Lake Taupo Sailing Tour: Discover Maori Rock Carvings Aboard the 'Kindred Spirit'
4.9
87 Ratings
Taupō
Embark on a scenic sailing tour of Lake Taupo and discover the extraordinary Māori Rock Carvings. Relax on the luxurious 'Kindred Spirit' yacht and enjoy breathtaking views while learning about the lake's history. Swim in the crystal-clear waters of the largest freshwater lake in Australasia.
Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Lake Taupo - Experience the beauty of a scenic sailing tour to the Māori Rock Carvings, one of the most extraordinary contemporary carvings in the world.

Escape from hectic life for a while and enjoy the breathtaking views around. Listen to our experienced skippers and learn about the history of the lake. Give the crew a hand hoisting the sails and take a turn on the wheel or just snuggle under some blankets and enjoy the wide selection of drinks.

Take a dip and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the largest freshwater lake in Australasia (weather dependent).

Enjoy free pizza and beverages on some departures - or purchase light refreshments on-board. You are also able to bring your own food and drinks with you, should you wish.
Afterwards, return to the marina where you tour concludes.

What's Included
  • Blankets
  • Snacks
  • Selection of non-alcoholic drinks (if option is selected)
  • Wet weather gear
  • On-board restrooms
  • Live commentary on board
  • BYO
  • Longest swim stop out of any company on the lake (weather dependent)
  • Selection of beer and wine (if option is selected)
What's Not Included
  • Accommodation pickup and drop-off
  • Food and drinks (if option not selected)
Additional Information

Witness the spectacle of a peaceful sail journey to the Māori Rock Carvings, one of the most impressive modern sculptures globally. Can only be viewed from water, the image of Ngātoroirangi soars 14-meters over Lake Taupō, accompanied by more than 40 minor carvings.

Detach yourself from the busy world momentarily and relish the awe-inspiring landscapes. Relax on our charter boat ‘Kindred Spirit’ and delight in its exceptional comfort featuring ample deck room and a welcoming lounge underneath.
Lend your ears to our knowledgeable captains to understand the lake’s history. Assist the crew in setting up the sails, take your turns on the wheel, or simply cuddle under blankets enjoying a wide range of drinks. Kindred Spirit typically sails under full sails, or gently strolls, when it’s utterly calm, driven by a quiet onboard diesel engine.

Indulge yourself with a swim in the pristine water of the largest freshwater lake in Australasia (dependent on weather conditions).

  • Sailing trips are subject to minimum numbers, lake and weather conditions.
  • People failing to show up for check in will not be refunded.
  • Customers need to be at the boat 20min before departure time for check in
  • We reserve the right to upgrade passengers to our other sailing yacht Tiua should weather conditions, demand or other circumstances require it. No extra costs will apply. The trip at 9.30am or 12.30pm might be postponed by 30min in such circumstances.
  • In the event of quickly changing bad weather and lake conditions, it may not be possible to view the Maori Rock Carvings, this decision is made at the discretion of the skipper for the health and safety of all on board the vessel
  • Please let us know in advance if you have medical issues. The skipper has the last call on check in to decide if the trip is suitable regarding medical issues due to health and safety regulations.
Location
Taupo Sailing Adventures
Redoubt Street
Departure Point: Taupo Sailing Adventures Berth #16/17 Taupo Marina, next to 65 Redoubt St. Customers need to be at the boat 20min before departure time for check in. People failing to show up for check in will not be refunded.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(87 Ratings)
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Todd_b
Apr 10, 2024
Beautiful day on the lake. - Had a great afternoon on the Sailimg Boat. Pizza to share between 2 of us and drink of your choice. Beer, wine or soft drink. It was a perfect day and not to be missed if your at Lake Taupo.
Review provided by Viator
Simplyashleyjohnson
Mar 22, 2024
A must see experience! - This company really makes you feel right at home with refreshments and conversation for everyone. The day was cold so no swimming which we were just fine with because the views and interactions were well worth it. They let you ask questions and move about the boat as you go along. Very knowledgeable and respectful for the craving, land and water. The boat and crew is well suited for families as they were friendly and accommodating. We had a great time.
Review provided by Viator
Ciao_y
Mar 14, 2024
The best way to learn the beauty of Lake Taupo. - Breathtaking & peaceful hours on the sailing boat of Dave. Just the best way to learn Lake Taupo's best side. Loved it.
Review provided by Viator
Rosemarie_b
Mar 13, 2024
Another good trip to remember - The staff are cool.Accomodating and with the sense of humour. We sailed smoothly to the Carving place and I love the splashing of water and make us wet. The sunset was beautiful though I can't concentrate of taking pictures because it was cold.But in total it was an amazing trip.
Review provided by Viator
Robert_m
Mar 5, 2024
Went on the 6 pm cruise. ... - Went on the 6 pm cruise. They did have pizza and beer/ wine but did partake. We sat on the front trampoline on bean bag and had spectacular time. The tour last til 845 and crew even pointed out different star constellations. Well worth doing
Review provided by Viator
Katherine_w
Mar 2, 2024
Relaxing ride - Relaxing on the netting and seeing the carvings. Great fun to meet friendly people from all over the world.
Review provided by Viator
Anika_s
Feb 28, 2024
Nice tour and friendly crew - Nice crew and enjoyable tour Even tho my Tour was rescheduled two times, they did everything to get me on the boat and very fast replies. Awesome 😁
Review provided by Viator
Laurenhj5299kg
Feb 25, 2024
Awesome! - Probably the best thing we did in Taupo. Great hosts and just beautiful trip. Awesome extra of a pizza and beer! Thank you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kevin_s
Feb 23, 2024
Great way to see the rock carvings - A very enjoyable experience sailing out on the lake to the site of the wall carvings and opportunity for a quick swim in the crystal clear waters. Lots of fantastic information shared and plenty of pizza to go around. Not enough wind to keep the sails up but a great trip
Review provided by Viator
Joyride47
Feb 28, 2024
Signed up for a Kindred Spirits sail but got a catamaran powerboat. - We booked Kindred Spirits — shown in the ad as a monohull sailboat with hoisted sails — hoping for a sail. Instead we were placed onto a large catamaran full of people with no explanation other than “Yes, Kindred Spirit boards here also.” The catamaran had sails, but it was clear there was never any intention to use them. So it was a disappointment and I could just as easily have taken any of the power boat tour companies out there. We motored out to the carvings and back. Yes, the Māori carvings were nice to see, so this trip was not a hit, not a loss. Meh.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 10 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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