Skip to main content
Get Your Guide logo
Anytime
  • Become a supplier
  • Wishlist
  • Cart
  • Profile
    Menu

    Explore Taupo

    Places to see
    Back
    Places to see

    Top sights

    Huka Falls

    Lake Taupo

    Ngatoroirangi Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings

    Orakei Korako

    Attraction types

    Viewing points

    Day trips

    National parks

    Outside Taupo

    Nearby destinations

    Rotorua tours

    Waitomo tours

    National Park, North Island tours

    Nearby sights

    Waitomo Glowworm CavesAttraction in Waitomo, New Zealand

    Te PuiaAttraction in Rotorua, New Zealand

    Wai-O-Tapu Thermal WonderlandAttraction in Rotorua, New Zealand

    Tongariro Alpine CrossingAttraction in Taupo District, New Zealand

    WhakarewarewaAttraction in Rotorua, New Zealand

    Tongariro National ParkAttraction in Manawatū-Whanganui, New Zealand

    Things to do
    Back
    Things to do

    Top experiences

    Bus & minivan tours

    Hiking

    Hot springs

    Sailing trips & boat tours

    Volcano tours

    Cave tours

    Sulfur spas

    Speed & jet boat tours

    Canoe & kayak tours

    Sky diving

    Explore more things to do in Taupo

    Interests

    Nature & adventure

    Water sports

    Outdoor sports

    Extreme sports & adrenaline

    Traveler type

    Good for groups

    Wheelchair accessible

    Family-friendly activities

  • Explore Taupo
  • Places to see
  • Things to do
  • Top sights
  • Attraction types
  • Outside Taupo

Huka Falls

Lake Taupo

Ngatoroirangi Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings

Orakei Korako

Viewing points

Day trips

National parks

Nearby destinations

Rotorua tours

Waitomo tours

National Park, North Island tours

Nearby sights

Waitomo Glowworm CavesAttraction in Waitomo, New Zealand

Te PuiaAttraction in Rotorua, New Zealand

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal WonderlandAttraction in Rotorua, New Zealand

Tongariro Alpine CrossingAttraction in Taupo District, New Zealand

WhakarewarewaAttraction in Rotorua, New Zealand

Tongariro National ParkAttraction in Manawatū-Whanganui, New Zealand

  • Top experiences
  • Interests
  • Traveler type

Bus & minivan tours

Hiking

Hot springs

Sailing trips & boat tours

Volcano tours

Cave tours

Sulfur spas

Speed & jet boat tours

Canoe & kayak tours

Sky diving

Explore more things to do in Taupo

Nature & adventure

Water sports

Outdoor sports

Extreme sports & adrenaline

Explore more things to do in Taupo

Good for groups

Wheelchair accessible

Family-friendly activities

Explore more things to do in Taupo

Lake Taupo: Maori Rock Carvings 10.30 AM 1.5-Hour Cruise

4.578415 out of 5 stars
4.6
4.578415 out of 5 stars
593 reviews
Media collage
Media collage
Media collage
Media collage
Media collage
Media collage
Media collage
Media collage
Media collage
Media collage
Media collage
Media collage
Media collage
Media collage
Media collage
Media collage
Media collage
Media collage
Media collage
Media collage
Media collage
Media collage
Media collage
Media collage
Media collage
Media collage
Media collage
Media collage
Media collage
Media collage
Media collage
Lake Taupo: Maori Rock Carvings 10.30 AM 1.5-Hour Cruise
4.578415 out of 5 stars
4.6
4.578415 out of 5 stars
593 reviews

Cruise on a large catamaran and take in the spectacular views of Lake Taupo framed by Tongariro National Park's majestic snow-capped mountain peaks. Discover the spectacular Maori rock carvings.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 1.5 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide
English
Wheelchair accessible

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

M
M – New Zealand

Tgey were very honest that the weather wasn't good for the trip and gave me refund. I'll definitely book with them again.

J
James – United Kingdom

A fabulous trip! The boat was lovely, they had tea and fresh muffins which were really nice. The guide was very knowledgable and gave us lots of interesting information. We were able to spend a bit of time at the carving and the boat was moved around so everyone could see it. A really good trip, highly recommend!

