Māori Rock Carvings: Eco Yacht Cruise

Sail to Lake Taupō’s Māori Rock Carvings on an eco-friendly yacht. Enjoy cultural tales, BYO food, and stunning views. Perfect for eco-conscious adventurers.

Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Maori Rock Carvings - Artist Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell created the Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings in the late 1970s. The images were carved by hand into the cliffs over Lake Taupo using traditional Maori techniques. Matahi and a team of four assistants completed the work over four summers.
    The centerpiece of the Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings depicts…
What's Included
  • Knowledge and Friendly Skippers
  • Plenty of free parking
  • Ponchos and Towels
  • Free drink and Postcard
  • On-board restrooms
What's Not Included
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Snacks
  • Private transportation
Additional Information

Experience the breathtaking Māori Rock Carvings on Lake Taupō aboard a fully electric yacht. This environmentally friendly cruise combines relaxation with cultural storytelling, making it ideal for all travelers. Revel in the relaxed setting where you can bring your own food and drinks, bask in the sun, swim, or even steer the yacht. Interact with the…

Location
Sail Barbary eco-sailing to Maori Rock Carvings Taupo
Redoubt Street
Meet your skipper at Berths 9&10 Taupo Boat Harbour, 3330 Please arrive 15 minutes prior to booking time to ensure plenty of time to board the boat. There is ample free parking in the harbour
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.8
(12 Ratings)
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Daydream516791
Feb 5, 2026
Wonderful way to spend an afternoon - One of the best tours I have done and also one of the best value for money. Super friendly and super chilled. Expert sailing in a beautiful boat.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jo_m
Jan 31, 2026
Stunning sail - Beautiful evening. Entertaining and informative captain, Chris. Stunning carvings. What is not to like
Review provided by Viator
Theo
Jan 20, 2026
Excellent Experience - I booked an evening sail with Sail Barbary when arriving in taupo, was honestly one of the best experience, beautiful sunset cruise to see the Māori carvings, great friendly team on board told us all about the history of the carvings, shout out Chris! Will definitely be back when in taupo again can’t wait to be back on the Barbary! This is a must do when in taupo!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kleinydan
Jan 14, 2026
This evening tour ROCKED - Such an incredible experience from start to finish. Seeing the Māori rock carvings from the water was something really special, but what made it unforgettable was the crew. Lloyd was an absolute legend – so friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about what he does. You could tell he really cared about making sure everyone had a great time. Joe was great too, super relaxed and helpful. Couldn’t recommend Sail Barbary more. Even with the rain this trip was awesome.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
415andreav
Jan 6, 2026
Sunset cruise - The cruise is really relaxing and allows you to see the rock carvings. Complimentary drinks are also offered on the evening sunset cruise. You can also take a swim in the lake. Everything organized very well!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Daydream18852078001
Jan 5, 2026
100% Recommend - Such an amazing experience on the Sail Barbary Sunset Cruise. Lloyd was knowledgeable, welcoming, and made sure everyone had a great time, with awesome music to top it off. Would absolutely recommend to anyone visiting Taupō.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pinder_surprise
Jan 2, 2026
So special! - Highly recommend! Perfect for couples, friends and families! Captain Lloyd is the BEST! This was such a special experience. We loved relaxing on the sail boat, legs stretched, basking in the late afternoon sun, complimentary drink (beer/wine) in hand, enjoying the most incredible views of Lake Taupō. Captain Lloyd was an excellent host and storyteller, you can tell he truely loves Taupō and showcasing the breathtaking sights it has to offer. It felt really special being on a sail boat as it was a smaller tour group than other options for a very similar price and we got to get so close to the rock cravings. There was even an option to have a little swim! I regret not bringing my swimmers! BUT it gives us an excuse to book with Sail Barbary again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor