The Maori Carvings Half Day Kayak
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
Glide your kayak over Lake Taupo's crystal clear waters as you paddle to the awe-inspiring Maori Rock Carvings on this 4-hour guided tour.
Soak in the view across the Lake to 3 live volcano's while you hear the history of the carvings, various Maori legends and facts of the local area from your guide before enjoying rock jumps and a swim in Australasia's largest freshwater Lake. A must-do while in Taupo!
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Operates all year, please dress appropriately for the seasons - NO JEANS/DENIM
Minimum age is 12 years
Minimum of 2 people required for the tour to run, if the minimum number is not reached we will contact you to reschedule
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Glide your kayak over Lake Taupo's crystal clear waters as you paddle to the awe-inspiring Maori Rock Carvings on this 4-hour guided tour. Please note minimum of four bookings required - contact us directly for single bookings. Age 12 and over
What‘s Included
Light refreshments
Photos
Kayak Equipment
Kayak Tour
Lunch
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Options
9am Departure
Glide across the beautiful lake Taupo on a four hour guided kayak tour to view the stunning 15m high Maori Carvings which are only accessed by boat!
Reviews
165 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Unprofessionel ond oversold
Anja F,,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00The guides were very unprofessionel. The store was closed when we turned Up at the scheduled time. The cars and equipment was not ready. There was No presentation og the guides. The were conflicting instructions. We were told to leave our valubles in the store, but No lockers were provided. The instructions given regarding the kayaks and equipment were spares. Even though one of the instructions was not to godt more than 20 m ahead og the Group, the guides didn't take notice of this, and would row way ahead without recognizing the group was coming more and more apart. At one point the guide in charge gathered the group - rafting up- to give a speach about the landscape, bur was so caught up in himself, that her put the whole group at risc for flipping and crashing into the shoreline rocks, because of the high wind and current. During our "break" at the beach, it was revealed that there was No drinks, since the guides had forgotten to bring cups. Then the guide in charged left the goup, to take to people in the group for a photoshoot, him tagging along on top og the kayak only bringing a swimsuit, making it impossible to her in touch with hun. The "break" was extended for a longer period of time, because of this, leaving the rest of the group as hostages on the rocks. The paddeling in the Lake was wondeful, but everyone should know that the carvings are made in the late 1970's. They are being sold as something sacred and ancient.
My own little tour
Quest35639320561,,Aug 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had my own private tour as I was the only one who booked it for that day. Lisa was an excellent tour guide. Showed me what to do as I’ve never been in a kayak before. Weather was cloudy sky but clear and the water was still to and from the carving. We got up right to the rock and got some great photos ( on her phone which she sent an email later on) the stop off for refreshments was nice. Chatted along the way learning about the rock carving among other NZ cultures. Enjoyed my time from start to finish (shoulders felt it the next day) I know summer is good with the weather, but honestly winter is just as good as it was less quiet plus you could have a tour on your own.
Awesome and knowledgeable...
Chloe J,,May 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Awesome and knowledgeable guide! Amazing views! So happy we did this! Would do this tour again. 10000% recommend!
Great day out.
Dream33974713997,,Apr 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My Son and I thoroughly enjoyed our tour, Our guide Glen was pleasant, helpful, and knowledgeable. Can highly recommend.
Great guide, great weather, great carvings.
jools301,,Jan 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I was the only person on the trip so had a 1:1 guided tour which was great. The guide was very informative and knowledgeable and made me feel very safe. The kayaking was lovely, as was the weather. The rock carvings were amazing!
Would recommend!
609taylerb,,Jan 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our trip to the Māori Carbings was fantastic! Eloise was a fabulous guide - very knowledgeable and friendly and made our experience incredibly enjoyable. We are not experienced kayakers but Eloise made sure we knew what to do and we felt very comfortable the whole time. Would absolutely recommend this trip to anyone visiting Taupo :)
Sadly they cancel because...
Loreto O,,Jan 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00Sadly they cancel because of the weather (maybe you can put on this description before the people want to book this tour) and we didn’t have more days to reschedule. So if you are traveling there, check the weather first. Also, they offer us another options but it wasn’t the same, we just go to Taupo to see the Carvings. Plus, I’m still awaiting my refund. Cannot say anything good or bad of the company.
Great experience and memories
Nina M,,Dec 16, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00The guides were very knowledgeable and helpful, Lisa even brought us to the bank to re-adjust our pedals and the other guide pulled us for a bit!!!
5 Star Experience
R4645JOvictoriap,,Dec 11, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had the most unreal time, we were looked after incredibly well and had the best experience. Our guide was beyond amazing too, Thank you so much! ❤️
Relaxing Canoeing Adventure
Ulrike R,,Dec 8, 2024
- Review from Viator
4.00A bit disappointing, wasn't able to see the Maori carvings, due to very choppy conditions on the lake but enjoyed the river canoeing. Staff was wonderful.
From NZ$135.00
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