Classical Sailing - Māori Rock Carvings -Taupo Sailing Adventures
Description
Escape the hectic life and enjoy your sailing experience on our classical sailing yacht Fearless for timeless charm and authentic sailing. Explore 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. Powered by the wind, this eco-friendly experience lets you explore nature in its purest form - quiet, clean, and unforgettable. And when the wind picks up and the yacht heels gracefully into the breeze, guests feel that exhilarating surge of adrenaline - a moment of pure connection as they face fearless, the raw power of the water. Relax on the large deck space, listen to our experienced skippers and learn about the history of the lake. Give the crew a hand hoisting the sails and take a turn on the wheel or just snuggle in under some blankets. Take a dip and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the largest freshwater lake in Australasia (weather dependent)
Tour Options
Itinerary
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 and take a turn on the wheel or just snuggle under some blankets and enjoy the wide selection of drinks. Take a dip and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the largest freshwater lake in Australasia (weather dependent). Enjoy free pizza and beverages on some departures - or purchase light refreshments on-board. You are also able to bring your own food and drinks with you, should you wish. Afterwards, return to the marina where you tour concludes.
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 and take a turn on the wheel or just snuggle under some blankets and enjoy the wide selection of drinks. Take a dip and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the largest freshwater lake in Australasia (weather dependent). Enjoy free pizza and beverages on some departures - or purchase light refreshments on-board. You are also able to bring your own food and drinks with you, should you wish. Afterwards, return to the marina where you tour concludes.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Sailing trips are subject to minimum numbers, lake and weather conditions.
- Departs from Taupo Marina. (Redoubt St), Check-in at Berth # 16/17, 30 minutes before scheduled departure. Check-in closes 15 minutes before scheduled departure. Boarding time 10 minutes before scheduled departure
- For the 9.30am trip customers can arrive 10-15min before departure for check-in. An earlier arrival is not required. However they need to be there before the departure time at 9.30am!
- People failing to show up for check in will not be refunded.
- We reserve the right to upgrade passengers to our other sailing yacht Tiua should weather conditions, demand or other circumstances require it. No extra costs will apply. The trip at 9.30am might be postponed by 30min in such circumstances. If you don't agree to a free upgrade please leave a note in your booking or contact us in advance.
- In the event of quickly changing bad weather and lake conditions, it may not be possible to view the Maori Rock Carvings, this decision is made at the discretion of the skipper for the health and safety of all on board the vessel
- Please let us know in advance if you have medical issues. The skipper has the last call on check in to decide if the trip is suitable regarding medical issues due to health and safety regulations.
Reviews(149)
Terrific experience ! Guides weee very friendly and knowledgeable. Website is easy to navigate. Highly recommended.
Thank you so much for your kind review and for choosing to sail with us. We’re delighted you enjoyed the experience.
They were amazing. A perfect mix of learning about the lake and other areas and of course the carvings, with relaxing time as well where you just get to enjoy cruising or sailing in the sun and taking in the views! I think other tours you sometimes feel rushed or stressed but this was so peaceful!
We’re incredibly grateful for your review and so happy you enjoyed your time with us on the lake. Creating relaxed, memorable experiences for our guests is exactly what we aim for, and it’s wonderful to hear we achieved that for you.
We had a good afternoon. The skipper used his knowledge to get us to the sights and gave us the best opportunity to see the carvings. Bring under sail on the way home was very peaceful and enjoyable.
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. Kind regards, Taupo Sailing Adventures
Pros: the lake is absolutely STUNNING. The carvings are just as cool as you're imaging. The sunset made the views even better. Cons: our guide... does not really seem like he really wants to be a guide? To be clear, I think he showed a genuine, deep appreciation for the beauty of the carvings and their cultural significance, and that earns him a lot of points in my book. On the other hand, he took the "cranky sea captain" vibe to an extreme. Easily 50+% of of his commentary going to/from the carvings was comprised of complaints about the people who buy vacation homes on the far side of the lake (which, fair I guess, gentrification sucks? but it was a LOT of commentary) and music coming from the other boats. My husband and I found ourselves giving each other and the other passengers knowing looks as we collectively wondered why our cruise couldn't also play some music? You got the vibe from our captain that the only appropriate way to appreciate the lake in his book was to sit in mostly contemplative silence. Tl;dr the cruise was definitely worth it and seeing the lake was absolutely a part of our trip I'm glad we opted in for. Buuuut our captain left a lot to be desired on fostering a festive/vacation vibe to the experience.
Thank you for your thoughtful review — we’re so glad you enjoyed the stunning scenery, the Māori Rock Carvings, and the sunset. It really is a special experience on the lake. We’re sorry to hear that the atmosphere on board didn’t fully match what you were hoping for. Our skipper is usually very highly praised by guests for his passion and knowledge, and he genuinely cares about creating a great experience. He does remember this trip and mentioned that some guests were asking quite a few questions about holiday homes and Airbnbs around the lake, and he was simply sharing his honest perspective in response. It certainly wasn’t intended as complaints, but we understand how it may have come across. Regarding the music, there was another boat following the boat for a while, playing quite loud music during sunset. Our skipper aimed to create a more peaceful and relaxed atmosphere so guests could enjoy the natural sounds and views. We do have music on board, but he tries to read the group and balance preferences — some guests enjoy music, while others prefer a quieter, more contemplative sail. Also he tries, he doesn't always get it right. That said, we always encourage guests to let us know what they’d prefer during the trip — we’re more than happy to adjust things like music to suit the group. We really appreciate your feedback, and we’re glad to hear the experience was still a memorable part of your trip.
Thanks Captain Dave, Stephanie, Jess lovely sailing!
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. Kind regards, Taupo Sailing Adventures
Great host very friendly and informative a great way to spend a few hours on the lake including the sailing back was brilliant
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. Kind regards, Taupo Sailing Adventures.
Great trip out to the Rocks carvings, however there really isn't to much to the trip, travel out, look, maybe have a swim and travel back
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. Kind regards, Taupo Sailing Adventures.
Was the best experience I have had since visiting New Zealand. A must do! The kids loved the swimming and the sailing experience.
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. Kind regards, Taupo Sailing Adventures.
Great trip, but we were just about to reach the trip, as the boat we were going with did not sail any information from Trip Advisor about this, but the boat company itself helped us get on one of the company's other boats, which actually had sailed - too stressful
hank you for taking the time to leave us a review. Kind regards, Taupo Sailing Adventures.
Beautiful afternoon experience on Lake Taupo. Very comfortable boat and excellent crew! Informative and interesting commentary. Swimming in the bay is not to be missed! Thanks David!
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. Kind regards, Taupo Sailing Adventures.