Select participants and date

Participants

Highlights

  • Discover the renowned Maori Rock Carvings on a cruise
  • Marvel at the beautiful panoramic scenery surrounding Taupo
  • Enjoy guided commentary to learn about the lake and the carvings
  • Feed the ducks and watch an optional fishing demonstration

Full description

Cruise through the crystal-clear, turquoise waters of Lake Taupo, taking in the vibrancy of Maori culture on a cruise. Explore the stunning surroundings of the lake while surrounded by rugged mountains and lush trees on the banks. Enjoy an optional fishing demonstration.
As you glide through the lake on your deluxe Catamaran, you’ll come to a massive carving depicting the traditional facial tattooing of the Maori people.

Inspired by centuries of rich Maori tradition, artist Matahi Brightwell carved the elaborate relief into the side of a cliff directly above the lake’s pristine waters in 1980.
Depicting one of his grandmother’s ancestors, the carving represents a triumph of Maori artistry and the continued preservation of indigenous culture.
After visiting the Maori Rock Carvings, watch as the crew gives a trout fishing demonstration by setting some fishing lines and talking about the various fishing options allowed on Lake Taupo (if option selected).
At the end of the trip, you’ll head back to the dock to disembark.

Includes

  • 1.5-hour cruise aboard a 2-story catamaran
  • Experienced and professional local guide
  • Fishing demonstration (if option selected)
  • Life jackets
  • Tea or coffee and a muffin
  • Additional food

Meeting point

Berth 4, Taupo Boat Harbour, Chris Jolly Outdoors Redoubt St, Taupo 3330, New Zealand. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time.

Open in Google Maps

Important information

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes
  • Jacket
  • Warm clothing

Know before you go

  • Subject to favourable weather conditions. In the event of bad weather, it may not be possible to view the Maori Rock Carvings. This decision is made at the discretion of the skipper for the health and safety of all on board the vessel.
  • Wheelchair access is dependent on lake levels and size of the wheelchair. You must call the office to book prior to traveling to see if the wheelchair can be accommodated.

From $36 per person

Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today
Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 593 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.7/5
  • Transportation
    4.7/5
  • Value for money
    4.5/5

Customer photos

Media collage
Media collage
Media collage
Media collage
Media collage
+24
Filter
By star rating
Sort by:
Recommended
Recommended
Most recent
Highest rated
Lowest rated
M
M – New ZealandJune 2, 2025 – Verified booking
Tgey were very honest that the weather wasn't good for the trip and gave me refund. I'll definitely book with them again.

Response from provider

June 2, 2025

Thank you. We give everyone the same options before a cruise on a windy day—if our Skipper thinks we may not comfortably get to the carvings, you are able to reschedule or receive a refund. Unfortunately, we do not always have enough notice or guests' contact details to let everyone know beforehand. We do our best to limit the inconvenience you may experience. Look forward to seeing you back here!

J
James – United KingdomMay 15, 2025 – Verified booking
A fabulous trip! The boat was lovely, they had tea and fresh muffins which were really nice. The guide was very knowledgable and gave us lots of interesting information. We were able to spend a bit of time at the carving and the boat was moved around so everyone could see it. A really good trip, highly recommend!

Response from provider

May 19, 2025

Thank you for your great feedback - we really appreciate your comments!

I
Ivana – AustraliaMay 9, 2025 – Verified booking
Great trip, good price value. even when Wether was cold and rainy, it didn't matter. our 2 girls guides very very knowledgeable and during whole trip provided very interested stories and information. They didn't rush, everyone had a chance to take photos of carvings. Blueberries muffins were excellent as well as hot chocolate. would recommend everyone this trip.

Product ID: 263087

Activity provider:Chris Jolly Outdoors
  • New Zealand
  • North Island
  • Things to do in Taupo
  • Tours in Taupo
  • Lake Taupo

Top Attractions in Taupo

  • 1Huka Falls
  • 2Lake Taupo
  • 3Ngatoroirangi Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings
  • 4Orakei Korako

Experiences in Taupo

  • 1Taupo Parasailing
  • 2Taupo Air & helicopter tours
  • 3Taupo Hot springs
  • 4Taupo Cruises & boat tours
  • 5Taupo Speed & jet boat tours
  • 6Taupo Canoe & kayak tours
  • 7Taupo Day trips
  • 8Taupo Activities for couples
  • 9Taupo Family-friendly activities
  • 10Taupo Transfers
  • 11Taupo Sailing trips & boat tours
  • 12Taupo Mud baths
  • 13Taupo Water sports
  • 14Taupo Extreme sports & adrenaline
  • 15Taupo Nature & adventure
  • 16Taupo Walking tours
  • 17Taupo Sculpture & carving experiences
  • 18Taupo Geyser tours
  • 19Taupo Sulfur spas
  • 20Taupo Waterfalls tours

