Daily Scenic Maori Rock Carving Cruise Taupo
4.5
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*
Daily Scenic Maori Rock Carving Cruise Taupo
By Chris Jolly Outdoors
About
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 per adult
$49.00
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 75 per group
Duration: 1h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Written guide: German, Chinese, Japanese, English, Spanish
Print or digital reading material such as a guide, map, brochure, etc.
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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 - Maori Rock Carvings
What's not included- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Departure details
- 65 Redoubt Street, Taupō 3330, New Zealand 65 Redoubt Street 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 travellers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled 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 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- 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 $50.83. 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
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Similar experiences
Itinerary
- You'll start at65 Redoubt Street65 Redoubt Street, Taupō 3330, New Zealand65 Redoubt Street TAUPO - Cruise Cat is in Berth 4, just in front of the 'Stir Cafe' at the Boat Harbour. PAY ON BOARD.See address & details
- 1Lake TaupoStop: 15 minutesSee details
- 2Maori Rock CarvingsStop: 10 minutes - Admission includedSee details
- You'll return to the starting point
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About the operator
Chris Jolly Outdoors
1,396
Taupo, New Zealand
Joined in June 2010
#5 of 37 Boat Tours & Water Sports in Taupo
- sashaw23291300Lake Cruise 🚢I took my 5Month baby and partner onboard to explore their family land from in there family lake views and my baby slept the whole time so I was nice i highly recommend it knowing we went onboard knowing it was quite rough on the other side
- CherylJury20230018th birthdayThankyou heaps for an amazing day .awesome staff an loved the sensor humor of the skipper .great the girls even put a candle in a muffin for my granddaughter thankyou
- Q3795DHtrevorp00Great trip on the LakeFriendly informative staff. Local scenery pointed out with some history. Carvings themselves were quite impressive to see. Tea and coffee available all trip - muffins were very yum.
- Tour1239791084600Fly fishing at TaupoWe organized a private 6 hr fly fishing trip. We have never fly fished. Ollie our guide was infinitely patient and knowledgeable. There were plenty of fish but we just didn’t have the knack yet. Lest we leave disappointed, Ollie caught a couple so we could reel them in. Enjoyed the incredible scenery and packed lunch too! This was a great experience!
- TexasHomey00Chris Jolly RocksWow! We did two days with Chris Jolly. One day on a boat in the lake with Tony and Bailey, one on the river with Ollie. We caught fish both days and had a wonderful time on both days. Chris jolly does a great job, however you want to go!
- keri61700Enjoyable experienceWe had a wonderful experience from the duration of the trip to the friendly staff. The ride was comfortable and we were served a complimentary freshly-baked muffin. Hot drinks were available for free aswell. Our 8 year old had lots of fun.
- akingboyemd00EXCELLENT SERVICEWe were there as a family and enjoyed the experience. The lady captain and the whole crew were excellent. Will definitely sail with them again. .
- Stephen L00Well worth itThe visit to the Maori Rock Carving was an experience and shouldnt be missed. Dont do this in the rain as you cannot really see anything else, very comfortable and the staff where knowledgeable and very welcoming
- Whiskers00700Fantastic launch ride on Lake TaupoWe had a great 90 minute trip with a very informative and engaging skipper in charge.Lots of explanation about how Lake Taupo was formed as a caldera.Weather was perfect with no wind.Views of the Maori carving was excellent with very good commentary.The crew fising for trout had one catch on the way back to the jetty but had to throw it back as it was too small.Still got to taste some smoked trout which is all part of the trip.Well worth taking and leaves similar facilities in our home town of Tauranga well in this trips wake!
- davidhelen201800Great morningWe thoroughly enjoyed the morning cruise. Great team looking after us & a very knowledgeable skipper at the helm.
- ianandberyl500A great trip with various experiencesNot only did we get to view the Maori rock carvings up very close but we were entertained by two ducks that flee up alongside the boat as we sped along and took crackers out of our hand. Them we went fishing for 10 minutes and caught two trout. The crew, Mark and Grace, were outstanding and went out if their way to ensure we had a great trip. Hot muffins just after the viewing of the carvings topped the day off. Free coffee, tea and hot chocolate available during the trip. Cannot recommend this trip enough.
