Lake Taupo: Sailing Trip to the Maori Rock Carvings

Nestled within the dramatic landscapes of New Zealand’s North Island, Lake Taupo offers a breathtaking setting for a one-of-a-kind sailing adventure. Travelers can embark on a 2.5-hour cruise to the iconic Māori rock carvings, where intricate depictions of ancient gods and legends come to life. As the boat glides across the crystal-clear waters, guests can indulge in complimentary drinks and delicious pizza, all while soaking in the region’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. But the true highlight of this journey lies beyond the scenic vistas, hinting at a profound connection between the land, the water, and the timeless stories that have shaped this remarkable destination.

This experience made our list of the 13 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Taupo.

Key Points

• A 2.5-hour cruise on Lake Taupo, Australasia’s largest freshwater lake, to view the Maori rock carvings depicting gods, ancestors, and mythical creatures.
• The cruise includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a hot drink and cookie or drink and pizza, and opportunities to swim and relax on the boat’s spacious deck.
• Local guides provide insights into the deep cultural significance and storytelling behind the Maori rock carvings, which are carved directly into the cliff faces.
• Recommended items for the cruise include comfortable shoes, warm clothing, sun protection, and swimwear for those who wish to swim in the lake’s refreshing waters.
• The sailing experience is subject to weather and minimum booking conditions, and the skipper may adjust the viewing of the Maori carvings based on prevailing conditions.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Details

This sailing trip to the Māori Rock Carvings offers a 2.5-hour cruise exploring Lake Taupo, the largest freshwater lake in Australasia, with prices starting from $35.48 per person.

The tour allows visitors to discover the contemporary Māori carvings and learn about their cultural significance. Guests can enjoy a classic sailing experience with a local guide, swim in the crystal-clear waters, and relax on the spacious deck.

The tour includes a hot drink and cookie for morning departures, and a drink and pizza for afternoon/evening tours. Hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as wet weather gear, are also provided.

Cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Experience Highlights

Lake Taupo: Sailing Trip to the Maori Rock Carvings

Visitors can frequently explore Lake Taupo, the largest freshwater lake in Australasia, during this sailing trip. They can discover the contemporary Māori carvings and learn about their cultural significance. Guests also enjoy a classic sailing experience with a local guide, swim in the crystal-clear waters, and relax on the spacious deck.

The experience highlights include:

1. Cruising across the stunning Lake Taupo and witnessing the impressive Māori rock carvings.

2. Diving into the refreshing waters and soaking up the sun on the boat’s deck.

3. Savoring delicious pizza and drinks while taking in the breathtaking natural surroundings.

Inclusions and Amenities

The 2.5-hour cruise includes a local guide, lifejackets, blankets, and wet weather gear. Plus, guests can enjoy a hot drink and cookie on morning tours, or a drink and pizza on afternoon/evening tours. Hotel pickup and drop-off are provided, and additional drinks are available for purchase.

Inclusions	Amenities
2.5-hour cruise	Hot drink and cookie (morning)
Local guide	Drink and pizza (afternoon/evening)
Lifejackets, blankets, wet weather gear	Hotel pickup and drop-off
	Additional drinks available

These thoughtful inclusions and amenities ensure a comfortable and enjoyable sailing experience for guests.

Important Information

Guests are encouraged to bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, sunglasses, sun hats, swimwear, towels, cameras, and sunscreen for the sailing trip.

Shoes aren’t allowed indoors during the cruise.

The sailing experience is subject to minimum numbers, lake, and weather conditions. In case of bad weather, the skipper has the discretion to adjust the viewing of the Māori Rock Carvings.

Here are three important things to note:

1. Wear layers as the morning can be chilly on the lake.

2. The tour may be canceled due to inclement weather or low booking numbers.

3. Bring a jacket to stay warm and comfortable throughout the sailing adventure.

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Customer Ratings and Feedback

Customers have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback on this sailing experience, rating it an impressive 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 447 reviews. The local guides were particularly praised, earning a perfect 5 out of 5 rating. The transportation and value for money were also highly rated at 4.9 out of 5.

Metric	Rating
Overall	4.9/5
Guide	5/5
Transportation	4.9/5
Value for Money	4.9/5

Travelers highlighted the breathtaking surroundings, knowledgeable guides, and the overall enjoyable nature of the sailing trip. Many recommended dressing in layers to stay warm during the chilly morning tours.

Maori Rock Carvings Exploration

Towering over the crystal-clear waters of Lake Taupo, the Maori rock carvings stand as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of New Zealand’s indigenous people. These impressive artworks, carved directly into the cliff faces, depict Maori gods, ancestors, and mythical creatures. Visitors can marvel at the intricate details and sheer scale of these carvings, which range from several feet to over 40 feet in height.

The carvings hold deep spiritual significance for the Maori people, representing their connection to the land, their ancestors, and their beliefs.

Key highlights of the carving exploration include:

1. Discovering the cultural symbolism and storytelling woven into the carvings

2. Admiring the skilled craftsmanship and artistry of the Maori people

3. Gaining a deeper understanding of Maori history and traditions through this unique outdoor gallery.

Sailing Experience and Activities

Visitors embark on a 2.5-hour cruise across the pristine waters of Lake Taupo, providing a classic sailing experience with a local guide. They’ll discover the contemporary Maori carvings and learn about their cultural significance.

During the journey, guests can swim in the crystal-clear waters and relax on the spacious deck. Those on the morning tour will enjoy a hot drink and cookie, while afternoon and evening tours include a drink and pizza.

The tour also provides lifejackets, blankets, and wet weather gear to ensure a comfortable experience. With the option for hotel pickup and drop-off, this sailing adventure offers a well-rounded way to explore the stunning Maori rock carvings.

Practical Recommendations

To fully enjoy the sailing adventure, it’s recommended to bring along a few essential items. Comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and sun protection like sunglasses and a hat will help visitors stay cozy and shielded from the elements.

Plus, packing a towel and swimwear allows them to take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Taupo.

The tour also has a few important rules to keep in mind:

1. Shoes must be removed when going indoors on the boat.

2. The sailing experience is subject to minimum numbers, lake, and weather conditions.

3. The skipper has the discretion to adjust the viewing of the Māori Rock Carvings based on weather conditions.

Recap

This sailing trip offers a unique opportunity to explore the captivating Maori rock carvings and the natural beauty of Lake Taupo.

Guests can enjoy stunning views, swim in the crystal-clear waters, and indulge in complementary drinks and pizza, all while seeing the rich cultural heritage of the region.

It’s an unforgettable experience that combines adventure, relaxation, and cultural discovery.

You can check if your dates are available here: