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. If you don't agree to a free upgrade please leave a note in your booking or contact us in advance.
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
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
12.30pm Maori Rock Carvings
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes 1 Drink Taste of Taupo
3.30pm Maori Rock Carvings
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes 1 drink
Reviews
149 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Lake Taupo classical sailing / Maori rock carvings
Ron S,May 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Terrific experience ! Guides weee very friendly and knowledgeable. Website is easy to navigate. Highly recommended.
They were amazing. A...
Aurora W,May 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00They were amazing. A perfect mix of learning about the lake and other areas and of course the carvings, with relaxing time as well where you just get to enjoy cruising or sailing in the sun and taking in the views! I think other tours you sometimes feel rushed or stressed but this was so peaceful!
Enjoyable and fun
shanekY4262LT,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00We had a good afternoon. The skipper used his knowledge to get us to the sights and gave us the best opportunity to see the carvings. Bring under sail on the way home was very peaceful and enjoyable.
Pros: the lake is...
jennlehmberg,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Pros: the lake is absolutely STUNNING. The carvings are just as cool as you're imaging. The sunset made the views even better. Cons: our guide... does not really seem like he really wants to be a guide? To be clear, I think he showed a genuine, deep appreciation for the beauty of the carvings and their cultural significance, and that earns him a lot of points in my book. On the other hand, he took the "cranky sea captain" vibe to an extreme. Easily 50+% of of his commentary going to/from the carvings was comprised of complaints about the people who buy vacation homes on the far side of the lake (which, fair I guess, gentrification sucks? but it was a LOT of commentary) and music coming from the other boats. My husband and I found ourselves giving each other and the other passengers knowing looks as we collectively wondered why our cruise couldn't also play some music? You got the vibe from our captain that the only appropriate way to appreciate the lake in his book was to sit in mostly contemplative silence. Tl;dr the cruise was definitely worth it and seeing the lake was absolutely a part of our trip I'm glad we opted in for. Buuuut our captain left a lot to be desired on fostering a festive/vacation vibe to the experience.
Fun Experience!
XionelMenard,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thanks Captain Dave, Stephanie, Jess lovely sailing!
Taupo Lake Experience
Caroline W,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great host very friendly and informative a great way to spend a few hours on the lake including the sailing back was brilliant
Simple
Tn S,Feb 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Great trip out to the Rocks carvings, however there really isn't to much to the trip, travel out, look, maybe have a swim and travel back
Breath taking
Chris B,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Was the best experience I have had since visiting New Zealand. A must do! The kids loved the swimming and the sailing experience.
Fantastic trip with great Maori roastings and a nice swim trip, but I am not impressed by the trip advisors info
Pioneer43178855310,Feb 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great trip, but we were just about to reach the trip, as the boat we were going with did not sail any information from Trip Advisor about this, but the boat company itself helped us get on one of the company's other boats, which actually had sailed - too stressful
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!
From NZ$59.00
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Operated by Taupo Sailing Adventures