- ktwhit8300Lovely tripGreat trip with my 2 young kids. Staff were friendly & great with the kids, bringing over colouring & a treasure hunt to keep the kids entertained. They even got to have go at steering the boat! Muffin was delicious. Plenty of time to view carvings & some excellent commentary from the captain. Highly recommend.
- donnalane15200Taupo Rick drawings cruiseReally enjoyed the whole experience. Very informative and witty commentary and especially appreciated the efforts in allowing all passengers an opportunity to see the carvings and get photos up close. Muffins and coffee good too. Thanks
- vivekbakshi8600Beautiful CruiseLake Taupo is just amazingly beautiful. Especially in the mornings. This cruise captures Lake Taupo's beauty. The boat is a very comfortable cruiser and the Maori rock carvings are inspring. Overall a lovely short and sweet experience of about 2 hours.
- melissajardine00Great ExperiencePerfect laid back experience. Staff were amazing, commentary was fantastic. We were on a chokka full boat but there was plenty of room for everyone to see all the landmarks. Highly recommended.
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4.5
216 reviews
Excellent
160
Very good
36
Average
8
Poor
6
Terrible
6
Bob H
Preston, UK157 contributions
Feb 2020
We booked this to see the carving which was the main and only point of interest on the cruise.
The commentary from the captain was inaudible most of the time and as the cruise is basically up the lake to the carving and back it needs better speakers/microphone or something.
But it is not expensive so not too worried about the average experience.
The commentary from the captain was inaudible most of the time and as the cruise is basically up the lake to the carving and back it needs better speakers/microphone or something.
But it is not expensive so not too worried about the average experience.
Written 20 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your comments, we'll check out the sound system.
Written 23 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Catherine M
1 contribution
Jan 2020 • Friends
We were warned it was rough out there and could opt to rebook, or be refunded. It was indeed a good swell (for a lake) and choppy. Waves crashed over the bow, water poured in around the front door. Children squealed with delight. It was an adventure. The captain decided (rightly) to turn the boat around and there would be no maori rock carvings for us today. Instantly smoother going with, rather than into the swell. We then sheltered in a pretty spot for some fishing. The boat was hardly even moving. Very nice. This would have been an ideal time for the tea/coffee and a muffin which was included in our ticket. No tea/coffee was ever mentioned, let alone presented. Crew were very nice. Checked on children and offered gingerale to those feeling a little queezy. A lovely trip back to the marina
Written 5 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sorry you did not get to see the carvings, come back and see us again.
Written 9 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jared-Kiwi
Wellington, New Zealand269 contributions
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.
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 23 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ChrisJollyOutdoors
Thank you for your great review, we really appreciate you taking the time and look forward to seeing you here again soon.
Written 25 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Josh + Rebecca R
Christchurch, New Zealand67 contributions
We chose to do this cruise as it has great reviews, and also the weather wasn’t the best for kayaking. We were very happy with our experience, our boat captain had great knowledge and insight to everything around the area and lake. Once we got to the rock carvings he drove the boat straight in so everyone could see the carvings and as the boat was quite full he then turned around and backed in so we could see from the rear of the boat and it was amazing, the downriging for trout was also well worth checking out!
Written 8 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ChrisJollyOutdoors
Thank you for your comments, we are glad you had such a good time.
Written 10 January 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mike M
Auckland, New Zealand181 contributions
Jan 2020
My wife and I enjoyed an early evening cruise on Lake Taupo, visiting the Maori Rick carvings. The boat was comfortable, the captain provided an informed commentary and all the crew were friendly. Enjoyed a bottle their own beer, and the wife a G&T. The carvings were interesting. Would recommend.
Written 14 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your comments we appreciate the feedback.
Written 19 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Aleksander
Sula Municipality, Norway3 contributions
Disappointing. Did not get to see the Maori carvings as the captain turned the boat around for safety reasons due to waves. Obviously, i appreciate them taking the safety seriously, but there were many boats on the lake, and we were the only ones who turned around. When one of my co-passengers asked the crew why only we turned around and not the other boats, the answer she got was "they have different boats than ours", which is fair enough. Therefore I would recommend booking with another tour company, that in my opinion seem to be able to handle the waves better, with lower chances of turning around and missing out on the carvings.
