We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.
TripAdvisor
Taupo
Trips
Inbox
More
    Help Center

    Daily Scenic Maori Rock Carving Cruise Taupo
    By: Chris Jolly Outdoors
    70 reviews

    Save
    Special Offer
    Book by October 10 and travel between September 1 and November 30 to save 10% off our previously offered price!
    Select Date and Travelers
    From$30.01
    $27.01
    Date
    2 travelers
    Options
    Low Price Guarantee
    Free Cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
    Highlights
      What to Expect
      Your trip will take you from the Taupo Marina along the northern shores of Lake Taupo and on to Wharewaka Point (4 mile bay). From here we cross the main bay of Tapuaeharuru out to Rangatira Point and on to beautiful Mine Bay where we will see the famous Maori rock carvings. As you travel along Mine Bay you will notice a ledge 111 feet (34 m) above the water line where the lake level was thousands of years ago. The return trip back to the harbor is along the western shoreline past picturesque Acacia Bay. Morning departures feature tea or coffee and a hot muffin to warm you up and afternoon departures have a fishing demonstration. Passengers are welcome to participate in a brief bit of fishing after the demonstration, but must hold a valid Taupo fishing license (see Additional Info for more details).
      The Lake is 25 miles (40 km) long, 18 miles (30 km) wide and 610 feet (186 m) at its deepest point. The surface area is 388 square miles (625 square km). Many hot water areas can be seen along the northern and southern ends of the lake and a natural hot water beach runs along the lake front of the Taupo Township. These springs occur naturally as a result of the volcanic fault line which forms part of the Pacific Volcanic fault. Vertical features in the rock formations caused by heat dissipation can be clearly seen in Kaiapo bay. The heat fractures pushed around to form a fan in the volcanic core in Whakaipo bay which is exposed due to the drop in the eastern side of the Crater Lake. The Maori rock carvings were commissioned by the Queen Elizabeth Arts Council in 1980 and were created by members of the local Tuwharetoa tribe to represent many of their legends. The carvings feature mostly ‘Taniwha’ the protectors of the Lake whose power extends to include the island of Motutaiko where many tribal chiefs are buried. From here, we return back to the Lake Taupo Boat Harbor.
      Show More
      Reviews (70)
      Write a review
      Filter reviews
      54 results
      Traveler rating
      39
      10
      3
      2
      0
      Traveler type
      Time of year
      LanguageEnglish
      Traveler rating
      39
      10
      3
      2
      0
      Show reviews that mention
      All reviews trout blueberry muffins great hour chris jolly large catamaran tea coffee enjoyable trip friendly crew local area boat ride commentary colouring board carvings captain lake maori
      Selected filters
      FilterEnglish
      Updating list...
      1 - 5 of 54 reviews
      Reviewed 2 weeks ago via mobile
      Lovely way to spend the morning!

      If you are pushed for time, this is a lovely day to see Lake Taupo. Loved seeing the Maori rock carving, the expert commentary on the history of the area and feeding ducks mid-flight. The free flowing coffee/tea and hot muffin were a lovely bonus!

      Thank VickiShamae
      ChrisJollyOutdoors, Owner at Chris Jolly Outdoors, responded to this reviewResponded 1 week ago

      Awesome Vicki, so pleased that you had fun!

      Reviewed July 15, 2019
      Rough Waters

      Beautiful day out on the water. The crew was awesome and showed us a great time. It was a windy day so it prevented us from going all of the way to Maori Rock; however we still got some good sailing and fishing displays.

      Date of experience: May 2019
      Thank MB L
      ChrisJollyOutdoors, Owner at Chris Jolly Outdoors, responded to this reviewResponded 4 weeks ago

      Thanks for the understanding of the rough weather but sometimes it's very hard to control nature!! Great to see you guys still had an amazing time!!

      Reviewed June 7, 2019 via mobile
      Kids love it

      Despite the fact that it was very windy which caused the water to be wavy, which in turns caused me to have seasickness... it was worthwhile checking out the Ancient Maori Carving which is accessible through boat. Free WiFi, muffin and drink are provided... and...More

      Thank BL_Leo
      ChrisJollyOutdoors, Director of Sales at Chris Jolly Outdoors, responded to this reviewResponded June 9, 2019

      Sometimes a little 'chop' on the lake adds to the excitement of the trip, especially for the children. Glad you got to see the carvings and thank-you for the feedback.

      Reviewed May 31, 2019 via mobile
      Excellent value

      We booked this trip online after speaking with a very helpful person on the after hours number. They directed us to a site that offered a 2 for 1 price after I requested a "deal" The trip as it turned out was EASILY worth double...More

      Thank DJ j
      ChrisJollyOutdoors, Director of Sales at Chris Jolly Outdoors, responded to this reviewResponded June 3, 2019

      Thank-you for your great review, come back and experience another of our activities sometime.

      Reviewed April 27, 2019
      The muffins. Ooohhhh! The muffins

      We were on the 10.30 am morning cruise, mid April and had a great time out on the water. As alluded to in other reviews you get great photo opportunities and up nice and close to the Maori rock carvings. The crew are awesome and...More

      Date of experience: April 2019
      Thank Carole O
      ChrisJollyOutdoors, Director of Sales at Chris Jolly Outdoors, responded to this reviewResponded June 4, 2019

      Very pleased you had such a great experience, I'll be sure to pass your compliments to the muffin chef! Thank-you.

      View more reviews
      123456…11
      Questions & Answers
      Ask a question
      Roam39650172880
      April 5, 2019|
      AnswerShow all 3 answers
      Response from Graham M | Reviewed this property |
      Certainly are - they are made very welcome
      0
      Votes
      Ying889
      October 9, 2018|
      Answer
      Response from TaniaEdwards49 | Reviewed this property |
      I think they do like 3 or four trips a day however ther are 3 or 4 different boats that do the same trip.
      0
      Votes
      Key Details
      Why Book on TripAdvisor?
      • Low Price Guarantee
      • Free Cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
      • Secure Payments
      • 24/7 SupportCall: