Taupo, in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island, is a haven for anyone who loves being on the water. Its vast, clear lake offers perfect conditions for sailing, whether you’re after a peaceful cruise, an eco-friendly adventure, or a touch of luxury. We especially enjoy tours that combine stunning scenery with cultural highlights, like the iconic Māori Rock Carvings. An evening cruise with wine or beer, like the Maori Rock Carvings Eco Sailing Taupo, offers a relaxed way to soak in the beauty while learning about local stories. Lake Taupo’s calm waters and breathtaking vistas make it an ideal spot for memorable sailing experiences that suit all interests.
If you’re planning your trip, know that Taupo’s sailing tours provide options for different budgets, comfort levels, and interests. Whether you’re after a quick sightseeing trip or a luxurious outing, there’s something for all. For our top picks, we’ve included eco-friendly yachts, luxury catamarans, and traditional sailboats, each offering unique angles on Taupo’s stunning scenery and Māori culture. Read on to find your perfect match.
1. Maori Rock Carvings Eco Sailing Taupo
This eco-friendly cruise stands out for its electric yacht, which is quiet and emissions-free. It’s a great choice if you’re conscious of sustainability but still want to enjoy the lake’s highlights. During this 2.5-hour trip, you’ll explore the Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings, created in the 1970s by a master carver. The carvings are only accessible from the water, making this tour uniquely immersive. Your guide shares stories behind the art, adding context to the stunning 14-meter-high sculptures.
The cruise departs at different times of day—morning, afternoon, or evening—allowing flexibility for your schedule. Evening cruises include a complimentary glass of wine or beer, making it perfect for couples or anyone wanting a relaxed, social experience. Guests love the peaceful atmosphere and close-up views, with comments like, “Beautiful experience and highly recommend!” and “The carvings were amazing from so close.” If you’re visiting Taupo and want a calm, eco-conscious way to see the carvings, this tour is hard to beat.
Bottom Line: A peaceful, eco-friendly cruise that combines cultural storytelling with scenic beauty—ideal for travelers who care about sustainability and want a relaxed vibe.
2. Lake Taupo: Sailboat Trip to the Maori Rock Carvings
For around $35 per person, this sailboat trip offers a straightforward, quality way to see Lake Taupo and the Māori Rock Carvings. The tour takes about 2.5 hours and emphasizes comfort with a large deck and relaxed seating. The vessel is designed for smooth sailing, making it suitable for those who prefer a more stable experience on the water.
Your local guide provides engaging insights into the carvings and the lake’s history, making this a more educational outing. The highlight is the chance to swim in the clear waters, which many visitors find refreshing after the sailing. The tour’s reviews note the crew’s professionalism and the boat’s comfort, with people mentioning how peaceful the experience felt, even on windy days. A guest wrote, “The sailing was smooth and the crew shared great stories about the carvings,” emphasizing the personal touch.
This trip is perfect if you want a balanced mix of scenery, light activity, and learning, all aboard a clean, environmentally friendly vessel. The option to swim adds an extra level of enjoyment and connection with the lake.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, comfort-focused sailing tour suited for those who want to relax and learn while enjoying Lake Taupo’s natural beauty.
3. Maori Rock Carvings – Taupo Sailing Adventures – Tiua
Setting sail on a luxury 53-foot catamaran, this tour offers a premium experience for those who appreciate style and comfort. For around $42, you’ll spend about 2.5 hours cruising the lake, with the chance to snorkel in the crystal-clear waters using the provided equipment. The boat is equipped with NZ timber paneling, illuminated cabins, and a spacious salon, blending modern luxury with traditional craftsmanship.
The highlight is viewing the impressive Māori rock carvings, only visible from the water. The boat’s design ensures a smooth, stable experience, even on choppier days. Guests frequently comment on how the onboard drinks (including a licensed bar) and comfortable beanbags make relaxing easy. The guide offers informative commentary on Taupo’s history and the carvings, adding depth to the experience.
Many reviews praise the luxury setting and the opportunity for a swim in the deep blue, with one noting, “The boat was beautiful, and the crew made us feel special.” This tour suits travelers seeking a more upscale outing with added comfort and the chance to snorkel.
Bottom Line: An elegant, comfortable sailing trip that combines cultural sights with luxury amenities—perfect for those who want to treat themselves.
