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
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.
Options
8.30am Rock Carvings Cruise
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.
1.00pm Carvings Cruise
90 minute scenic cruise to the Maori Rock Carvings includes a fishing demonstration. FREE hot drink, muffin & smoked trout.
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.
What‘s Included
Live commentary on board
Coffee and/or Tea
A FREE HOMEMADE MUFFIN
Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
611 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Magnificent
Morgane R,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A very nice boat trip to discover the Māori rock carvings. It was magnificent. The landscapes are beautiful and the water is calm. The captain's comments are interesting. The crew was very kind and attentive to the children.
A valuable trip with live demonstration
jajavalB,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00I took daytour sailing trip to see Maori carving rocks and, amazingly, live fishing demonstration. Boarding the cruise , I enjoyed complimenatry hot drinks , and also alcoholic beverages to be purchased onboard. Our guides showed around the history of rock carvings, then , on the way back, I was entertained with fishing , and also alcoholic, yes, we got big rainbow trout. It valued my money to do this activity.
Birthday Treat
808reshmac,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Reasonable price. Could be more exciting if live Band or Music. Rainy day as well.
A great way to spend a couple of hours
moopius,May 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a last minute decision as we had a spare afternoon, and I couldn't have been happier The boat was clean and comfortable, the guide was interesting and the rock carving was worth the time Highly recommended
Exceptional value! Such a wonderful experience to sale on Lake Taupo!
Clive D,May 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00From the moment you step on the catamaran you are treated like a long lost friend! The views are spectacular and the carvings are a sight to behold. Muffins and free coffee are a treat as in the trout tasting. Loved the fishing demo and exciting to see one being caught. The trout you taste, you won’t taste anywhere else unless you catch it yourself, as it’s not sold to shops or restaurants! Very privileged to have had a bite! Lived the whole experience!
Good Experience
Escape41842197416,May 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Good Experience. Safe tour . Overall good experience
Worthwhile
walterbY2516NV,May 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00This is a short trip to see the carving only, but put as much added value into it as possible
Lovely 90 minutes
Sharon F,May 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a Lovely boat ride to see the carvings. Very interesting. Staff were great . Had a cuppa and muffin which was a nice touch. Bit of fishing at the end , but no fish.
Beautiful Day on the Lake
Elizabeth C,May 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00A bright sunny day to see the carvings (mid to late 20th century). The crew was friendly and had a nice narrative. The warm muffins were a nice touch.
Great cruise around the lake
TristinK 13,May 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Staff were fantastic, commentary was fun and informative, definitely recommend this cruise.
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Operated by Chris Jolly Outdoors