Things to do in Taupō with teenagers: a guest's day on the water, and why we loved reading it
Updated: Oct 16
Kia ora, friends.
Every now and then a guest goes home and writes about their day with us, and it makes the whole crew grin. This one landed recently from the lovely writer behind Eat Clean, Health and Dream, who spent a winter day in Taupō with her two boys. If you've been wondering about things to do in Taupō with teenagers, pull up a chair. Her story says it better than we ever could.
Read the full story from the family's point of view!
From coffee at the marina to a very brave winter swim and an afternoon in the hot pools, our guest captured her whole Taupō day with her boys. It's a lovely read, especially if you're planning a trip with teenagers.
Coffee first, then the lake
Her day started the way plenty of good Taupō days do: a coffee at Stir Café, just a short wander from the marina. She called it brilliant, and we won't argue.
Then it was down to the water to meet Lloyd, our skipper, and step aboard Barbary. The sky was clear, the lake was calm and there was just enough breeze to keep things interesting. Six guests in total that morning: our writer and her boys, a couple up from the North Shore and a gentleman from Taranaki.
That small group is something we care about a lot. As she put it, it "felt much more personal than being part of a huge tourist group." There's room to ask questions, swap stories with the people next to you and actually hear your skipper. By the end of a sail, strangers tend to feel a bit like neighbours.
Sailing quietly to the Māori rock carvings
Barbary is an electric eco-yacht, so when the sails are doing the work, all you hear is the water. Our guest mentioned that Lake Taupō is roughly the size of Singapore, and once you're out in the middle of it, you believe it.
The course headed for Mine Bay and the Māori rock carvings, which you can only see properly from the water. Lloyd shared the history and cultural background of the carvings and the land around them. She spotted the lizard carving too, so keep your eyes peeled. With hot drinks in hand and the cliffs rising out of the lake, it's one of those moments that stays with you.
She also noticed how much Lloyd cares about eco-sailing and looking after the lake. That's no act. Sailing quietly, leaving no trace and sharing the stories of this place properly is the whole reason we do what we do.
Things to do in Taupō with teenagers: See the carvings for yourself!
Hop aboard our Māori Rock Carvings sail and let Lloyd show you Mine Bay from the water. Small groups, hot drinks and a quiet electric yacht.
The swim nobody planned
Here's the bit that made us laugh. Her youngest decided, completely on the spot, that he was going in. In winter. Into Lake Taupō.
In he went, out he came, and Lloyd was right there with a towel. We can't promise you'll be that brave, but we can promise a warm drink afterwards if you are.
Warming up at the hot pools
After the sail, the family booked a 3pm session at DeBretts Thermal Water Park, which she described as affordable and family-friendly. Think outdoor pools to suit different ages and moods, slides and flumes, and a splash zone for younger kids. Her tip: book ahead, even if you're staying on site.
A morning on the lake followed by an afternoon in the hot pools? We'd call that a pretty perfect Taupō day.
Why a sail belongs at the top of your Taupō list
Taupō has no shortage of things to do, and we love our neighbours in town. But if you only do one thing, we'd gently suggest it's getting out on the lake. Here's why families keep telling us it's the highlight of their trip:
It suits every age. Teenagers who are "too cool" for most tours tend to come alive on a boat, especially if there's a chance of a swim.
It's small and personal. No crowds, no megaphones, just a handful of guests and a skipper who loves to chat.
It's the best way to see the carvings. The Mine Bay rock carvings are made to be seen from the water.
It's gentle on the lake. Our electric yacht means a quiet, low-impact sail.
It works in winter too. Our guest's clear, still day is proof the cooler months can be magic on the water. Just bring a warm layer.
Find the Lake Taupō boat cruise that suits you!
Morning sails to the rock carvings, golden sunset cruises or a private charter for your crew. There's a way onto the lake for everyone.
Come sailing with us
A huge thank you to our guest for sharing her day, and for letting us share it with you. Reading about her boys on the water is exactly why we love this job.
Explore things to do in Taupō with teenagers! From eco-sailing to hot pools, discover why our guest's day on the water was unforgettable. If you're planning a trip to Taupō, with teenagers or without, we'd love to have you aboard. Book your Māori Rock Carvings sail online, email us at Bookings@sailbarbary.com or give us a call on 07 378 5879 / 0800 ECO SAIL.
See you on the water,
The Sail Barbary crew
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Lake Taupō cruise good for teenagers and kids?
Absolutely. Our cruises are family-friendly and relaxed, with plenty to see and learn for all ages. Teenagers especially love being out on the water, and there's always a chance for a swim in the warmer months.
Can you see the Māori rock carvings without a boat?
No, the Mine Bay Māori rock carvings can only be reached by water. We sail right alongside them, so you get a close, clear view from the deck.
How long is the cruise and where does it leave from?
Our Māori Rock Carvings sail runs for 2.5 hours, departing daily at 10.30am and 2pm. You'll find us at Berths 9 and 10, Redoubt Street, Taupō Boat Harbour, just a short walk from town.
Can you swim during the cruise?
Swimming may be available on selected cruises when the weather and lake conditions allow. If you'd like to jump in, bring your togs and a towel.
What happens if there's no wind?
You'll still get out on the lake and see the carvings. Barbary combines wind power with electric propulsion, so on a still day we glide along quietly on electric power, with no diesel fumes and no engine roar. Calm days are often the best for photos, too.
Got more questions? Head over to our Lake Taupō cruise FAQs or contact us!
