Eco Sailing Tour to Māori Rock Carvings on Lake Taupō

The rock carvings are only reachable by boat, and this one runs on silent electric power.

An eco-sailing tour on Lake Taupō that takes you to the 14-metre Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings, a site accessible only by water. The 2.5-hour cruise runs on a 100% electric yacht with no engine noise, includes a live English-speaking guide, complimentary drinks on evening departures, and swim stops weather permitting. Bring your own food and drinks, or purchase from the onboard bar. Warm towels and ponchos are provided.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sail to Maori Rock Carvings on Lake Taupo

• Board the electric yacht
• Sail to Maori Rock Carvings
• Enjoy panoramic lake views
• Listen to stories about lake history
• Swim stops, weather permitting
• Relax or take the helm

The experience

If you have a free afternoon in Taupō, this sail gets you to a landmark most visitors never see. The Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings sit on a cliff face across the lake, reachable only by water: no road, no walking track. The boat is electric, which means no engine rumble and no fumes, just the sound of the water and the crew's stories about the lake's history and the carvings themselves. You can bring your own food and drinks, or buy from the bar onboard.

The 2.5-hour cruise gives you time to sail out, spend a proper stretch at the carvings, and come back without rushing. Swimming is encouraged when the weather allows, and the crew helps anyone who wants in. On sunset cruises, the complimentary drink is included. On other departures, you can purchase from the bar. Warm towels and ponchos are on board, and there's a restroom. If you want to take the helm for part of the sail, the crew will let you.

The atmosphere stays laid-back throughout. This is not a tightly scheduled tour with set talking points. The guide shares what they know as the moment calls for it, and you're free to swim, relax, or watch the water. Families find it works well because there's no single "right" way to spend the time, and the boat itself is stable and quiet enough that even young children settle easily.

What’s included

• Complimentary drink on sunset cruises.
• onboard restroom.
• warm towels and ponchos.
• coffee and tea.
• swimming stops weather permitting with crew assistance.
• live English-speaking guide.
• Bluetooth sound system for music.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:30 and 14:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (under 16)

GroupUp to 18

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Sail Barbary

Is this one for you?Small groups and families work well here because the pace is unhurried and there's no single way to spend the time. You can swim, take the helm, or simply sit and watch the water. The electric yacht keeps the experience quiet and calm, which suits anyone looking to escape engine noise and fumes rather than chase a packed itinerary.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 16).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I swim during the eco-sailing tour to the rock carvings?

Swimming is encouraged weather permitting, and the crew provides friendly assistance. Warm towels and ponchos are available on board to use after you get out of the water.

What are the Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings and why can you only reach them by boat?

The carvings are a 14-metre rock art site on a cliff face across Lake Taupō. They sit on the water's edge with no road or walking access, so the only way to see them is by sailing or motoring across the lake.

How long does the tour take and what's included in the price?

The cruise runs 2.5 hours. Included are the guide, restroom access, warm towels and ponchos, coffee and tea, and a complimentary drink on sunset cruises. You're welcome to bring your own food and drinks, or purchase from the onboard bar.

Do I need any sailing experience to go on this tour?

No experience is needed. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. If you want to take the helm and help sail, the crew will teach you. If you prefer to relax and watch, that works just as well.