Lake Taupo Eco Sailing Cruise to Maori Rock Carvings | Barbary Sailing

Sail to the Maori Rock Carvings on Lake Taupo

Take the breathtaking scenery as you set sail on Lake Taupo to see the Maori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay.

The 2-2.5 hour journey to the 10 metres high Maori Rock Carvings, located in Mine Bay and only accessible by boat, is a must-do sight for anybody visiting Taupo.

They were constructed in the late 1970s by local artists and are arguably the largest of their kind in the world.

Stretch out on comfortable beanbag-type seats and soak up the sun as you float over magnificent Lake Taupo, helping to hoist the sail or taking a turn at the helm, swimming, and then enjoying complimentary light snacks or a complimentary glass of wine or beer on the 5 pm sailing.

Imagine sailing on Lake Taupo aboard a classic sailing yacht

Sail to the Maori Rock Carvings – Day Sailing Cruise

Price: Adult $55 per person – Child $32 pp
Departures: All Year 10:30 am – 2:o0 pm
Duration: 2.5 hours approx

Set sail for adventure on the crystal-blue waters of Lake Taupo. Feel the sun on your face and enjoy the gentle lake breezes as you cast off and head out to make new friends and discoveries aboard the sailboat Barbary 2.

Kick back and relax as you skim across the surface, the crystal-clear waters gliding quietly beneath you, and you investigate the hidden bays and dramatic coastline that tell the story of Taupo’s volcanic past.

Take in the stunning vistas that spread out before you, the distant peaks of majestic mountains rising above the lake, guarding the Taupo caldera as they have for many years.

Or heighten the adventure, get involved, and help get us underway as we introduce you to the basics of sailing. Whether you want to sit back and enjoy the peace on our quiet, zero-emissions yachts or wish to get more hands-on and take the wheel or help hoist the sails, you are in for a fantastic experience … one you won’t find anywhere else.

Sail to the Maori Rock Carvings – Evening Cruise

Price: Adult $65 per person – Child $35 pp
Departures: 5:00 pm & (7:30 pm Summer only)
Duration: 2.5 hours approx

Enjoy a late afternoon sail after a hot day and experience Lake Taupo by nightfall onboard ‘Barbary 2’ for a spectacular summer’s night out.

Sit back, relax on the deck’s open-air elegance and soft beanbag seats, and take in the early evening light sky.

B.Y.O. or have a drink from our licenced bar, plus we have an all-weather canopy and shawls for those action-packed days when the wind picks up.

Discover Maori Artistry at Mine Bay

Discover the cultural importance of the Maori Rock Carvings in Mine Bay, historical mythology and captivating stories.

Discover Matahi Whakataka-extraordinary Brightwell’s artistry, years in the creating, and marvel at his beautiful sculptures as they extend 14 metres above you, seeking to touch the sky.

Discover the history and significance of this world-renowned place as our skilled storytellers and guides weave a colourful tapestry that transports you back in time. Listen to the narrative and feel immersed in it as you accompany the artist on a mysterious journey to his ancestor’s house.

Don’t miss out on one of New Zealand’s must-do experiences sailing with us.