Evening Lake Taupō Boat Charter: Māori Rock Carvings by Catamaran

Sail to Māori rock carvings, swim in the lake, and watch light change from four deck vantage points

An evening catamaran cruise on Lake Taupō that sails to the 14-metre Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings, a site reachable only by water. The 12-meter Kakariki catamaran carries up to 24 passengers and includes a glass of wine, beer or soft drink, plus a warm poncho. Swimming is encouraged in the lake, and the skipper shares the cultural and spiritual history of the carvings as you approach. You can bring your own food and drinks, or order from the licensed bar and catering menu.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings30m
2. Lake Taupo30m

Lake Taupō boat charter experience

• Board the Kakariki catamaran
• Sail to Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings
• Enjoy stories about lake history
• View carvings from multiple seating areas
• Swim, fish, or relax on board

The experience

Two hours on the water means you sail out to Mine Bay, get close enough for photos of the carvings, and return without the day eating into the rest of your evening. The catamaran has four separate seating areas (inside the cabin, outside in the cockpit, upstairs on the flybridge, or out on the bowrider), so you can move around and find the angle you want. The skipper narrates the historical, spiritual and cultural significance of Ngātoroirangi as you approach, and the crew shares stories about the lake's past.

Swimming is part of the itinerary, so bring a towel or use the warm poncho provided. The restroom is on board. If you want food beyond what you bring, the licensed bar serves drinks and catering is available. Otherwise, pack your own and settle in on deck. The boat runs on electric power, so there's no engine noise. Just the sound of the water and the wind if you're under sail.

Evening departures mean you're on the lake as the light softens, and the carvings show differently depending on the time of year and the angle of the sun. The crew will position the boat so you get the best view, and you'll have time to swim, take photos, or simply sit and watch the water.

What’s included

• A glass of wine, beer or soft drink.
• a warm poncho to wrap up in after swimming.
• restroom access on board.
• skipper commentary on the cultural and spiritual significance of the Māori carvings.
• four different seating areas to choose from as you cruise.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 17:00 and 19:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (under 13)

GroupUp to 24 · 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 yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomeNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Sail Barbary

Is this one for you?The two-hour evening window means you're on the water as daylight fades, so the carvings and the lake show differently than they would at midday. If you want the full swimming experience, plan to get wet and bring a change of clothes or use the poncho provided.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 13).

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.

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

The Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings are 14-metre high carvings carved into the rock face on the far side of Lake Taupō. They're located on a cliff that rises directly from the water, so the only way to view them up close is by boat. There's no land access to the site.

Can I bring my own food and drinks on the evening cruise?

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks. The boat also has a fully licensed bar and catering options available if you'd prefer to order on board instead.

Is swimming really part of the cruise, and what should I bring?

Swimming is encouraged during the cruise. Bring a towel, or you'll receive a warm poncho to wrap up in afterward. The water temperature varies by season, so check conditions before you book if you're sensitive to cold.

How many people can fit on the Kakariki catamaran?

The Kakariki catamaran accommodates up to 24 passengers, so it works for small groups, families, or larger celebrations like corporate events or hens and stag parties.

What's included in the evening cruise price?

The cruise includes a glass of wine, beer or soft drink; a warm poncho; access to the restroom on board; and the skipper's commentary on the carvings and the lake's history. Swimming is included. Food beyond your own or the bar menu is not.