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.
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.
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.
Reviews
603 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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.
We were lucky to book the...
Clifford M,May 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We were lucky to book the morning tour as the wind was getting up and the afternoon tour was in doubt. The captain managed to control the boat in the wind so we could take pictures of the rock carvings. Professional crew made the tour very enjoyable.
Great boat tour
Climber20164622922,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great boat ride, calm lake, excellent closeup of carvings. Friendly crew and plenty of space and time. Coffee and Tea were great.
Overall ok in the price-performance ratio
Curious33853663320,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00You take the boat about 40 minutes across the lake and then reach the actual rock. There the ship lingers for about 15 to 20 minutes so that you can see enough and take pictures. Then it goes back the same distance. On the way, the captain told quite interesting details and there was water, coffee and muffins (for free). Overall a nice trip, but you can actually only see the carvings (but that's what we did it for)
Impressive
Paul M,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Cool boat or ship, farry or whatever it is i dont know boat titles, all I know it was really good. The staff was great and patient with all onboard. The drinks like hot chocolate that was served was really bad though but the muffin was good lol. The stone carving was impressive really big with the others ot the side of it. All in all it was a great and fun experience, I do highly recommend it.
Great way to explore the lake
heatherB4649,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was awesome, great view and good time spent there. The skipper did some commentary but not so much that we couldn't enjoy some peace and tranquility. The fresh baked muffins were a delight!
We enjoyed our time on...
Michael A,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We enjoyed our time on the boat and with the crew. Professional, welcoming and very knowledgeable about the area.
Lovely!
Vacation56328809497,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A lovely trip to the carvings. Lots of interesting commentary of landmarks on the way and of the carving itself.
From NZ$59.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by Chris Jolly Outdoors