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
573 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A Very Nice Day of Fishing
GPaCalgary,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We went on this fishing trip with our three grandkids. The weather was threatening rain on Lake Taupo, but we managed to miss it for most of the day. Our Captain Pirate Pete and his first mate Milly did a great job in finding us suitable fishing holes where we were able to find a total of five trout. We took a trip out to tsee the Māori Rock Carvings as well. At lunch, Pete barbequed some beautiful Ribeye Steaks for us and Milly served up three delicious salads.
Laid back and beautiful!
501kirstyc,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A beautiful laid back activity full of history and culture - the rock carving is amazing and Zoe was great at articulating the features and the meaning of the carvings - lots of fascinating facts about Lake Taupo and the vessel is extremely comfy. Thanks again ladies for an enjoyable afternoon activity!
As couldn't book on the...
Robin S,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00As couldn't book on the old steamer boat due to age limits, chose Chris Jolly cruise. No regrets as helpfulness embarking and disembarking vessel plus the information imparted during trip was amazing. Close proximity to the carvings was fantastic even for me as I realised it would be easier for me to remain seated.
Smoothe, friendly and just perfect.
Jen C,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful trip with great hosts. The rock carvings are amazing and the trip was smoothe, no worries of sea sickness. Enjoyed a glass of wine and learning about the area.
2 hours of enjoyment!
emilianv2026,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very relaxing experience, friendly staff with good sense of humour! It's been a pleasure and recommend that to anyone!
Best day for it!!!!
Leanne R,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Absolutely loved loved loved loved the cruise today been wanting to see the carving for years and being able to do it on a beautiful clear day with awesome crew just made it even better. Today was the meeting point to see my daughter and her partner because we weren’t able to catch them for Christmas they came up from Palmerston North and we came down from Tauranga and I was only able to see her for the duration of the cruise so it made it extra special!! Our skipper was amazing - she was fun lively knew a lot super friendly all the staff are super friendly and lovely would highly recommend to everyone to do this cruise I will definitely be taking more family members on this cruise again. Another highlight was the fishing one cream did catch one trout and very nicely put it back because it was too small which was awesome love that just really really nice people. Well well done everyone, muffins and coffee were brilliant in such a neat touch!!! See you again :-)
Great waters and trip...
Ajithkumar B,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Great waters and trip Fascinated by the carvings and the people who own it. Loved the trip but for a sunnier day.
A great experience
exchips51,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A great experience. Well organised, great commentary and service. The fresh baked muffins were superb. Shame we. Didn’t catch a fish though!
A worthwhile cruise on a clear sunny day
pulinau2025,,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time. The boat ride was not too crowded and it was smooth sailing throughout. The noon viewing let us view it in peace. The skipper and her crew were knowledgeable, friendly, and experienced. The whole experience took about 1½ hours with a bit of time spent fishing after the carvings. It seems to be cheaper to book directly. We had tea, coffee, and muffins available (the blueberry muffin was delicious). Unfortunately we weren't given any smoked trout as advertised.
The lake is the size of a small country, which will be named during the cruise.
Oscardog16,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00.We enjoyed the 3.00 p.m. cruise to the Māori cliff carvings. An unexpected treat was fishing for trout on the way back to the dock. The captain provided interesting commentary of the lake and surrounding area. Hot drinks and freshly baked muffins were provided during the cruise.
From NZ$59.00
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Operated by Chris Jolly Outdoors