Half-Day Kayak to the Maori Rock Carvings in Lake Taupo
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
Explore Lake Taupo as you kayak to the Maori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay. You will start your half day tour from the sheltered waters of Acacia Bay before paddling out on the lake below native bush, past steep cliffs and mini inlets that can only harbor a kayak.
The experienced guide will explain the carving's cultural significance to the lake and surrounding areas while you float beneath them. On the way back stop for gourmet refreshments and can take the opportunity to swim or go for a rock jumping into the clear waters of the beautiful lake. If the breeze comes up, you can raft your kayaks together and sail back – bliss!
Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Departure time is at 8:30am and 1:30pm in summer and 10:00am and 1:30pm in winter from our base in Acacia Bay. Allow approx 4 hours per trip (3 hours on the water).
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Professional and experienced guide
Transport to starting Point: On request only (if you don't have your own car) Call to arrange.
Safety gear
Top-quality kayaking equipment
Muffin or another lovely refreshment
Full instructions and commentary
Coffee and/or Tea
Gear List: Please refer to our Gear list tab on our website for what to wear and bring.
What To Expect
Half Day Maori Rock Carving: Kayaking, swimming or rock jumping (optional) Explore Lake Taupo as you kayak to the Maori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay. You will start your half day tour from the sheltered waters of Acacia Bay before paddling out on the lake below native bush, past steep cliffs and mini inlets that can only harbor a kayak. The experienced guide will explain the carving's cultural significance to the lake and surrounding areas while you float beneath them. On the way back stop for gourmet refreshments and can take the opportunity to swim or go for a rock jumping into the clear waters of the beautiful lake. If the breeze comes up, you can raft your kayaks together and sail back – bliss! Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Departure time is at 8:30am and 1:30pm in summer and 10:00am and 1:30pm in winter from our base in Acacia Bay. Allow approx 4 hours per trip (3 hours on the water).
Options
Half-Day Kayak to the Maori Rock Carvings in Lake Taupo
Option 1: Tour departs at 10.00am or 1.30pm May to 30 September
Reviews
104 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great experience, with a...
Alberto M,
May 12, 2025
- Viator
5.00Great experience, with a great guide, she explained all about the area and the local bird species. Beautiful weather and pro like gear.
Great guide and equipment
Jon1979Iowa,
Mar 8, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time and Jack, our guide, did an awesome job in showing us the costal sites along the way to the rock carving. The pace of the paddling was something we could handle and we took breaks along the way. The equipment was good and the muffins and drinks at the break were very satisfying. Highly recommended.
Great tour
Curiosity02757456621,
Mar 2, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful time. Our guide Keisha was very knowledgeable and we had a nice time chatting with her. It was a peaceful and relaxing experience. We highly recommend doing it.
Unreal scenic kayak
Passenger47193698230,
Feb 12, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00Unbelievable views at lake taupo! We rocked up and it was beaming hot sunshine no clouds in the sky and we knew it was going to be warm out on the lake for 4 hours! So wear loads of sun cream Bring a hat and lots of water which you can keep on the boat. I had the lovely experience being in the boat with our tour guide today Keisha who was lovely! She was polite, knowledgeable and an incredibly good kayaker which was great for my arms! Keisha did an amazing job with a larger tour group than usual for one person she was telling me and it was the first time with such a large group on her own. She smashed it everyone knew where we were going and loved the knowledge she had to share. She was very helpful to all the kayakers who needed an assistance! The views and the feeling you have kayaking this lake our breath taking it really is a must do. Beware, it is a work out as you will be on the lake doing a 10k kayak in the hot sun but it’s worth it.
We had a great day out on...
Anna G,
Jan 17, 2025
- Viator
5.00We had a great day out on the lake! Our guide, Kara, was phenomenal and provided a lot of information and history! Definitely add this to your list of things to do in Taupo!
Kayaking Taupō Outstanding
Frank H,
Jan 17, 2025
- Viator
5.00Trip was outstanding met all expectations. Our guides all were interesting, knowledgeable, Courteous, and just plain great to be with. Special thanks to Casicia.
Excellent experience. The...
Colin S,
Jan 4, 2025
- Viator
5.00Excellent experience. The guides are great, the kayaks are high quality, the scenery is excellent, and the distance / time is just enough to make it a slight workout without being too challenging.
Building family memories ❤️
Joe S,
Dec 21, 2024
- Viator
5.00Experiencing the wind, water, and wildlife up close made the trip much more intimate. Great guides and good equipment
Not for the faint of heart buyt worth it!
Paul M,
Dec 14, 2024
- Viator
5.00Honestly, it is not for the faint of heart. The trip is 4 plus hours of kayaking, and it was worth every second, please ask for help on how to paddle, their advice is priceless. The water in the lake is clear and most time we could see the bottom. The shoreline is amazing and when we got to the Māori carving it was awesome. They were super helpful and gave lots of lore about the place. Just being out on the lake for half a day was breathtaking. You will get wet, but easily dry and the muffins and hot chocolate were perfect.
Fun kayaking experience
Rachel W,
Nov 9, 2024
- Viator
5.00Our tour guides were personable and helped us have a great experience. They made sure everyone had a good time and could keep up. They shared interesting stories about the land, Maori and water. Thanks for a great kayaking experience! The muffin and tea on the water were also yummy!
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Operated by Taupo Kayaking Adventures