Coffee Cruises
1–2 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 90% of travellers
90% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$59
per adult
Chris Jolly Outdoors
Chris Jolly Outdoors
4.5
Multi-day ToursBoat ToursFishing Charters & ToursBoat HireHiking & Camping Tours
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Full view
About
Chris Jolly Outdoors - the trusted tour to the Maori Rock Carvings on Lake Taupo for 40 years. A family business that offers 'Outdoor experiences of a lifetime' in boating, fishing, hiking and biking. Their scenic cruise is a comfortable and stylish ride, with booth seating, full bar and amenities onboard suitable for all ages. We have a 10.30am, 1.30pm and 5pm (summer) departure, with awesome deals for backpackers, families and groups (contact us for details!) Outside of our public cruise we specialise in creating unique and bespoke packages in the region, with privately guided tours of the New Zealand outdoors. Enquire today to create your dream experience with Chris Jolly. #GET JOLLY
Taupo, New Zealand
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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
1,534 reviews
Excellent
1,235
Very good
219
Average
45
Poor
21
Terrible
14
Luanshya F
Wellington, New Zealand2 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
So glad I googled this option instead of going with the options on the various deals websites. Great value for money, excellent service and informative commentary, the boat itself was nice and roomy with lots of space to sit and stand without feeling like you're fighting the crowd to get a good spot, actually felt like we were on the best boat in the bay! The kids were stoked to have a go at the wheel and even got a certificate for their efforts which was a nice touch. Feeding the flying duck was also a treat and something different. 100% recommend the activity to anyone visiting Taupo and absolutely recommend Chris Jolly if you're looking for that bit of luxury at an affordable price!
Written 23 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.
Wonderful comments, thank you so much for taking the time for your feedback!
Written 23 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
pandgcrequer
1 contribution
Jun 2020
As a long time resident of Taupo this was my first paying trip on the lake as was a yacht owner for many years and was most impressed with the whole experience. All the commentary given was factual and well done. Wonderful crew.
Written 10 June 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 kind words - great to have locals join us, a pleasure to have you onboard!
Written 24 June 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
boydbell
Auckland, New Zealand1 contribution
Feb 2020 • Family
With our family/guests from China we enjoyed a pleasant evening cruise on Lake Taupo.
Highlight was to stop at the rock carvings on a water's edge cliff. So close that we could just about touch and of course ideal for photos. The carvings are representative of local maori legend and were created in recent times.
The circuit gave us a good view of the lake area including town and Acacia Bay and a distant view of the mountains. Mostly though it was simply "being there" on the lake.
Captain and staff cared for us well, with an interesting narrative and usual hospitality.
Good value. Recommended!
Highlight was to stop at the rock carvings on a water's edge cliff. So close that we could just about touch and of course ideal for photos. The carvings are representative of local maori legend and were created in recent times.
The circuit gave us a good view of the lake area including town and Acacia Bay and a distant view of the mountains. Mostly though it was simply "being there" on the lake.
Captain and staff cared for us well, with an interesting narrative and usual hospitality.
Good value. Recommended!
Written 13 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 review, we appreciate your comments and glad you enjoyed the carvings and our beautiful lake!
Written 16 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MissNgerengere
Cambridge, New Zealand50 contributions
Oct 2020
Taken in by a trip out on the lake combined with it being what I felt to be very reasonably priced, I promptly made a booking. There were some lovely surprise eats along the way which only added to the experience. The crew were friendly and welcoming and very informative in terms of local knowledge. Their Maaori pronunciation was outstanding. Definitely a great experience where I intend to return with my teenage children next time I am in town. Thanks team.
Written 14 October 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.
What a great review, thank you so much for taking the time, we appreciate the feedback. Our team has been working hard understanding and relating or local culture to guests, it is nice to know it is noticed.
Come back and see us any time.
Nga mihi.
Written 15 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jared-Kiwi
Wellington, New Zealand309 contributions
Dec 2020 • Family
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 9 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.
Wonderful review, thank you for cruising with us!
