Evening Eco Sailing Adventure to Māori Rock Carvings Lake Taupō

4.8 (16 reviews) 2 h 30 min Free cancellation

out of 5

16 reviews

4.8

Evening Eco Sailing Adventure to Māori Rock Carvings Lake Taupō — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Evening Eco Sailing Adventure to Māori Rock Carvings Lake Taupō, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Discover the stunning Māori Rock Carvings on Lake Taupō aboard a 100% electric yacht. This eco-friendly cruise offers a unique blend of relaxation and cultural storytelling, perfect for all types of travelers. Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere where you can bring your own food and drinks while soaking up the sun, swimming, or even taking the helm. Engage with knowledgeable crew members as they share tales of Taupō’s volcanic landscape and Māori heritage, ensuring a memorable experience. Whether you're seeking a scenic day trip or a sunset cocktail cruise, Sail Barbary provides an unforgettable connection to nature and culture.

Explore the iconic 14-meter Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings, accessible only by water

Enjoy a relaxed cruise with BYO food and drinks, plus complimentary drinks on evening sails

Engage in cultural storytelling from the enthusiastic crew about local legends and history

Experience sustainable sailing on a 100% electric yacht, perfect for eco-conscious travelers

Sailing Nature and Wildlife Tours Private and Luxury Cultural Tours Historical Tours Water Tours Excellent Quality Low Supplier Cancellation Rate

At a glance

Duration: 2 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 18 people
People per booking: 1–8
Guide: English
Operated by: Sail Barbary

Ages: Infants (0–1 years) · Children (2–12 years) · Adults (13–100 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Knowledge and Friendly Skippers
Included: Plenty of free parking
Included: Ponchos and Towels
Included: Free drink and Postcard
Included: On-board restrooms: Restroom on board

Not included

Not included: Alcoholic beverages: We have a bar on board to purchase alcohol
Not included: We do not provide food but you can BYO your own food and snacks
Not included: We do not offer private transportation

Itinerary

Maori Rock Carvings

30 min

Artist Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell created the Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings in the late 1970s. The images were carved by hand into the cliffs over Lake Taupo using traditional Maori techniques. Matahi and a team of four assistants completed the work over four summers.

The centerpiece of the Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings depicts the tattooed face of Ngatoroirangi, the legendary navigator who guided the Maori tribes of Tūwharetoa and Te Arawa to the Taupo region more than a thousand years ago. Additional Celtic sculptures show other local Maori tupuna (ancestors) and kaitiaki (guardians).
Taupo Bay

30 min

The more than 33-foot (10-meter) tall artwork can only be viewed from the water, so the best way to visit is by boat from nearby Taupo.
Taupo District

30 min

The crew members are more than just sailors. They’re local storytellers, conservationists, and passionate advocates for Lake Taupō. Whether you’re visiting the Māori Rock Carvings, learning how to trim a sail, or just relaxing on deck, the crew is there to guide, inform, and make your experience unforgettable.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Meet your skipper at Berths 9&10

Taupo Boat Harbour, 3330

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to booking time to ensure plenty of time to board the boat.

There is ample free parking in the harbour

End point

Meet your skipper at Berths 9&10

Taupo Boat Harbour, 3330

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to booking time to ensure plenty of time to board the boat.

There is ample free parking in the harbour

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.