4. Maori Rock Carvings – Taupo Sailing Adventures – Kindred Spirit
For approximately $36, this 2 to 2.5-hour tour on the Kindred Spirit offers a laid-back sailing experience ideal for relaxing or socializing. The vessel is a charter yacht that provides shelter and space, with onboard snacks and drinks available, including alcohol, making it a fun choice for groups or couples.
What makes this trip special is the onboard commentary about Lake Taupo and the carvings, plus the option to sit back with a blanket and enjoy the views. If the weather permits, you can swim in the lake, adding a refreshing element. Many reviewers highlight how friendly and knowledgeable the crew is, with some mentioning they appreciated the opportunity to participate in hoisting sails or take the wheel.
The relaxed atmosphere, combined with the chance to snack, sip, and swim, makes this a good pick for travelers wanting an informal, social experience. The shorter duration and flexible nature suit those seeking a low-pressure outing.
Bottom Line: A friendly, informal sailing trip perfect for those who want a casual, social experience with easy access to swimming and refreshments.
5. Taupo: Māori Rock Carvings Lake Taupo Catamaran Tour
This luxury catamaran tour offers a stylish way to explore Lake Taupo for about $36. The 2.5-hour trip includes close-up views of the Māori Rock Carvings, along with the opportunity to stop for a swim. The vessel’s spacious saloon and covered cockpit provide comfort regardless of weather, making it a versatile choice.
The boat’s sleek design and professional crew ensure a smooth sailing experience, with many reviews praising the quality of the vessel and the informative commentary. Guests enjoy snapping photos of the carvings and relaxing while listening to stories about the area. The chance to swim in the lake adds to the appeal, especially on a warm day.
This tour balances luxury and education in a way that appeals to travelers who want a more refined outing. The high-quality amenities and scenic views make it a standout option.
Bottom Line: A comfortable, stylish way to witness the Māori carvings, with the flexibility of swimming and cultural storytelling.
6. Taupō: Sail Barbary Eco Sailing to the Maori Rock Carvings
At around $35, this eco-friendly electric sailboat offers a quiet, pollution-free way to explore Taupo’s waters. The Sail Barbary is noted for its no-noise, no-fumes operation, making it ideal for environmentally conscious travelers. The 2.5-hour cruise includes a visit to the famous Māori Rock Carvings, with the guide sharing local stories and history along the way.
Guests often comment on how peaceful and relaxing the experience feels, especially with the complimentary drinks and the option to swim in the clear, cool waters. The boat’s electric nature creates a unique, silent sailing experience, which visitors find both calming and engaging.
This tour appeals most to those interested in eco-friendly travel who want to enjoy Taupo’s scenery without the noise or fumes of traditional boats. It offers a good combination of cultural sights and environmental consciousness.
Bottom Line: An eco-conscious choice for a tranquil, scenic exploration of Taupo with plenty of opportunities to swim and learn.
How to Choose Your Perfect Taupo Sailing Experience
When deciding among these sailing tours in Taupo, consider your priorities. If sustainability is top of mind, the Maori Rock Carvings Eco Sailing Taupo or Sail Barbary could be your best options. Want a luxury experience? The Tiua offers a high-end vibe with snorkelling. For those who prefer a more casual, social outing, the Kindred Spirit delivers a relaxed atmosphere with snacks and drinks.
Budget also matters—most tours hover around $33-$36, but the luxury option costs a bit more for added comfort. Timing your trip to coincide with warm weather or sunset hours can enhance the experience, especially for the evening cruises.
Booking early is advisable during peak summer months, as these tours tend to fill up. Think about whether you want to swim, learn about Māori culture, or just relax with a drink—each tour offers a slightly different flavor.
Final Thoughts
From eco-friendly cruises to luxury catamarans, Taupo’s sailing experiences cater to various interests and budgets. If you want a serene, environmentally-conscious outing, the Maori Rock Carvings Eco Sailing Taupo is a top choice. For those seeking comfort and a splash of luxury, the Tiua offers style along with cultural sights. Meanwhile, budget travelers and social groups will appreciate the Kindred Spirit, with its relaxed feel and fun atmosphere.
No matter what your preferences, Taupo’s waters promise a memorable, scenic experience that combines natural beauty with Māori artistry. Early booking is recommended, especially in summer, to ensure you secure your preferred date. Prepare to enjoy a peaceful day on New Zealand’s most famous lake—you might find it hard to leave the water once you’re on it.