Tours in New Zealand

  • 1Queenstown Tours
  • 2Auckland Tours
  • 3Rotorua Tours
  • 4Christchurch Tours
  • 5Wellington Tours
  • 6Wanaka Tours
  • 7Lake Tekapo Tours
  • 8Kaikoura Tours
  • 9Te Anau Tours
  • 10Tauranga Tours
  • 11Dunedin Tours
  • 12Paihia Tours
  • 13Nelson, New Zealand Tours
  • 14Aoraki Mount Cook Village Tours
  • 15Fox Glacier Tours
  • 16Franz Josef Town Tours
  • 17Glenorchy Tours
  • 18Akaroa Tours
  • 19Napier Tours
  • 20Picton Tours

Things to do in New Zealand

  • 1Things to do in Queenstown
  • 2Things to do in Auckland
  • 3Things to do in Rotorua
  • 4Things to do in Christchurch
  • 5Things to do in Wellington
  • 6Things to do in Wanaka
  • 7Things to do in Lake Tekapo
  • 8Things to do in Kaikoura
  • 9Things to do in Te Anau
  • 10Things to do in Tauranga
  • 11Things to do in Dunedin
  • 12Things to do in Paihia
  • 13Things to do in Nelson, New Zealand
  • 14Things to do in Aoraki Mount Cook Village
  • 15Things to do in Fox Glacier
  • 16Things to do in Franz Josef Town
  • 17Things to do in Glenorchy
  • 18Things to do in Akaroa
  • 19Things to do in Picton
  • 20Things to do in Greymouth

Top destinations

  • Paris
  • Rome
  • Barcelona
  • Amsterdam
  • Prague
  • London
  • Dubai
  • Marrakesh
  • Milan
  • Budapest
  • Vienna
  • Lisbon
  • Venice
  • Istanbul
  • Florence
  • Madrid
  • New York City
  • Seville
  • Málaga
  • Berlin

Top attraction categories

  • Amsterdam Cruises & boat tours
  • Budapest Cruises & boat tours
  • Paris Cruises & boat tours
  • Paris Hop-on Hop-off tours
  • Venice Gondola tours
  • Berlin Cruises & boat tours
  • Rome Hop-on Hop-off tours
  • Paris Family-friendly activities
  • Paris City cards
  • Paris Shows & musicals
  • Rome City cards
  • Tokyo Sumo experiences
  • London Harry Potter tours
  • Hamburg Cruises & boat tours
  • Vienna Concerts & operas
  • Prague Cruises & boat tours
  • Berlin Shows & musicals
  • Marrakesh Balloon tours
  • New York City City cards
  • Amsterdam City cards

Popular Attractions

  • Caminito del Rey
  • Sagrada Familia
  • Eiffel Tower
  • Seine River
  • Vatican Museums
  • Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau
  • Disneyland Paris
  • Louvre Museum
  • Colosseum
  • Pompeii Archaeological Site
  • Warner Bros. Studio London
  • Moulin Rouge
  • Mount Vesuvius
  • Alhambra
  • Lake Como
  • Palace of Versailles
  • Mount Etna
  • Notre Dame Cathedral
  • Last Supper
  • Park Güell
  • New Zealand
  • North Island
  • Things to do in Taupo
  • Tours in Taupo
  • Lake Taupo
Get it on Google PlayDownload on the App Store
  • Contact
  • Legal Notice
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookies and Marketing Preferences
  • General Terms and Conditions
  • Information according to the Digital Services Act
  • Sitemap
  • Do not Sell or Share my Personal Information
  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Blog
  • Press
  • Gift Cards
  • Explorer
  • As a Supply Partner
  • As a Content Creator
  • As an Affiliate Partner
Paypal
Mastercard
Visa
Maestro
American Express
Jcb
Discover
Klarna
Google Pay
Apple Pay
Ideal
Bancontact

© 2008 – 2025 GetYourGuide. Made in Zurich & Berlin.

Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn