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Daily Scenic Maori Rock Carving Cruise Taupo
4.5
Full view
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*

Daily Scenic Maori Rock Carving Cruise Taupo

By Chris Jolly Outdoors
Recommended by 90% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
Enjoy a relaxing, scenic cruise on Lake Taupo that takes you to the contemporary Maori rock carvings on cliffs. Learn about Maori culture and the legends depicted in the carvings from the live on-board commentary. Admire beautiful views of the mountains of the Tongariro National Park. The morning departure includes tea, while the afternoon departure includes a fishing demonstration.
from
$26.11
per adult
from
$26.11
per adult
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 75 per group
Duration:
1h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Ticket type:
Mobile
German, Chinese, Japanese, English, Spanish
Highlights
  • A fun and relaxing trip suitable for the whole family
  • Snacks and coffee/tea are provided on the morning tour
  • Choose a morning or afternoon departure, to suit your schedule
  • Experience nature and culture in one easy trip
  • Coffee and/or Tea
  • Live commentary on board
  • A FREE HOMEMADE MUFFIN
  • Entry/Admission - Chris Jolly Outdoors
  • Entry/Admission - Maori Rock Carvings
What's not included
  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Departure details
  • Ferry Road, Taupō 3330, New Zealand FERRY ROAD TAUPO - Cruise Cat is in Berth 4, just in front of the 'Stir Cafe' at the Boat Harbour. PAY ON BOARD.
Return details
  • Returns to original departure point
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Infants must sit on laps
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 9038P1
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 75 travelers
  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
What you can expect during your visit
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Face masks required for guides in public areas
  • Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
  • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Community
Ask a questionWrite a review
  • Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
Which attractions will I visit with Daily Scenic Maori Rock Carving Cruise Taupo?
During this experience, places you will visit include:Discover and book Daily Scenic Maori Rock Carving Cruise Taupo on Tripadvisor
How much is Daily Scenic Maori Rock Carving Cruise Taupo?
Daily Scenic Maori Rock Carving Cruise Taupo price starts from $28.58. Discover and book Daily Scenic Maori Rock Carving Cruise Taupo on Tripadvisor
What is the Daily Scenic Maori Rock Carving Cruise Taupo cancellation policy?
Daily Scenic Maori Rock Carving Cruise Taupo cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Discover and book Daily Scenic Maori Rock Carving Cruise Taupo on Tripadvisor
Which company provides Daily Scenic Maori Rock Carving Cruise Taupo?
Daily Scenic Maori Rock Carving Cruise Taupo is hosted by Chris Jolly Outdoors. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact Chris Jolly Outdoors on Tripadvisor. Discover and book Daily Scenic Maori Rock Carving Cruise Taupo on Tripadvisor
If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 9038P1
Itinerary
  • You'll start at
    Ferry Road
    Ferry Road, Taupō 3330, New Zealand
    FERRY ROAD TAUPO - Cruise Cat is in Berth 4, just in front of the 'Stir Cafe' at the Boat Harbour. PAY ON BOARD.
    See address & details
  • 1
    Lake Taupo
    Stop: 15 minutes
    See details
  • 2
    Chris Jolly Outdoors
    Stop: 20 minutes - Admission included
    See details
  • 3
    Maori Rock Carvings
    Stop: 10 minutes - Admission included
    See details
  • You'll return to the starting point
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About the operator

Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator.

