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.
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.
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.
Reviews
586 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Sun, wind, waves and a magnificent view of the volcanic cones. Nicely explained Maori stone carving.
Katja H,Mar 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful cruise in sunshine
Don’t miss the boat.
John B,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The boat was comfortable. Plenty of time to take all the photos you want. Great experience to see the area from the lake.
Great Cruise On The Lake
MareeM807,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very good experience, Taupo put on a great day on the lake and the crew were very friendly and accommodating.
So interesting and...
Julia J,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00So interesting and informative! We loved this tour, the lake was so beautiful and the rock carvings were incredible!
Just a boat on a lake
Diane N,Feb 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Although it was a lovely cruise apart from the carved rock done only 40years ago, it was ‘just a ride on a boat’. The guide gave some interesting facts which kept us occupied and the freshly baked muffin was delicious.
Introduction
lichen2016,Feb 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00We enjoyed it particularly the introduction with a bit of humor - a kiwi ingenuity. The only downside is that we arrived just on time and there wasn't any seats available.
A must do on the lake
Mandapandapops,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were welcomed aboard by the skipper and crew who all seemed very competent and friendly. The trip to the Māori carvings was accompanied by a very interesting commentary, and the carvings themselves are amazing and well worth the visit.
Lake Taupo trip on a wet day
Graham K,Feb 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Well organised trip that was slightly spoilt by the weather. It rained most of the time and visibility on the lake was poor. The carvings were interesting to see and Joe the boats captain tried her best to make the time on board interesting. The muffins were excellent.
Great tour (with added wit and sarcasm)
Sue W,Feb 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Great 90 minute boat trip with guided tour of the shoreline of Taupo with facts about the lake (with great wit and charm) before heading to the Mauri carvings where we were guided through the making and description of carving. Boat was fully covered and warm (grateful on a wet day) with a deck that opens up when you get to the carving (toilets available onboard and free teas, coffee and chocolates). Fantastic crew and they even managed to contour up a single and double rainbow
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.
From NZ$59.00
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Operated by Chris Jolly Outdoors