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)
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
(113 Ratings)
5 stars
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1 star
S3690umkarens
Apr 24, 2025
Great relaxed experience - Had a great time on this tour. Not packed on boat as other tours appear to be. Friendly staff who are knowledgeable about Taupo history. Would recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Catherine_c
Apr 4, 2025
Great experience, friendly crew, beautiful boat. - Lovely boat, great guide, space to enjoy the lake, and the carvings. The sailing boat was so smooth, even on a windy day!
Review provided by Viator
Susan_b
Mar 20, 2025
Lovely and worth every penny - I loved this tour. The boat was comfortable, the crew extremely pleasant and knowledgeable. The carvings were interesting, although not of historical influence, still something to see. The swim was wonderful. Would do again and again
Review provided by Viator
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
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
Lauren_h
Mar 22, 2025
Worth doing - The skipper and crewmate were both great and shared a lot of great information. Had the water been came so we didn't get switch from the sailboat to the catamaran, I am sure I would have given it a 4 or 5 start rating. In either case this was well query the money.
Review provided by Viator
Phoebeontour
Mar 23, 2025
Disappointing - So disappointing! Cancelled one hour before departure apparently due to high winds even though every other boat/yacht still operating. Including their own catamaran. Yacht nowhere to be seen. Offered us later on their catamaran or next day but none of these suited. No other yacht sailing available at short notice. Heard from locals problems with crew and trying to sell business. Ruined our only full day in Taupo. Would not recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $41
up to 10 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).