Written 24 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ChrisJollyOutdoors
Thank you for your comments - the safety and comfort of all our passengers is our highest priority and is at the discretion of the skipper on the day - We are sorry to disappoint you but make no apology for erring on the side of caution. If you would like to contact this office I will be happy to offer you a refund or another booking free of charge.
Written 27 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Henri
Auckland Central, New Zealand26 contributions
What a wonderful way to spend 90 minutes on the stunning Lake Taupo. A very informative, scenic extraordinaire trip. The crew were very friendly and helpful, we even had delicious blueberry muffins delivered.
We thoroughly enjoyed our trip and highly recommend this to anyone, its money well spent (and at $35 it's a cheap trip).
We thoroughly enjoyed our trip and highly recommend this to anyone, its money well spent (and at $35 it's a cheap trip).
Written 30 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ChrisJollyOutdoors
Thank you for joining us and taking the time to comment. We certainly had a beautiful weekend on the lake - Taupo at its best, I'm glad you were here to take advantage of it.
Written 2 May 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
April C
6 contributions
Jan 2021
I can't believe we hadn't done this sooner. They catered so well to our large family.
The kids had a blast test driving the boat (and testing out the horn).
The Skipper was very humorous and gave us other family friendly suggestions of things to do on our time away. Great experience!
The kids had a blast test driving the boat (and testing out the horn).
The Skipper was very humorous and gave us other family friendly suggestions of things to do on our time away. Great experience!
Written 17 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ChrisJollyOutdoors
Thank you for your comments, we appreciate the feedback.
Come again!
Written 20 January 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Phil W
London, UK139 contributions
What a great way to spend an hour and a half. We had a lovely time cruising on Lake Taupo and the information about the lake and its surroundings was fascinating. In particular, we enjoyed the details about the Maori carvings, how they were created and the stories behind them. Itcwas extremely informative and we came away with a fresh perspective on Maori culture. What's more, the muffins were delicious!
Written 3 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Many thanks for your comments - glad you enjoyed our cruise!
Written 10 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
loupin38
Clare, UK13 contributions
Lovely boat trip on Taupo Lake to the modern Māori stone carvings. Our pilot Pete was very informative about the geology of the area, the history and local landmarks on the way. He spent a good time at the site when we arrived to ensure everyone had good photos and then the team served fresh muffins and smoked trout blinis while a trout fishing demonstration took place on the lower deck.
Tea, coffee and the above were included in the price and a bar was available downstairs for anyone who wished to purchase a drink.
Thoroughly enjoyable trip and good value despite the changeable weather we were experiencing on the day.
Tea, coffee and the above were included in the price and a bar was available downstairs for anyone who wished to purchase a drink.
Thoroughly enjoyable trip and good value despite the changeable weather we were experiencing on the day.
Written 23 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ChrisJollyOutdoors
Fabulous comments thank you for joining our cruise.
Written 15 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Do you do gift vouchers thanks Sandy
carrie
Wellington, New Zealand3 contributions
Sorry, just found your question, and may be too late but did not use vouchers, got the deal through Trip Advisor
Lynsmadonna
Ruthin, UK64 contributions
What is the duration approximately?
Debs186460
Cardiff, UK45 contributions
About 90 minutes.
JanineMelbourne
Melbourne4 contributions
Can dogs come on board?
Vicki H
Queanbeyan, Australia60 contributions
No sure. You will have to ask them. This trip involves food (muffin and bottomless hot drinks) and hand feeding ducks in full flight so they may not allow a dog on board - unless it is a well trained assistance dog.
Hi, I just want to check if children under 5 years are allowed on the cruise?
Graham M
Brisbane, Australia165 contributions
Certainly are - they are made very welcome
Ying889
Wellington, New Zealand
How many times a day and when? Thanks
TaniaEdwards49
Napier, New Zealand30 contributions
I think they do like 3 or four trips a day however ther are 3 or 4 different boats that do the same trip.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
