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‘.
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 ?
10am Maori Rock Carvings
Eco Sailing Catamaran "Tiua": Enjoy a morning eco-sailing experience in pure comfort on Lake Taupo.
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
179 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Hidden gem activity in New Zealand
rajatwaitforitbansal,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was one of the best activities we did in New Zealand while on vacation. The tour is about 2.5hrs which includes going to the carvings, stopping for a swim stop and then back to the dock. It is a surreal experience - the photos you get are amazing and the guides are very informative. You also get a free drink on board. Just make sure to take a jacket as the winds can be pretty rough.
Nice but not essential
GGDallaire,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00On time, as advertized, but sad to learn the carvings are not native….not done by native people.
Absolutely Amazing Experience!!
Cameron B,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The boat ride was comfortable, the commentary was great, the staff were fun and friendly and made the trip enjoyable.
Must do experience
oliviafY8577NV,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience that was more than worth the price. The staff were great - very friendly and relaxed vibe and we learnt a lot about Lake Taupō! The carvings are beautiful and we got really close. It was a chilly day but we still jumped in for a swim which I’d highly recommend!
Beautiful picturesque natural beauty
michelledF831ER,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We went out on a beautiful calm morning . The conditions were perfect and the ride was smooth. Erin and Dave were fantastic. Informing Ilya along the way. The carvings Were amazing. Very much enjoyed the whole trip
Outstanding boat and crew!
Sunshine619366,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Slightly dull weather on the way out but the crew kept everyone cheery and it magically cleared up at the carvings and swimming spot, very accommodating and chill afternoon on the lake - and a refreshing beverage tops it off!
Fun and relaxing experience
Kathy F,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very relaxing and beautiful way to experience the lake and Maori carvings. Crew was great and their extra knowledge of the area extensive.
The best way to explore Taupō lake!
marko cro,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Luxury Sailing Taupo Adventures was the best choice to experience the lake Taupō and visit the rock with famous carving. The captain ensured a safe and smooth sailing, while the rest of the team was friendly, informative and very knowledgeable of everything related to this biggest lake in the Southern Hemisphere. The boat is beautiful, comfortable, and feels luxurious. Great view of the carvings from the bow that has comfy bean bags spread around. Complementary drinks. Highly recommended!
Spectacular Lake Taupo and Carvings at minimal cost
lorenh631,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Staff very friendly, gave great information during the cruise out to the carvings. Boat was able to get up close to see carvings clearly. Loved every minute and all for a great price.
Sailing Lake Taupō
Linda S,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00I was hoping that sails actually were used rather than motoring. The carvings are interesting. The crew didn’t interact with guests much. Nice outing but not outstanding.
From NZ$69.00
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