Lake Taupo Sailing Cruise to the Maori Rock Carvings
Lake Taupō Sailing Cruise to the Māori Rock Carvings
Sail across Lake Taupō to the iconic Māori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay on a relaxed 2–2.5 hour eco sailing cruise. Aboard the classic yacht Barbary 2, enjoy peaceful, zero-emissions sailing, stunning lake scenery and cultural storytelling — one of Taupō’s true must-do experiences.
Eco Sailing Cruises on Lake Taupō with Barbary Sailing
Most people book: the daytime Māori Rock Carvings sailing cruise (2.5 hours).
Sail across the crystal-clear waters of Lake Taupō on a relaxed eco sailing cruise to the iconic Māori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay. Aboard the classic yacht Barbary 2, enjoy a peaceful 2–2.5 hour journey combining scenic lake views, cultural storytelling and hands-on sailing if you wish.
This Lake Taupō sailing cruise is suitable for all ages and experience levels. Whether you prefer to sit back on comfortable beanbag seating and soak up the scenery, take a swim in a secluded bay, or get involved helping hoist the sails and steer the yacht, the experience is as relaxed or as active as you choose.
Quiet, zero-emissions sailing allows you to fully appreciate the scale and beauty of Lake Taupō while learning about the history, geology and cultural significance of the Māori Rock Carvings — one of Taupō’s most famous attractions and only accessible by boat.
Sail to the Maori Rock Carvings
Day Sailing Sailing Cruise
Price: Adult $59 per person – Child $35 pp
Departures: All Year 10:30 am – 2:o0 pm
Duration: 2.5 hours approx
The daytime Māori Rock Carvings sailing cruise is the most popular option and the best choice for first-time visitors to Taupō. This relaxed eco sailing experience takes you across Lake Taupō to Mine Bay, where you’ll see the impressive 10-metre-high Māori Rock Carvings up close.
During the cruise, enjoy scenic views of the lake and surrounding volcanic landscape, swim in sheltered bays, and learn about the history and meaning behind the carvings from your knowledgeable skipper. You’re welcome to help hoist the sails or take the helm, or simply relax and enjoy the journey.
Best for:
First-time visitors to Taupō, families, photographers, and anyone wanting the classic Māori Rock Carvings experience in daylight.
Good for:
Travellers wanting a relaxed cruise with time to swim, enjoy lake scenery, and learn about the carvings and volcanic landscape.
Evening Sunset Sailing Cruise
Price: Adult $69 per person – Child $40 pp
Departures: 5:00 pm & (7:30 pm Summer only)
Duration: 2.5 hours approx
The sunset sailing cruise offers a more atmospheric way to experience Lake Taupō and the Māori Rock Carvings, perfect for couples and those wanting a relaxed end to the day. Sail in the late afternoon as the light softens across the lake and the surrounding mountains.
Relax on deck with comfortable seating, enjoy the calm evening conditions, and take in the changing colours of the sky as the sun sets. This cruise offers the same close-up viewing of the Māori Rock Carvings, combined with a peaceful evening sailing experience. B.Y.O. or purchase a drink from the licensed bar onboard.
Best for:
Couples, honeymooners, and travellers wanting a scenic, romantic end to the day.
Good for:
Those who prefer a quieter, slower-paced cruise with evening light, sunset views, and a more atmospheric sailing experience.
Discover Maori Artistry at Mine Bay
The Māori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay are one of Lake Taupō’s most significant cultural landmarks. Carved into the cliffs in the late 1970s by local artist Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell, the sculptures rise more than 10 metres above the water and are only accessible by boat.
During the cruise, your skipper shares the history, cultural importance and stories behind the carvings, offering insight into their connection to Māori heritage, mythology and the landscape of Lake Taupō. Seeing the carvings from the water provides a powerful sense of scale and perspective that can’t be experienced from land.
This part of the journey is both relaxed and informative, allowing time to take in the surroundings, ask questions and fully appreciate one of New Zealand’s most iconic cultural artworks.
If you enjoy a mix of gentle adventure, time on the water and breathtaking scenery, sailing aboard Barbary 2 offers a memorable way to experience Lake Taupō and the Māori Rock Carvings.
Lake Taupō Māori Rock Carvings Sailing Cruise FAQs
What makes the Lake Taupō sailing cruise to the Māori Rock Carvings a must-do experience?
This sailing cruise combines peaceful, zero-emissions travel aboard the classic yacht Barbary 2 with scenic lake views, cultural storytelling and close-up viewing of the Māori Rock Carvings. The relaxed pace and unique water-based access make it one of the most memorable ways to experience Lake Taupō.
How long does the Lake Taupō sailing cruise last and what can I expect?
The cruise lasts approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. During the journey, you’ll enjoy scenic views across the lake, learn about the Māori Rock Carvings and Taupō’s volcanic landscape, and have the option to relax on deck or take part in simple sailing activities.
Is the sailing cruise suitable for all ages and experience levels?
Yes, the sailing cruise is suitable for all ages and experience levels. No sailing experience is required, and guests can choose to sit back and relax or get involved by helping hoist the sails or steering the yacht.
What is the difference between the daytime and sunset sailing cruises?
The daytime cruise is the most popular option and is ideal for first-time visitors, families and photography, with opportunities for swimming and clear views of the carvings. The sunset cruise offers a quieter, more atmospheric experience and is especially popular with couples looking for a relaxed end to the day.
Why is sailing on Lake Taupō a unique way to experience the Māori Rock Carvings?
Sailing provides a quiet, eco-friendly way to experience Lake Taupō from the water. Approaching the Māori Rock Carvings by boat offers unique perspectives, cultural insight and a peaceful connection with the landscape that isn’t possible from land.
