Daily Scenic Maori Rock Carving Cruise Taupo
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Daily Scenic Cruises – Maori Rock Carvings
Please note we are changing our afternoon departure time from 1.30pm to 1.00pm from 1st November 2024.
Our Daily Scenic Cruises depart from Berth #4 at the Taupo Boat Harbour on Cruise Cat. You’ll love cruising in comfort and style with fabulous views from both the top and bottom decks. Cruise Cat is fully enclosed with large outdoor decks to enjoy close up views of the Maori Rock Carvings. Children are welcome, and we have colouring-in sheets and wheel certificates available for them. Cruise Cat is also wheelchair and push chair/stroller accessible.
An informative commentary is given on the volcanic history and Maori mythology surrounding Lake Taupo, and you’ll enjoy a complimentary hot homemade muffin and tea/coffee as you take in the fabulous views of secluded bays and the spectacular snow capped mountain peaks of the World Heritage Tongariro National Park.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Lake Taupo
Lake Taupo Marina is situated on the Waikato River - the only river or stream to flow out of Lake Taupo.
Maori Rock Carvings
Listen to your crew explain the history behind the Maori Rock carvings, the creation and explanation of what they represent. Great photo opportunities here.
What‘s Included
Live commentary on board
Coffee and/or Tea
A FREE HOMEMADE MUFFIN
Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Options
1.00pm Carvings Cruise
90 minute scenic cruise to the Maori Rock Carvings includes a fishing demonstration. FREE hot drink, muffin & smoked trout.
5pm Daily Rock Carvings Cruise
5pm Maori Rock Carving Tour: 90min scenic cruise on Lake Taupo to the Maori Rock Carvings. Full bar on board, Lake tour, kiwi music.
8.30am Rock Carvings Cruise
10.30 Daily Rock Carvings Tour
10.30 Maori Rock Carvings Tour: 90 minute scenic boat cruise on Lake Taupo to the Maori Rock Carvings. FREE hot drinks and homemade muffin. Trusted operator.
Reviews
563 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Highly recommended
lesmC9762AI,,Dec 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The purpose of the trip was to show a visiting student from Brazil the drawings and give her a cruise on Lake Taupo. The lake and weather conditions were near perfect, the crew were very friendly and helpful; and a highlight for our guest was the opportunity to land a trout that was hooked while viewing the drawings. I would rate the whole experience as 5 out of 5.
Great evening cruise.
Stephanie N,,Dec 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Went on the 5pm trip and the lake was so calm it was a lovely sailing. Friendly and informative Crewe. Plenty of time at the carvings to take photos.
Efficient refund after pickup failure
Joseph M,,Nov 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.005 stars is for the quick efficient refund. Can't comment on the tour as it was run from a different birth and on a different boat from usual and I didn't get picked up. Part of the issue was the harbour sales agent in the ticketing building said the different boat definitely wasn't mine and that I should wait for the original boat at the original berth. Viator booking said non-refundable. 5 stars is due to the boat operator accepting pickup failure (waited 30 minutes to not get picked up) and communicating with Viator to override the non-refundable status.
To see the Maories rocks
rosodo,,Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked the day before to take the lake tour and then see Maori Rock Carvings. I thought it was super well organized. Also in the price include drinks, coffee and hot tea, cookies and muffins. I'm telling you, in other countries you'd pay for it. Thanks for the experience.
A lovely cruise with lots of interesting information
caddy3,,Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful time on the cruise. The boat was very comfortable and you could go outside whenever you wanted to. The commentary was very informative and we learned a lot about both the carving and the lake itself. They gave everyone ample time to get the photos that they wanted. It was a great trip and lovely to be out on the beautiful lake. The staff were all very friendly and helpful. Would definitely recommend.
Good deal on a nice ride
Lucy S,,Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Nice relaxing trip on the Lake. This your group had a nice crew and the muffins were delicious. Would recommend.
Enjoyable quick trip to Māori carvings
Kevin C,,Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Follow the instructions on your email, not much direction at wharf. Beautiful scenery, interesting commentary.
amazing lake experience
Donna K,,Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00it is thoroughly enjoyable, informative, relaxing & hospitable. crew were very professional and friendly. they related to all ages and cultures on board.
A great trip with a great company
richardmP1661JV,,Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The staff on the boat were excellent and looked after us really well. There was complimentary tea and coffee and then some excellent blueberry muffins from the oven. the trip out to the Maori rock carvings took about 40 minutes. The carvings are simply jaw dropping and well worth the trip. An excellent boat experience.
Money well spent
KMKMacdonald,,Oct 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A very enjoyable cruise of Lake Taupo with a super-friendly crew. Unfortunately, we didn't catch a fish but the warmed muffins made up for that ! Happy to recommend
From NZ$59.00
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Operated by Chris Jolly Outdoors