Lake Taupo Sailing Tour: Discover Maori Rock Carvings Aboard the 'Kindred Spirit'

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: 24 hours
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…
What's Included
  • Blankets
  • 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)
  • Snacks
What's Not Included
  • Accommodation pickup and drop-off
  • Food and drinks (if option not selected)
Additional Information

Experience the beauty of a scenic sailing tour to the Māori Rock Carvings, one of the most extraordinary contemporary carvings in the world. Only view-able from the water, the likeness of Ngātoroirangi towers 14-meters above Lake Taupō, surrounded by over 40 smaller carvings..
Escape from hectic life for a while and enjoy the breathtaking views around….

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
(111 Ratings)
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Reed_h
Mar 6, 2025
Great experience and it... - Great experience and it was a beautiful day. Definitely a little chilly on the way back and blankets they provided were helpful
Review provided by Viator
Becky_w
Feb 28, 2025
Sailing to Maori carvings - Send clear reminder that we should arrive 30 minutes early. It was our mistake, but the reminder could’ve helped. Really enjoyed the experience. The crew were really friendly, and there were lots of comfortable cushions and blankets that could be used.
Review provided by Viator
Celine_h
Feb 27, 2025
Must do on a sunny day in Taupo - A great activity on a sunny afternoon in Taupo. The crew were delightful, the service was efficient and the commentary were just of the right amount to enjoy the cruise whilst getting pieces of information on the area here and there. You first go to the Mauri Rock, then we had some time to jump in the water and swim. There are toilet and bar facilities on the boat with complementary sunscreen and water. I thought on booking this the boat would be a sail boat as on the pictures but it was a catamaran. I wasn’t bothered by this as the catamaran was great but some people may be specific about which boat they want. All in all well worth the money! Thank you!
Review provided by Viator
Kristen_l
Feb 25, 2025
A must do in Taupo - Great experience on the water with a small group of people, very picturesque, and we learned a lot about the lake, carvings and the people from the staff along the way, we got up close to the carvings and then had a good amount of time for a swim! On the way home everyone was able to have a drink and enjoy the beautiful surroundings-I would highly recommend this experience :)
Review provided by Viator
Emilyhq8747vc
Feb 21, 2025
So worth doing! - Such an awesome trip! Staff were really lovely. Only thing was my ticket said included a drink, but it was all a paid bar, so not sure if it got lost in translation. Also the sailboat was broken so we went out on a catamaran, which was quite boujee and really fun. Great views, plenty of fun swimming time in the lake, carvings were wonderful. Would highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kavitam
Feb 14, 2025
It was a calm evening on... - It was a calm evening on the water, we loved learning about the carvings, and the sunset was incredible with Tongariro National Park in the distance. The crew also catered to our dietary requirements, which we appreciated. 10/10
Review provided by Viator
Mikeoq848zx
Feb 2, 2025
Great afternoon on the water! - Beautiful afternoon on the water soaking up sun, a short swim break and plenty of time to grab pics of the rock. This area is so nice wish we would have spent a night in Taupo!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Joyce_a
Jan 25, 2025
Don’t forget to bring - When sailing on the large catamaran, make sure you bring lunch if you’re sailing at 12:30 or 1pm Very beautiful and comfortable sail.
Review provided by Viator
Bethmk1826rb
Jan 23, 2025
A lovely evening indeed! ❤️ - Lovely sunset boat trip to the Maori rock carvings on super volcano lake Taupo! The skipper was fantastic with facts and initial safety instructions. We anchored for a 15 minute swim which was very lovely indeed. Fresh water, so no threat of sharks or jellyfish! Pizza and a drink as part of the package and plenty blankets. Pack a bag with jumper and joggers to keep warm on the way back. A really lovely evening indeed. ❤️
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brenda_l
Feb 27, 2025
Friendly staff an... - Friendly staff an passengers but I thought I had booked on the single hull boat not a catamaran as did a couple of other passengers
Review provided by Viator
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up to 10 guests
1 Adult
April 2025
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