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
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.
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
1.00pm Carvings Cruise
90 minute scenic cruise to the Maori Rock Carvings includes a fishing demonstration. FREE hot drink, muffin & smoked trout.
Reviews
578 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing boat trip
deryna2026,,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The crew were friendly, knowledgeable , respectful and helpful. Amazing trip and views. Would recommend to everyone. Will do again and include the trout tasting next time.
A very enjoyable trip to amazing Maori carvings
Roger R,,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Both crew nembers of the Cruise Cat were very welcoming and friendly. We found it best to sit at the rear on the upper deck to get the best views with freedom to move from side to side. Most of the time we found the commentary was difficult to hear clearly over the microphone. The Maori carvings are amazing! We had plenty of time to take photos. On our return we found a very informative website by Chris Jolly. On the lower deck tea and coffee are free and there is also a small bar.
She's a super fisher!
Hideki H,,Jan 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Trout fishing and Maori rock curving watching is super. Tea service with the cooked fished trout on biscuit is very nice. Comfortable & non-shakable cruising was very enjoyable.
Excellent way to celebrate turning 50
aaronmW9663WJ,,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We went with no expectations and were so surprised! The vessel was so cool, the seating was a little tight - the booth seats were a cool idea but very small which was probably our only negative. The running commentary with the history of Lake Taupō and the names and stories of the carvers was amazing. The front of the boat where you can go out and stand for the trip was really clever. The carvings were magical. And the free tea coffee and hot chocolate were nice as it was a bit chilly. Then the blueberry muffin at the end was a nice touch. Thank you for making my 50th birthday one to remember.
Enjoyable and good value for money
janlB400EI,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The crew were very friendly and welcoming. There was plenty of space for everyone and once out of the harbour we were able to move about. Interesting commentary with time to take lots of photos. Free tea and coffee plus a great hot muffin went down well too!
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!
From NZ$59.00
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Operated by Chris Jolly Outdoors