Sailing Tours
History and Māori Culture
Cruises
Family-friendly Tours
Half-Day Tours
- Departs: 10am
- Duration: 2.5 - 3 hours (approx)
- Guided Tour: Gain insightful commentary from experienced skippers about the lake’s history, geology, and cultural significance.
- Māori Rock Carvings: Marvel at the stunning contemporary carvings, considered some of the most impressive in the world.
- Swimming Stop: Enjoy a chance to swim in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Taupo, weather permitting.
- Tea and Coffee: Available for purchase
- Fully Licensed Bar: Great selection of wine, beers and spirits to purchase
- Snacks: Available for purchase
Tiua (pronounced tee-ua, meaning “to move with the wind”) is a stunning Fountaine Pajot Marquises 53 sailing catamaran, purpose-built for high-end charters. Launched in 1992, she spent her early years in the Caribbean — including nine years on land — before being sailed to New Zealand in 2008 for charter operations on Lake Rotoiti.
From that point on, Tiua became a familiar sight on the lake, taking guests to explore Rotorua’s hidden bays, thermal pools and cave-lined shores. In 2023, she was welcomed into the Taupō Sailing Adventures fleet, continuing her legacy on the water.
After her arrival in Aotearoa, Tiua underwent a major refit. This included new Yanmar engines and gearboxes, a redesigned coach roof, and a complete repaint. A sleek stainless-steel framework was added, lifting the mainsail sheet track to roof height — making the cockpit area safer and more open.
Inside, Tiua offers three bright double ensuite cabins and an additional cabin/workroom. The galley sits on the starboard side, with a convenient day head to port. The spacious main saloon is beautifully finished with native New Zealand timber tables and panelling, while the covered cockpit features a custom hardtop with sliding roof panels and roll-down clears — perfect for entertaining in any weather. The large cockpit table folds out to comfortably seat ten for relaxed dining on the water.
- Passenger Capacity: Maximum of 51 passengers, 35 passengers in all-weather.
- Inside Seating: 25 people
- Model: Fountaine Pajot Marquises 53 Catamaran
- Built: 1992
- Dimensions:
- Length: 53ft (16.2m)
- Beam: 26ft (8m)
- Draught: 5ft (1.37m)
- Construction: Foam core fibreglass with high bridge deck
- Speed:
- Max Speed under Engine: 7 knots
- Max Speed Sailing: 10 knots
- Health & Safety: Fully equipped with the latest health and safety standards to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience.
- Camera: To capture the stunning views and memorable moments throughout the tour.
- Swimsuit and Towel: For those who wish to take a dip in the lake.
- Sunblock: Essential for sun protection during the tour.
- Warm Clothing: Layered clothing is recommended to stay comfortable as the temperature can vary.
- Soft Shoes: Comfortable footwear is recommended; hard-soled shoes and high heels are not permitted.
Restrictions:
- Footwear: No hard-soled shoes or high heels allowed for safety reasons.
We Provide:
- Beanbags for outside seating: Enjoy pizza and one glass of beer, wine, or a non-alcoholic beverage.
- Weather Gear: Wet weather clothing and blankets to keep you warm and dry in case of inclement weather
- Additional Drinks: Available for purchase.
- Adult: 15 years +
- Children: 3-14 years
- Infant: 2 years and under
- More than 24 hours before departure: Full refund**.
- Within 24 hours before departure: No refund
Note: **Refund excludes credit card or payment fees if applicable, which are non-refundable.
Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.*