Written 10 January 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
WoodFrog007
Auckland, New Zealand6 contributions
Dec 2021
Our 90-minute 'Views & Vibes' sunset trip on Christmas Eve with Chris Jolley Outdoors was the perfect cruise to experience the lake - and the Maori carvings. The Skipper also provided great commentary on the historic events that created the Lake, the region, mountains and the carvings. Highly recommended trip for all ages when time is of the essence - i.e. they also offer longer trips, fishing adventures etc.
Written 28 December 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 review, we really appreciate your comments and recommendation.
Written 30 December 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
WilburTheDuck
Palmerston North, New Zealand1 contribution
Feb 2021
I booked on line, which was easy and straightforward. Communication with confirmation, then a reminder later was efficient.
The commentary didn’t go on all the time, so we were able to just enjoy the beautiful scenery.
The staff were friendly and helpful.
The actual cruise was good value, as ours included a glass of wine (the 5pm cruise).
The actual scenery was stunning.
100% recommend this cruise.
The commentary didn’t go on all the time, so we were able to just enjoy the beautiful scenery.
The staff were friendly and helpful.
The actual cruise was good value, as ours included a glass of wine (the 5pm cruise).
The actual scenery was stunning.
100% recommend this cruise.
Written 16 February 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 cruising with us, we were delighted to have you on board!
Written 17 February 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
cameron j
1 contribution
Apr 2021 • Family
We private chartered a boat with Chris Jolly for 3 hours , skipper Gill and hostess Tahlia were amazing!! We went out to the Maori Cravings, did some clay bird shooting then proceeded to do some trout fishing ( Landed 9 nice fish) cant recommend this guys enough.The whole family had a great time. Thank you
Written 29 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.
Wonderful review, thank you so much for joining us. I have passed your comments to Gil and Tahlia.
Written 2 May 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Flyer635612
1 contribution
Feb 2021 • Family
We won the trip at the Ironman Volunteers Dinner so we decided to make it a family event. It was a perfect day and it turned out to be the perfect family outing. The staff were helpful, friendly and easy to talk to. The trip was leisurely which gave you time to relax and enjoy the beauty around you. We were able to get up close to the rock carvings, which as a resident without a boat, was a bonus. The grandchildren loved it, especially the trout fishing aspect. It reassured my 5 year old Grandson that the fish in the lake weren't big or sharks. The muffins were delicious too. All-in-all it was a perfect family outing, a great way to spend an afternoon in beautiful surroundings. Thank you.
Written 24 February 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.
What a great review, thank you for joining us!
Written 2 March 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mshane53
Auckland Central, New Zealand40 contributions
Jul 2020
went in march on an evening corporate dinner/ clay shooting cruise to Maori rock Carvings.
Discusesed with wife, that when we go to Taupo, we will do a day trip, Great value with coffee and muffin included.
Good narrative about Lake Taupo and Maori rock carvings
Discusesed with wife, that when we go to Taupo, we will do a day trip, Great value with coffee and muffin included.
Good narrative about Lake Taupo and Maori rock carvings
Written 11 July 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.
Thanks so much for joining us again - great to see you back on the lake.
Written 12 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi, am thinking of going on a weekday afternoon, like to check if it’s advisable to buy ticket on the spot instead of on line? Will I still be entitled to family tickets of $100? And if I need to book tickets in advance due to limited slots ?
Written 11 November 2018
Hello there, to be sure of securing the date and time of sailing you want, you are best to book ahead on-line.
Written 13 November 2018
Hi. We will be in New Zealand in October and will be on a Taupo Lake cruise with your company. We are really looking forward to the experience. We would also love to know what to expect weather-wise to help pack for the adventure. Thanks.
Bob Di Trolio
Written 28 August 2016
Hi Bob
We have holidayed in Taupo for many years. So be prepared for all weather - rain, cold or sunshine and warmth. Especially on the water it can be cold but Chris's boats are warm inside. Take a good windproof jacket and 1 or 2 light layers underneath and you will be fine. Maybe a beanie in case. Have a great trip!
Regards
Jan
Written 28 August 2016
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