New Zealand · SAILING TRIPS IN TAUPO
New Zealand leaves you fewer spare days than you planned for. These 7 sailing trips in Taupo justify one, priced and timed so the choice takes a minute.
Sail across Lake Taupō for a close look at the Māori Rock Carvings, with guides such as Aaron, Liam, and David sharing local stories along the way. You can help with the sailing or relax on the roomy deck, enjoy a hot drink, stop for a swim, and return under blankets. Boats may include a classic sailboat or catamaran.
“A really amazing experience! Great value and lovely guides.”
Sail from Taupō with Captain Chris or Pete aboard an eco-friendly electric yacht, heading across Lake Taupō to the 14-meter Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings. Hear local myths, enjoy views of the lake and volcanoes, and swim near Mine Bay when conditions allow. The 2.5-hour cruise carries no more than 18 people.
“Place was awesome. Don't forget sunscreen. Captain was funny and charming. The carving was really cool”
Set out from Taupō Marina aboard Tiua, a 53-foot luxury catamaran, for a relaxed 2.5-hour cruise across Lake Taupō. Aaron, Erin, Steph, Dave, or Liam may guide your trip, sharing stories about the lake and its Māori carvings. Expect a swim stop, onboard drinks, beanbags, blankets, and a water-only view of Ngātoroirangi.
“The crew were super. We had the new girl whom was clearly well practiced but anything she didn’t know, the company had an experienced guide to support her so we felt incredibly well looked after. Quality tour.”
Spend 150 minutes on Lake Taupō aboard Sail Barbary, New Zealand’s first commercial electric sailboat. Captain Chris or Lloyd may guide you past volcanic shorelines and Mine Bay’s Māori Rock Carvings, with stories, hot drinks, ponchos, and time for a swim. Evening trips include one alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink.
“You cannot skip this activity in Taupo. Don’t miss the opportunity to swim in the Lake Taupo. It is a great experience. Sailing boat was beautiful. The guide was good but when the yacht is sailing I couldn’t hear anything from the other end of the yacht. I do nevertheless recommend it and I hope they find a solution for that... The carvings were beautiful and we have seen a duck family which was very cute.”
Cruise Lake Taupō aboard a 53-foot sailing catamaran with an English-speaking local guide. See the Māori Rock Carvings, hear about their cultural meaning, stop for a swim, and relax in the covered cockpit or saloon with blankets and beanbag chairs. Morning departures can offer a quieter visit.
“Calm weather small group chill day on the lake with carvings bathing and socialising! Super nice crew!”
Join skipper Ian for a 90-minute catamaran trip from Kinloch Marina. Cruise roughly 30 kilometers through Lake Taupo’s quieter Western Bays, get close to Otupotu Falls, feel spray from the bow, and walk from a boat-only beach to another waterfall. Groups are limited to eight.
“I loved the whole trip and the tour guide was wonderful”
Join a small group of up to six on a 210-minute catamaran cruise from Kinloch. Your English-speaking skipper, including Ian on some departures, takes you to waterfalls, ravines, Karangahape Cliffs, and a boat-only beach. Swim, enjoy seasonal paddleboarding, take a short bush walk, and share light refreshments.
“Such a great afternoon with Ian our skipper, he was so informative and such a nice guy a small group only 5 of us which made the trip More personnel would thoroughly recommend to anyone who wants a fun afternoon and to see a more unspoilt side of lake Taupo”
Pick a coast, a crater or a cellar door.