By: Chris Jolly Outdoors
1,100
rowenajanewillia2022
rowenajanewillia2022
00
Carvings boat tour Taupo
Great tour guide Informative information about history of Taupo Would recommend and totally do again
sarahaY9837IY
sarahaY9837IY
00
Amazing experience
We thoroughly enjoyed our trip to the carvings and back, great commentary with such a wealth of knowledge and humou…
dhiren04
dhiren04
00
Taupo - Maori Rock
That was nice experience on board, we really enjoyed. Plus muffin n drinks 🤪. Crew members were polite and helpful…
jebyang
jebyang
00
Great experience
We were travelling as a school group and the cruise experience was enjoyable. Staff were friendly and helpful and t…
121nancyl
121nancyl
00
MUST DO ACTIVITY IN TAUPO
Beautiful trip and a super duper affordable price. Our crew were fantastic, knowledgeable and went above and beyon…
ormchani
ormchani
00
Great experience
It was great experience. The lake was amazing and beautiful. The crew on board were very accommodating and lovely.
87kimmyo
87kimmyo
00
Fantastic
We all thoroughly enjoyed our cruise to the Maori Rock Carvings. Crew were amazing. Highly recommend doing this. …
Climber618167
Climber618167
00
Māori Rock Carving - Taupo
A great day out with Chris Jolly Tours. A very informative narration during the tour, a great look at the carvings …
Bruce M
Bruce M
00
Relaxing Tour
It was a bit of a last minute decision to take this tour to fill in an afternoon but we thoroughly enjoyed it. The …
Lisa F
Lisa F
00
An excellent trip
We had a great time out on the boat to see the maori carvings. The skipper and his mate were very informative. Th…
478shandit
478shandit
00
AMAZING!!!!
Absolutely loved the cruise, scenery and especially the skipper. She was amazing! I would so go on here again just …
L5294JYmichellem
L5294JYmichellem
00
Awesome staff, awesome carving
Rock carving was so cool, water was crystal clear with a green/blue tinge. Even got to real in a trout. Staff were …
sariffalhabshi
sariffalhabshi
00
Awesome
The captain and crew were very helpful and knowledgable. Lake taupo is full of history and beautiful scenery
Tamarareston
Tamarareston
00
Stunning views
The views are to die for. The staff were incrediblly helpful and cheerful and the muffins were yummy! Well worth it…
katreid2200
katreid2200
00
Amazing boat ride and cultural experience
Amazing boat ride and an immersive cultural experience with lots of information that was incredibly interesting. Al…
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
173 reviews
Excellent
126
Very good
31
Average
8
Poor
4
Terrible
4
Jacqui R
Palmerston North, New Zealand2 contributions
A Worthwhile Experience
Family
The trip overall was a worthwhile experience with interesting insight into the area and the carvings. The length of time was perfect, the blueberry muffins were delicious and it was great that the children received a colouring activity to do and to have a go at steering the boat - great value for money. Only thing that we didn't like was that some of the commentary was distasteful, especially for the amount of young children on board.
Written September 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ChrisJollyOutdoors
Thank you for your comments - we'll look into the content of the commentary. Thank you.
Written September 12, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jaimee R
Auckland, New Zealand3 contributions
A great Taupo experience and value for money
My party of 5 thoroughly enjoyed themselves on the Lake Taupo Maori Rock carving cruise. Our guide was friendly and funny, Lake Taupo is mesmerising, the Maori Rock carving is magnificent and well worth the trip, duck feeding was an entertaining bonus and the complimentary tea, coffee and freshly baked blueberry muffins made the trip value for money. Thanks very much for a great trip out on the Lake
Written November 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ChrisJollyOutdoors
Thank you for joining our cruise, we thoroughly enjoyed having you on board.
Written November 3, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jared-Kiwi
Wellington, New Zealand264 contributions
Family group of 9
Researched various options for a family group of 9 (youngest a 4 year old), we chose Chris Jolly cruises as it seemed a good length for the kids, a nice viewing area that’s covered from the sun with good seating for the older members

We boarded in good time and left promptly, safety briefings were good.

We headed out onto the lake with the Skipper giving a good commenter of the history of the area. When we got to the carvings she positioned the boat at various angles so everyone got a good look. Fresh baked muffins were served (baked on the boat).

