Classical Sailing - Māori Rock Carvings -Taupo Sailing Adventures
Overview
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Escape the hectic life and enjoy your sailing experience on our classical sailing yacht Fearless for timeless charm and authentic sailing.
Explore 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.
Powered by the wind, this eco-friendly experience lets you explore nature in its purest form - quiet, clean, and unforgettable.
And when the wind picks up and the yacht heels gracefully into the breeze, guests feel that exhilarating surge of adrenaline - a moment of pure connection as they face fearless, the raw power of the water.
Relax on the 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 in under some blankets.
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
For the 9.30am trip customers can arrive 10-15min before departure for check-in. An earlier arrival is not required. However they need to be there before the departure time at 9.30am!
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 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.
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
Options
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
9.30am Maori Rock Carvings
Morning Escape
Reviews
143 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Awesome!
Katherine N,,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Beautiful afternoon experience on Lake Taupo. Very comfortable boat and excellent crew! Informative and interesting commentary. Swimming in the bay is not to be missed! Thanks David!
Classical sailing exceeded my expectations, simply Beautiful Lake Taupo
emmanuelbW8570CY,,Feb 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were privileged to have sailed with Classical sailing maori rock carvings adventures. Dave and Jess were great. The Taupo lake itself is magnificent and Jess gave fantastic commentary about the Lake Taupo and its history and the sheer size and the depth of the Taupo lake are breathtaking. They stopped at the swim stop and the refreshments were amazing. The best part was they let us have an Awesome view of the spectacular colours when the sun was setting on the lake. It was truly thrilling experience and I really enjoyed the Classical sailing and I'd definitely recommend to many others.
Maori Cravings Sail
merrymsmouse,,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a beautiful sail ⛵️ to the Maori Carvings, captain Dave was informative and friendly. We had a smooth sail back to the harbor after a refreshing swim & a cool drink! 100% recommend!
Great Boat, Great Skipper
Derekleen26,,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Brilliant experience. The weather was perfect, but it was the boat and skipper that made the whole evening so great.
Highly recommended!
Dawn N,,Feb 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Beautiful excursion on a huge lovely lake. The first half, we motored out, then after seeing the stunning stone carvings, we sailed back, and it was wonderful! The sunset was cloudy but pretty. Captain Dave was friendly and informative and did a great job taking care of us!
About Perfect....
bigcanoe mbc,,Feb 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic time aboard Fearless. Spent a lot of time at the carvings, and then motored over to the swim spot. Only a few of us jumped in, and it was COLD (but awesome), which made the complimentary beer taste even better. Our captain put up the sails and we cruised around the lake, capped by a gorgeous sunset. It was perfect in every way.
Wonderful excursion!
Julie O,,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful experience and wonderful new memories we have with our family on this beautiful outing. We were ages 65 years old to 10 months and all of us had a wonderful time. It was wonderful learning about the history of the lake. Having the opportunity to jump off and swim and getting some hot chocolate and cookies, made it extra special I would highly recommend this to anyone and I would go again if I come back this way.
Must Do Trip in Taupo!
meganmacle0d,,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a MUST DO trip in Taupo! We had Dave and could not have asked for a better guy, he knew so much about the land and made sure we were all having a great time. When we reached the Maori carvings, Dave had so much knowledge about it and answered everyone’s questions. We then stopped and the whole boat jumped in the water and had a swim about before a chilled trip back to land. Dave may have convinced us to move to Taupo … Thanks so much! Finn & Megan x
For a good time
N8774VLadelinel,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very nice crew, nice music, a very good time! The sculptures are very beautiful and the view is beautiful. I recommend!
Worst experience
Sunshine21462327347,,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00With all the latest met service available they booked our tickets and we specially went to taupo from napier but after reaching there we came to know that due to bad weather they have cancelled our booking..it's one of the worst experience
From NZ$59.00
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Operated by Taupo Sailing Adventures