On the north west side of Lake Taupo on the cliffs of Mine Bay, there are Maori rock carving created in the late 1970s by master carver Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell. Carved in likeness of Ngatoroirangi, a navigator who guided the Tuwharetoa and Te Arawa tribes to the Taupo area over a thousand years ago according to Maori legend. The 10-metre-high carving is intended to protect Lake Taupo from volcanic activities underneath. The cliff has become a popular tourist destination with hundreds of boats and yachts visiting the spot daily.
Must have seen place in New Zealand’s north island, we decided to try it in the best conditions : with Sail Barbary, for a sunset cruise.
The Maori Rock Carving cruise
The Barbary is a 100 years old yacht from California. Its history starts almost 100 years ago, when she was built in California. She was raced hard early in her life, and legend has it that the famous screen star and romantic hero, Errol Flynn won the yacht in a card game in 1938.
To make it a unforgettable moment, we’ve been cruising on the last trip of the day to be able to enjoy the sunset over the volcanos of the Tongariro National Park (that we already visited a first time still covered by snow, and another time during summer), and the full Moon rise over Taupo
We are welcome at 19:45 with joy and humour by Jamie, the captain. He drives us peacefully to the Maori rock carving while we appreciate the warmth of the low sun on the horizon. Then he drops the anchor just in front of the carvings to allow us to enjoy a little swim, or just stay on the boat to admire the cliff which are illuminated by the last rays of sun of the day. Then we turn back, with some beautiful orange lights…
What’s good by cruising at this time of the day, is that the lake is nearly empty ! No boats to trouble our trip. Indeed, the boat is a private one, so ambiance on board is quite relax : fresh beers, or other bottles have been bring by cruisers, some loud speakers plays the last fashion tunes, and Jamie even proposes some delicious BBQ sausages while cruising back to Taupo, with the silver lights of the full moon.
What do we think about it ?
We spent nearly 3 unforgettable and incredible hours on this cruise aboard the Barbary. Thank you very much Jamie ! For a nice trip with friends, or having a relax or party cruise on a yacht in paradise, it’s definitely the best saling experience in Taupo !
But if you’re looking for a more wild and quiet way to discover the carvings, it’s also possible to hire a kayak (but it’s a lot more expensive !). You can also used that cute green little boat for a more touristic or family trip.
Finally, we really appreciated the relax and festive ambiance on the Barbary, the stop in front of the Maori Rock Carving, the swim, and the captain ! We probably wouldn’t have enjoyed the same trip on a boat full of too much tourists where nothing happen during the cruise…
Sail Barbary :
- Cruising every day at 10:30 et 14:00, and more during summer
- Prices : 44$/adult, 25$/kid, 35$/senior
- 20 people max on the boat
- Start from the harbor, must be here 15mn before departure.
- Do not forget you sunglasses, suncream, hat, swimwear, and your smile 🙂 If you cruise during the late afternoon, take a jacket, it may be a little bit windy and fresh, while the sun it down.
- Bookings online : www.sailbarbary.com
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