unforgettable sailing tour on our luxury catamaran ‘Tiua‘.
10am Maori Rock Carvings
Eco Sailing Catamaran "Tiua": Enjoy a morning eco-sailing experience in pure comfort on Lake Taupo.
6.30pm Maori Rock carvings.
Sunset Sailing S/V "Tiua": Is there anything more beautiful than seeing the extraordinary Māori Rock Carvings by sunset on a Yacht ?
3.30pm Maori Rock Carvings
Eco Sailing Catamaran "Tiua": Encounter the best Lake Taupo has to offer and join us for an unforgettable sailing tour on our luxury catamaran ‘Tiua‘.
Reviews
163 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Day on the water
Meander818997,,Feb 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My Husband and I booked this trip during our stay in Taupo. The weather was great for an early morning sailing . Our crew was Aaron and Dave they were both amazing. After we saw the carvings there was time for a swim in the beautiful clear waters. Unfortunately we did not have enough wind to enable the boat to 'sail' back but is was still an amazing trip. We would highly recommend this to anyone visiting Taupo worth every penny.
Must do in Taupo
ra0509,,Feb 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We visited Taupo with my family (husband, parents and with daughter) we had an amazing time, one of the best experience in north island
Fabulous!
artysp1,,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Chose this boat trip over other options due to previous reviews. We did a 12.30 catamaran trip on a weekday. Only 12 passengers so lots of space to move around. We lounged on the beanbags, a perfect experience. Our crew were great and gave explanations about the lake. We arrived at the Maori carvings which were impressive and plenty of time to take photos. Afterwards we headed to a bay and were able to swim for 15 minutes, then back on board and sailed on the lake. The catamaran had good facilities for changing into swimwear, bathrooms, under cover seating and a bar area. The trip price included one drink and more could be purchased. We really enjoyed our 2.5 hours and would thoroughly recommend this trip.
Highly recommend catamaran trip to Māori carvings
MartinL,,Feb 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We didn’t luck out on the weather, with rain spoiling the lake views. But we still had a great experience on the catamaran trip. The Māori carvings are super cool. The crew was friendly and knowledgeable.
Best experience in Taupo
Leon V,,Feb 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00An amazing lake , so clean and peaceful, the weather and the crew excellent but the craving sculpture and craving walls are unique in the world , plus such an interesting history about their construction and their New Zealand native culture .
Awesome trip out on the lake
StaceyK1037,,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked to go on the Tiua luxery catamaran on Lake Taupo. We were excited about this trip but it was better than you can imagine! Aaron and Erin were awesome staff, very knowledgeable about the lake and area. We had a beautiful cruise to the carvings and then people were allowed to go for a swim. It was breathtaking. The lake is amazing, but seeing it from the cruise gives you a whole new perspective. Totally safe and enjoyed it. People swimming were safe and looked after. It was so much fun!! There was a free hot chocolate and biscuit, and bar available. Blankets if required also. We would come again!!! Thanks very much
Excellent cruise
BrianD832,,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a great catamaran for our trip to the carvings. A very knowledgeable skipper and crew kept us informed of all locations we passed en route. The carvings themselves were very spectacular and so well described by the crew. There was even time for a swim. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Brilliant experience. Worth every dollar
kriskS6392KM,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome experience. We only booked this last minute the night before. Well organised and professionally run with welcoming and laid back vibe. On waiting to board Andy asked if everyone was comfortable with sailing that evening as the wind was up and forecast to build. A refund was offered for anyone who wished to not sail. Sailed out on reefed Jib, 25-30 knots of breeze. Very stable sail. Huge lake so expect some chop depending on breeze direction. Nice pizza and a drink as part of the deal. Plenty of room on board whether belly or one deck/tramp. Informative commentary from Andy. Fantastic location and the Māori rock carvings are well worth checking out (only visible from the water). Stop for a pleasant swim, not rushed and able to quickly change in the toilet. All in all really glad we experienced the sunset cruise and the sunset right at the end of the cruise was beautiful!
Mad as
Global13977312431,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Honeymoon trip and a cruise boat! How good. The staff are approachable, funny and very accommodating. We enjoyed a smooth cruise out to the carvings followed by an opportunity to swim in the lake. Unfortunately….we didn’t discover the cocktail menu until we began our return. Can highly recommend the experience and the cocktails
Nice sailing trip
Carole M,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very nice sailing trip to the Maori rock drawings. Large, modern, well equipped boat! Short swim stop. Large selection of drinks. Hot drink is included. Competent crew. Highly recommended!
From NZ$69.00
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Operated by Taupo Sailing Adventures