Lake Taupo Sailing Expedition: Experience Maori Rock Carvings on an Eco-Friendly Yacht
4.8
754 Ratings
Taupō

Embark on a sustainable sailing expedition on Lake Taupo to experience the iconic Maori Rock Carvings. Enjoy an eco-friendly yacht, engaging commentary, and free refreshments.

Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Maori Rock Carvings - Explore Lake Taupō on an eco-friendly scenic cruise on New Zealand’s only electric yacht. Enjoy stunning vistas as you set sail to explore the Māori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay, Te Moaenga Bay, Whakamoenga Bay and Acacia Bay. Stopping to listen to Maori myths and legends with refreshments included. Book with Sail Barbary today and enjoy one of New Zealand’s must-do experiences.
What's Included
  • Private transportation
  • GST included
  • Local guide commentary
  • Evening cruises with a drink
  • Opportunity to swim
  • Complimentary beverage and postcard
What's Not Included
  • Additional food and drinks
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Our electrically powered yacht is completely eco-friendly, expelling zero emissions or noise, ensuring its compliance with climate safety, and providing the finest sailing voyage on Lake Taupo.
Since 1982, we’ve been offering trips to the exceptional Maori Rock Carvings!
This activity, available throughout the year, provides relaxation, joy, and aquatic…

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Location
Sail Barbary eco-sailing to Maori Rock Carvings Taupo
Redoubt Street
We are located in front of Stir Cafe - a dark grey caravan converted into a cafe. Look for the tall white and green blade flag this is where you need to meet, Berth 9 and 10.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.8
(754 Ratings)
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Trip44854065964
May 5, 2025
Great outing for families. - This was a great tour. Our Captain Chris made the experience especially memorable for our kids, who he let steer the boat while supervising, and also teaching them a little about sailing. We learned a lot from him, and found his guiding and demeanor very relaxed, yet competent and reassuring. The scenery was beautiful, the carvings were interesting, and the boat itself was comfortable, quiet, and thanks to it's electric motor, smoke free! Thanks to Sail Barbary for a fantastic family outing!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Yohann_r
Apr 26, 2025
Wonderful guide and host,... - Wonderful guide and host, had a wonderful time. Chris was an exceptional host with his daughter helping out.
Review provided by Viator
Karin
Apr 11, 2025
Pure relaxation - Peter, our captain, has navigated us confidently over the gentle waves of the lake, telling me interesting things from the region. The yacht glides so rubby that you can relax and enjoy nature. It was a great trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Leann
Apr 10, 2025
Great relaxing informative experience! - Great, relaxing, informative experience. The weather was perfect and we learned so much about the lake and surrounding area. The captain Peter was amazing!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
7dayhuttohut
Apr 10, 2025
Sail Barbary - We spent an enjoyable 2 hrs sailing with Pete, he was informative, very chill and entertaining. Would recommend this company
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Christye585
Apr 8, 2025
Interesting and Fun Experience! - On March 1, 2025, my wife and I went on a Sail Barbary cruise to see the Māori rock carvings and had a great time! We were on the sailboat Barbary II, and our skipper was Chris. Throughout the cruise Chris provided informative, interesting, and sometimes amusing commentary about the lake, carvings, and related topics. When we arrived at the carvings, Chris did an excellent job maneuvering the boat to ensure everyone could take unobstructed photos of the carvings. Bottom line - this cruise was a fun and interesting experience, and we’re glad we did it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Maevec351
Apr 7, 2025
Enjoyable morning - Booked this at the last minute as we were only staying the one night. Chris was most informative, very enjoyable morning in the sunshine
Review provided by Tripadvisor
731sarahjanet
Mar 24, 2025
Fun time out on the water - It was cool & blustery on the way out, smooth and warmer on the way back in. The skipper handled both the boat & the customers masterfully
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tracy
Mar 24, 2025
A great first time Yacht experience - Great experience on the eco yacht. Our tour was informative with the added bonus of great humour in the mix. Before we left, we had a safety brief, which was explained well and was reassuring. I'm not one with great sea legs but coped with our yacht experience (first time on a yacht) and felt safe at all times. During our tour, our captain was engaging and encouraged questions. Being an electric yacht, I was very appreciative of no fumes when the motor had to be engaged (mostly when going in and out of harbour ). Best first time experience
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Castoldic
May 8, 2025
A nice, calm tour - This tour was a bit less impressive than I expected. The carvings are beautiful, they were done in the 1980s, so less historical than I thought. Sailing there means that you spend 90% of the activity going pretty slow and seeing the same landscapes, but at least it's for a good cause. Our guide, Chris, was interesting and gave us information on the lake, the carvings, and the landscape.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Check Availability
From $33
From $33
up to 8 guests
1 - Adult
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Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).