Evening Eco Sailing to Māori Rock Carvings, Lake Taupō

The carvings are only reachable by water, carved by hand into the cliffs over four summers in the late 1970s.

An evening sailing tour on Lake Taupō that takes you to the Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings, a 10-meter artwork carved into the cliffs and viewable only from the water. You'll cruise aboard a 100% electric yacht with a knowledgeable local crew who share stories of Māori heritage and the region's volcanic landscape. The tour runs 2.5 hours and includes ponchos, towels, a free drink, and a postcard. You can bring your own food and drinks, swim, or even help sail the boat.

Step-by-step itinerary

Eco sailing and cultural storytelling

• Board 100% electric yacht
• Enjoy relaxed cruise on Lake Taupō
• View Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings from water
• Listen to crew's Māori heritage stories
• Swim or take the helm
• Bring and enjoy own food and drinks

The experience

If you land in Taupō with a free afternoon or evening, this tour solves the problem of reaching the carvings. They sit 10 meters tall on a cliff face and are only visible from the water. The boat leaves from nearby Taupō and heads out to Mine Bay, where artist Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell carved the tattooed face of Ngātoroirangi, the legendary navigator who guided Māori tribes to the region over a thousand years ago, alongside images of other local ancestors and guardians. The crew are local storytellers and conservationists, not just sailors, so the journey becomes a conversation about the lake's volcanic origins and the cultural weight of what you're looking at.

The 100% electric yacht means you're sailing without engine noise or fumes, and the atmosphere stays relaxed. Bring your own food and drinks, or order from the bar if you want something cold. You can swim off the boat, take a turn at the helm if you want to help sail, or simply sit on deck and let the crew handle it. Evening departures catch the light differently on the water, and the tour wraps in about 2.5 hours. Ponchos and towels come with you, along with a complimentary drink and a postcard to take home.

What’s included

• A local skipper and crew who share stories of Māori heritage and the lake's volcanic landscape.
• ponchos and towels to keep you dry.
• a complimentary drink and postcard.
• free parking.
• and restroom access on board.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 17:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (2 to 12 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 18 · max 8 per booking

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 levelStroller friendlyPets welcomeNot for back problems

Operated by Sail Barbary

Is this one for you?Small groups and families work well on this boat, and the relaxed pace suits anyone who wants to see the carvings without a rigid schedule or a large tour group crowding the deck.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 12 years); Infant (under 2): free.

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 bring my own food and drinks on the evening sail?

Yes, you can bring your own food and snacks. The boat also has a bar on board if you'd like to purchase alcohol or other drinks during the cruise.

What exactly are the Māori Rock Carvings and who created them?

The Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings are a 10-meter-tall artwork carved into the cliffs by artist Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell and a team of four assistants over four summers in the late 1970s, using traditional Māori techniques. The centerpiece depicts the tattooed face of Ngātoroirangi, the legendary navigator who guided Māori tribes to the Taupō region over a thousand years ago, with additional carvings showing other local ancestors and guardians.

How long does the tour take?

The evening sail lasts 2.5 hours and departs from Taupō.

Can I help sail the boat, or do I just sit and relax?

You can take the helm and help sail if you want to, or simply relax on deck while the crew handles the sailing. The experience is laid-back and suits whatever mood you're in.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes a knowledgeable local skipper and crew; ponchos and towels; a free drink; a postcard; and access to the restroom on board. Parking at the departure point is also free.