Sail Barbary - Eco Sailing to the Maori Rock Carvings

4.8
1241
Deals from $29.00 Save $30.00 Check datescalendar_month
Step aboard and join us for a sail on New Zealand's only commercially operated electric yacht–zero emissions, no noise or fumes

Step aboard and join us for a sail on New Zealand's only commercially operated electric yacht–zero emissions, no noise or fumes

Highlights

  • Quietly incredible. A unique and authentic experience on a electric yacht
  • 2.5 hours of fun and relaxation
  • Soak up the scenic views, sun and enjoy a refreshing swim
  • Learn about the ecology of the lake, the cultural history of the carvings and volcanic rock
  • BYO or purchase refreshments onboard
  • Ultimate quality sailing experience with up to 18 seats available

Welcome aboard New Zealand's only commercial electric sailing yacht.

As we silently cruise out to the carvings on crystal clear water you will be able to view the spectacular scenery from the comfort of your seat.

Our experienced skippers will inform you about the ecological, historical, spiritual and cultural significance of the area as you sail out to the 14-meter high Maori Rock Carvings in Mine Bay. These carvings are only accessible by water. Sail Barbary will take you right up close for the perfect photo of Ngatororangi carved into the rock face.

On the trip home, you can jump into the deep blue freshwater lake for a swim or your captain will gladly show you the ropes and you can help hoist the sails or even take a turn at the wheel!

To top it all off, we are licensed or you can BYO (Bring Your Own) food and beverages. Things really couldn’t get more Kiwi.

Reduce your travel miles and make the ethical choice to experience eco-travel at its best. We're equipped for all conditions so you can enjoy sailing at its best. Sail Barbary - We don’t promise the best cruise on the lake, we deliver it!


Departures:

10.30am: Day Cruise - 2.5 hours includes free tea, coffee, hot chocolate and a postcard

2.00pm: Day Cruise - 2.5 hours includes free tea, coffee, hot chocolate and a postcard

5.00pm: Evening Cruise - 2.5 hours includes free tea, coffee, hot chocolate, free wine or beer and a postcard (Summer Only)

Adult $59.00 (Day Cruise)
Child $35.00 (Day Cruise - Aged 0-15 years)
Adult (Evening) $69.00 (Evening cruise)
Child (Evening) $40.00 (Evening cruise)

What's included

  • 2.5 hour cruise
  • Tea, coffee, hot chocolate
  • Amusing commentary and sustainability information
  • Swimming (subject to weather condtions)
  • Sailing instruction
  • BYO or fully licenced bar

Duration

  • Allow 2.5 hours for the whole experience

Location

  • Berth 9
  • Redoubt Street
  • Taupo Marina.

Child Friendly

  • This experience welcomes families with children.

Bad Weather Refunds

  • If your experience is cancelled by the operator (because of the bad weather, safety concerns, unscheduled maintenance etc) you will be entitled to a full refund.

Notes

  • ***Important Information***

    Please note: there must be 1 adult ticket purchased for every 2 child tickets for safety reasons.

    When purchasing a child's ticket please include the ages of all children in the notes section.

    Proof of age may be requested upon check-in at the skipper's discretion.

    We reserve the right to transfer passengers to an alternative boat should weather conditions or other circumstances require it. This will not alter the tour route or inclusions - only the boat will change.

    Please chose your trip carefully. If you need to change your time or date, you will be charged full price rates.

    Cancellations by the customer with less than 24 hours notice will not be refunded. Tickets are non-transferable - please check your departure time and date are correct before proceeding to check out.

    All departures are subject to demand, minimum numbers, lake and weather conditions. If you are travelling from out of town please call to confirm your trip.

  • Pet friendly: dogs on a leash please - call to confirm.

    Eco-friendly: 100% sustainable travel.


Available Bookings from 16 Aug to 29 Aug 2026

All prices are shown in NZD ($)

Change Dates
Sun 16 Aug
Mon 17 Aug
Tue 18 Aug
Wed 19 Aug
Thu 20 Aug
Fri 21 Aug
Sat 22 Aug
Sun 23 Aug
Mon 24 Aug
Tue 25 Aug
Wed 26 Aug
Thu 27 Aug
Fri 28 Aug
Sat 29 Aug

Bookings close in 8 hours...

  • Adult$29.00
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$29.00
  • Child$28.00

  • Adult$39.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$35.00

  • Adult$29.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$28.00

  • Adult$39.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$35.00

  • Adult$29.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$28.00

  • Adult$39.00
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$29.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$29.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$39.00
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$29.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$39.00
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$29.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$39.00
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$39.00
  • Child$35.00

  • Adult$29.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$28.00

  • Adult$39.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$35.00

  • Adult$29.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$28.00

  • Adult$39.00
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$29.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$39.00
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$39.00
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$29.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$39.00
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$29.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$29.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$25.00
Lovely calm water Chill ride Awesome Cruise Nice experience Māori Carvings
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Authenticated Reviews & Photos All of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme

4.8

1241 reviews

Showing all 1241 authenticated Bookme reviews

brijanaw from New Zealand wrote on 09 August 2026

Awesome experience!

Amazing experience! Captain was a hoot! Would definitely go again!

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Rob McCaw from New Zealand wrote on 01 August 2026

Enjoy the peace

Lloyd is relaxed and helpful. Gives enough information without being gushing. So nice to travel without the noise and stink of diesel. We had a lovely sailing breeze both ways. Free untimed parking next to the boat!

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dom44 from France wrote on 31 July 2026

Sail Barbary

It was interesting, and the skipper was pleasant, funny, and friendly. Highly recommended

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Shalini Gajadhar from New Zealand wrote on 31 July 2026

Chill ride

Awesome relaxing ride with a well informed knowledgeable captain.

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Emily Tregellas from Australia wrote on 30 July 2026

Awesome experiance

My mother and I went on this 2 1/2 hour cruise yesterday and it was the perfect low energy activity! The lake was calm, the air was fresh and it was a well worth the experience. There was complimentary hot chocolates, tea and coffee on board. There was also blankets avaible to help keep warm. The skipper was knowledgeable, funny and is clearly great at his job. Honestly, I think it was one of the best ways to see the lake and the mountains in the distance. The Maori carvings and even their residential ducks were amazing to see. I would 100% recommend this activity to anyone wondering.

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Booking

10:00 a.m.Thursday 13 July

12

Adult Day Cruise

Child Day Cruise - Aged 0-15 years

Adult (Evening) Evening cruise

Child (Evening) Evening cruise

*This option must be made together with another price type.
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