Daily Scenic Maori Rock Carving Cruise Taupo

Overview

Available languages

German

Chinese

Japanese

English

Spanish

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‘s Included

Live commentary on board

Coffee and/or Tea

A FREE HOMEMADE MUFFIN

Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

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.

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

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.

10 minutes • Admission Included

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.

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.

1.00pm Carvings Cruise

90 minute scenic cruise to the Maori Rock Carvings includes a fishing demonstration. FREE hot drink, muffin & smoked trout.

Reviews

4.58

559 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

416

A lovely cruise with lots of interesting information
caddy3,
Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We 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
5.00
Nice 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
4.00
Follow 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
5.00
it 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
5.00
The 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
5.00
A 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
Well worth doing
Judy H,
Oct 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Excellent value for money. Friendly, relaxed tour. Thoroughly enjoyed the cruise, rock carving and the muffin. The highlight of the day for the kids on board was catching a large trout.
Is that 2000 years away?
Leanne W,
Oct 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The girls were very informative, friendly & good sense of humour. I loved the commentary, the hand feeding of the wild flying ducks, the catch of the trout, the fresh warm blueberry muffin. Very much worth the money spent.
Maori rock
Manusam85,
Oct 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was a good experience, really enjoyed the trip. Good service from the crew, it wasn't too crowded. It's suitable for families including small children.
Gentle boat trip with great views
owenh653,
Sep 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Gentle boat ride across Lake Taupō with excellent commentary. Great views of the carvings. The crew were very informative and helpful. The onboard drinks and snacks were a great added bonus. We were unable to catch any trout but that didn't detract from the experience.