Any excellent family tour.
Written August 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ChrisJollyOutdoors
Thank you for your great review, we really appreciate you taking the time and look forward to seeing you here again soon.
Written August 25, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Teegan Tangiora
13 contributions
10/10 experience
Everything was absolutely amazing. Would highly recommend and will be doing again. From the price ($35 per head), to the commentary, to the freshly cooked muffins on board. It was absolutely perfect. We were fortunate enough to head out on a really good day. Sun in the sky, the lake was really flat. Was absolutely perfect.
Not a critique of the tour company but a message for people looking to do this tour or something similar, please do not hog the viewing platforms on the boat. My partner and I were unable to view on the front platform because people refused to move. We couldn't get on to the viewing platform at all the whole cruise. Then when the boat turns around come rushing to the back of the boat to look again, it isn't fair and you shouldn't be taking the experience away from other people. Common courtesy. Please be courteous and let everyone have a look.
Written June 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ChrisJollyOutdoors
Thank you for your great review and helpful comments. I will ask staff to keep moving people on once they have had sufficient time to view the carvings and hear the stories behind them, we have enough time there to make sure everyone has the chance to see them. Come back for another look - we will be happy to see you!
Written June 22, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
EAS509
Tauranga, New Zealand203 contributions
Most enjoyable
We both really enjoyed this cruise. The commentary was excellent and interesting. The boat was smooth over the lake and, for someone who gets seasick, I found it to be great and was not concerned at all.
When we stopped at the carvings everyone had chance to get close up for photos. The warm muffins on the return trip were most welcome
We would recommend it
Written November 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ChrisJollyOutdoors
Many thanks for joining our cruise and for the recommendation. Appreciate your comments!
Written November 28, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Pioneer80467
4 contributions
A fun way to see lake Taupō
Family
A fun boat trip across Lake Taupō to the Māori rock carvings. The crew were knowledgeable, especially the skipper who was interesting and entertaining.
Kids were well catered to with colouring and endless hot chocolates!
It took about 30 minutes each way to cruise across the lake to the carvings, but there is a lot to look at and the knowledgeable crew pointed out a lot of places of interest and told stories about the lake.
There was plenty of time to look at the carvings and take tons of photos before cruising back. Highlight on the way back - the kids got to drive the boat :-)
Written January 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ChrisJollyOutdoors
Fantastic comments, you obviously enjoyed the cruise and had a great time - thank you!
Written January 10, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lesley B
17 contributions
What better way to spend a summer day in Taupo
On holiday in Taupo and decided to go on the Chris Jolly boat tour of Lake Taupo. Captain was very informative on early history and as we went around the bays described the history of that area, which I found very interesting. Trip was about 1.5 hours and the boat managed to get right up for us to see the rock carvings which was great. Skipper and crew were amazing whether it was local knowledge or catching fish. We would highly recommend this trip.
Written March 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ChrisJollyOutdoors
Love your comments and recommendation, I will be sure to share them with our crew. Thank you.
Written March 13, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gillian T
Tauranga, New Zealand48 contributions
Beautiful afternoon on the lake
A beautiful boat trip on the lake, the skipper was very informative about the lake and surrounds. The Maori carvings were interesting, hopefully they will still be there in years to come. A trout was caught en route, all in all a lovely trip. Nice clean boat and a welcome cup of tea and blueberry muffin.
Written May 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ChrisJollyOutdoors
Thanks Gillian, love your feedback!
Written May 15, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Karen M
3 contributions
Excellent day out
Family
The weather was beautiful and atmosphere was great. The captain was brilliant, kept up a good talk and information about the local Maori history and chat overall. the staff were great too. One commentating about the rock carving, while the boat was doing ‘donuts’ so we could all get a good view of all the carvings. Thank you
Written April 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ChrisJollyOutdoors
Great comments thanks, glad you had such a good time.
Written April 20, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
VickyUlberg
8 contributions
Amazing Cruise
Staff were great, loved the commentary, skipper explained everything as we cruised through the beautiful lake, coffee/tea/hot choc served with the fresh warm muffins. When we arrived to the rocks the boat was on a standstill which gave everyone time to take photos as we listened to the history of the Maori Carving rock. Watching the skipper feed the ducks and it was unlucky we didn't catch a trout however loved it - Family friendly well recommended
Written August 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ChrisJollyOutdoors
Fantastic comments - thank you so much we really appreciate your feedback.
Written August 8, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Daily Scenic Maori Rock Carving Cruise Taupo | New Zealand