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‘.
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‘.
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 ?
Reviews
146 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Best Sailing Experience ever!!
Sherpa51764863973,,Dec 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was one of our highlights of our trip! The sunset sail is definitely a must. The team were warm, welcoming and supportive during the cruise. Missed the opportunity to swim, but bring your swimwear along if you'd like to take a dip. The waters are definitely fresh and warm on a nice sunny day. I cannot recommend these guys enough, and I'll definitely be back when I'm in Taupō again.
Luxury Family Sailing Trip
276owenh,,Dec 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The luxury catamaran sailing adventure on Tiua could not have been better; lovely crew, beautiful boat, knowledgeable guide and calm lake with sun. Perfect way to see The Māori rock carvings with a free beer thrown in for good measure. If you are thinking on sailing on Lake Taupo this is exceptional
Lake fun
wendynG6747VL,,Dec 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Beautiful trip out on the water. Swim was awesome! More carvings than expected. Sails didn't go up, otherwise would of got 5 stars!
Great family trip on the lake.
JFVorster,,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had my Brother and his family from Namibia visiting. We were a group of 7 with teenagers and my 7y/o boy. What an amazing experience. We had a great time on the cat! The crew is very knowledgeable and an absolute pleasure during the trip! Had some great yarns and enjoyed meeting the other people on board! To top it off we were able to help raise the sail (and beat the current record?) which was great with the encouragement from all around. The Maori carvings is always a great stop with some new learnings never heard before. To top it off we had a great swim in the lake before heading back. Would definitely recommend this trip to anyone!
Amazing experience
Travel32047343443,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely incredible, we booked my mother and father in law on the sunset cruise with Pizza and choice of beverage. They had the best time and said that Erin and Aron where the best Hosts, friendly, knowledgeable and professional.
Awesome Scenic Tour
prisheng2025,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really great family experience. Great hosts and awesome scenery. We were even given the opportunity to take a swim in the lake. Highly recommend
Cruising to the Taupo rock carvings
H2519NUandrews,,Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The crew were great. Gave enough information, but not too much about the carvings. Offered us a change of time as they were not sure the weather would reach the carvings. In the event we did reach them. Had a great swim on the way back with the majority of the passengers. Travelled back under sail. Lovely,calm, quality experience.
Perfect way to start the...
Gretchen G,,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Perfect way to start the day! This was such a fun and relaxing activity for us to do on our last full day in New Zealand. The staff was also very friendly and knowledgeable.
Beautiful day on lake taupo
Michael D,,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Lots of room to spread out on the front deck, captain was cordial and informative. Nice sail downwind back to the harbor
Lovely afternoon
ClaireH735,,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic trip. It was super windy and we were given the chance to move to a different sailing but we didn’t and it was the right decision. The wind dropped so we were still able to see the carvings and then went swimming in one of the sheltered bays. Would highly recommend.
From NZ$69.00
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Operated by Taupo Sailing Adventures