The 5 Taupo Sailing Tours We Would Step Aboard

1.Lake Taupo: Classical Sailing to the Māori Rock Carvings

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,275 reviews · 2h 30m · from $35Our pick

Join Taupo Sailing Adventures for a 2.5-hour cruise from Taupō Marina to the Māori Rock Carvings. You may sail aboard Fearless or use the catamaran when weather requires it. Guides such as Aaron, Liam, Danny, Erin, and Dave share local stories, then allow time for a swim, blankets, and a complimentary drink.

“The boat trip was very nice and beautiful. The hosts were super friendly and gave us lots of information about the surroundings. The rock carvings are definitely worth it to see! Would definitely recommend!”

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2.Maori Rock Carvings Eco Sailing Taupo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 758 reviews · from $33Best value

Sail Lake Taupō aboard an electric yacht with a local guide, heading to the 14-meter Māori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay. Expect Māori myths, volcano views, quiet coves, and time for a swim in warm weather. Evening departures include a complimentary wine, beer, or soft drink. Chris and Pete are among the guides who may host the trip.

“Super relaxed way to see the carvings with knowledgeable and fun commentary from Captain Pete. Highly recommend grabbing a bean bag for a comfortable seat and the warm weather proof poncho was a bonus!”

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3.Lake Taupo: Luxury Sailing Catamaran to Māori Rock Carvings

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 234 reviews · 2h 30m · from $41

Join Taupō Sailing Adventures for a 2.5-hour cruise aboard Tiua, a 53-foot catamaran with indoor and outdoor seating. Your English-speaking crew takes you to the Māori Rock Carvings, explains their cultural meaning, and stops for a swim when conditions allow. Dave, Danny, Aaron, and Erin are among the crew members praised for their warm, helpful style.

“This sailing adventure was excellent. The catamaran was a beautiful vessel and a smooth ride with a professional Captain Dave. The carvings were beautiful and I wouldn’t have wanted to miss this experience!”

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4.Luxury Sailing – Māori Rock Carvings – Taupo Sailing Adventures

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 156 reviews · from $42

Spend about two and a half hours aboard Tiua, a 53-foot catamaran, sailing across Lake Taupo to carvings visible only from the water. You can swim with provided gear, relax on beanbags, and enjoy a drink, with crew members such as Aaron and Erin sharing local stories. Check in 30 minutes early at Taupo Marina.

“A lovely tour, one of the highlights of our holiday. Such a relaxaing and beautiful sailing tour. We had Aaron and Erin who were both really lovely, and Aaron was really informative during the tour.”

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5.Taupō: Sail Barbary Eco Sailing to the Maori Rock Carvings

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 154 reviews · 2h 30m · from $35

Spend 150 minutes on Lake Taupō aboard Sail Barbary, New Zealand’s first commercial electric sailboat. Your English-speaking guide, including captains such as Chris and Lloyd, takes you to Mine Bay’s Māori Rock Carvings, sharing local stories along the way. Expect quiet sailing, hot drinks, ponchos, a complimentary drink on evening trips, and time for a swim.

“It was amazing from start to finish. Chris was a great sailor and we felt very safe in his hands. It was wonderful to have the sails up and sailing back was very relaxing 😁”

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