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Taupo Tours
Daily Scenic Maori Rock Carving Cruise Taupo
4.5

Daily Scenic Maori Rock Carving Cruise Taupo

By Chris Jolly Outdoors
Recommended by 90% of travellers
90% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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Enjoy a relaxing, scenic cruise on Lake Taupō that takes you to the contemporary Māori rock carvings on cliffs. Learn about Māori 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.
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
Print or digital reading material such as a guide, map, brochure, etc.
: German, Chinese, Japanese, English, Spanish
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Highlights
  • A fun and relaxing trip suitable for the whole family
  • Snacks and coffee/tea are provided
  • 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)


Start:
  • 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.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Pushchair 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.

    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

    From
    $59.00
    per adult
    Select date and travellers

    Similar experiences

    Itinerary
    • 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.
    • 1
    • 2
    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • Chris Jolly Outdoors
      1,567
      Taupo, New Zealand
      Joined in June 2010
    • stephensharp88
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Boat trip
      What an outstanding trip on the boat to see the carving, smooth sailing all the way. Also like to say the staff were very informative on the trip. Thank you.
      Written 9 December 2024
    • HAPPYNZTOURS
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Happy Taupo Lake Cruise
      So relaxing and beautiful. The place, people and the pace of the whole trip was a lovely experience.
      Written 9 December 2024
    • Nicky20242024
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Lovely cruise and staff
      Took a group of adults with disabilities. The staff were so friendly and helpful. Everyone enjoyed the cruise- especially having a turn driving the boat 🙂
      Written 22 November 2024
    • myfriendmoses
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Trip made my partners day
      For my partner's birthday, I booked an unforgettable trip with an outstanding skipper and vivacious crew who went above and beyond. Their warmth, friendliness, and spirited energy transformed our experience into something truly magical. The crew’s enthusiasm was infectious, making the day a spectacular celebration. My partner couldn't stop raving about it, and it became the absolute highlight of her birthday. This incredible journey, filled with laughter and delightful moments, made her day extraordinarily special. Highly recommended for creating lifelong memories!
      Written 18 November 2024
    • SkylerCatus
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Favourite activity in NZ North Island
      Bought the Taupo Classic Combo. Part-1 - Cruise on Lake Taupo was wonderful Good commentary, plenty of time at the Māori carvings for good photos, lovely staff, free flow complimentary coffee & tea plus a scone. Able to chat with skipper for some lovely local insights too. Part 2 - jet boat ride at Huka Falls was great fun. Will definitely do it again. If there’s 1 thing to improve, that would be a proper numbering or queue system. We were the first to arrive, queue up & check in at the counter but we not boarded in order so people who cut queue had better seats.
      Written 13 November 2024
    • 869josephinew
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Tūwharetoa Ki Kawerau Hauora
      This was a great trip. Really enjoyed learning about the history of the area especially coming from on area of Tūwharetoa in Kawerau and going to the home of Tūwharetoa himself. Our arrival to the carving in the rock was really special as we could feel a connection with those that had passed on. It was a really special day. The service and care taken on our trip was really awesome. Nō reirā tēnei te mihi/Thank you so much. Matariki Turuwhenua (Tūwharetoa ki Kawerau Hauora)
      Written 11 November 2024
    • Judithteukava
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Birthday trip for my friend
      This trip was totally amazing to which we both throughly enjoyed the staff were also amazing great tour guide Mark we couldn't have asked for more and weather on the day was perfect thank you so much 💓
      Written 10 November 2024
    • Trail14442505532
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Magnificent Maori Rock Carvings Cruise
      Terrific 90 min cruise on Lake Taupo to see the fascinating Maori Rock Carvings. Spent at least 15 minutes viewing carvings with narrative of history & legend. Enjoyed complimentary hot tea or hot chocolate along with freshly baked blueberry muffins. Captain & team even circled back to retrieve guest hat that blew off.
      Written 10 November 2024
    • Carlosmanci
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Stunning
      One of the must in Taupō. Also the service was incredible with hot chocolate, coffee and muffins for the visitors.
      Written 29 October 2024
    • Keisha1999
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Beautiful Day
      Absolutely loved our trip , beautiful scenery , awesome captains. The muffins and crackers were deeeelicious 😋 bonus part was the BAR of course 👌 and catching some fish. Loved the experience and awesome views . Thanks Karen + Pete
      Written 24 October 2024
    • richellsabsal
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Amazingly Beautiful
      Me and my friends enjoyed the trip, the beautiful scenery and it was also nice feeling catching fish, it was unforgettable one.
      Written 15 October 2024
    • mikeandnoels
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Maori Rock Carving Trip
      What an awesome day and experience. The lake and surrounding scenery was beautiful and really liked the commentary about the lake and its history. The boat was cool, the staff really really friendly and the muffin yummy. Eager to do more trips like this. Thanks so much.
      Written 12 October 2024
    • engrsohaibmajeed
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      A must try
      Extremely friendly staff, very professional. We went along with a 1 year and 5 year kids and enjoyed alot. Kid was all over the moon receiving captain's certificate
      Written 8 October 2024
    • crystalpretorius19
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great Experience
      We loved the boat cruise, captain was so lovely and informative. Beautiful views of the carvings and the lake.
      Written 7 October 2024
    • terisa_hohepa8
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Cruise control
      Everything ran so smoothly from booking the excursion to the end. The booking process was easy we received a response almost immediately. The crew were knowable, accommodating and helpful during the cruise; the scenery was picturesque and breathtaking. The kids were well occupied with coloring, treasure hunts and had to the opportunity to drive the boat. The cruise came with warm, tasty blueberry muffins, beverages and crackers with trout. Overall, we all had an amazing day and would recommend Chris Jolly Outdoors and would do it again.
      Written 2 October 2024
    See all 1,567 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members 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.

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    Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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    4.5
    4.5 of 5 bubbles260 reviews
    Excellent
    191
    Very good
    45
    Average
    10
    Poor
    8
    Terrible
    6

    Jaimee R
    Auckland, New Zealand3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Oct 2020
    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 1 November 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 joining our cruise, we thoroughly enjoyed having you on board.
    Written 3 November 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    William D
    4 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Feb 2020
    We took an evening trip on the boat as it was cheaper. Great to see Taupo from the lake and the Maori Rock Carvings were well worth the trip. The face carving was much bigger than I expected and gives you a snippet into the culture thanks to our guide.
    Written 11 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.
    Thank you for coming.
    Written 18 March 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Teegan Tangiora
    19 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jun 2021
    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 20 June 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.
    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 22 June 2021
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Bob H
    Preston, UK143 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    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.
    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
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    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 Zealand323 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    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 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.
    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 Zealand58 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    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.
    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 Zealand169 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    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
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    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.
    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 Zealand24 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    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).
    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.
    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.

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