Maori Rock Carvings
Maori Rock Carvings, Taupo: Address, Maori Rock Carvings Reviews: 4/5
Maori Rock Carvings
Maori Rock Carvings
4
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Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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4.0
466 reviews
Excellent
221
Very good
156
Average
69
Poor
19
Terrible
1
Anu W
1 contribution
Dec 2021
We really enjoyed Chris Jolly's tour of the Maori Rock Carving. His team was friendly, informative and it was a great trip! We had the boat to ourselves that day so it felt like a private tour. Highly recommend!
Written 21 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
chardonnayl8a
Tauranga, New Zealand23 contributions
Oct 2021
Stopped off here on our way from Tauranga to Ruapehu.
From checkin we knew that Karen, Talia and the skipper (sorry dont remember the name) wanted our trip to be safe and enjoyable.
After the COVID requirements explained we set off on time.
The commentary was informative and interesting (even for 2 13 year old boys)
The rock carvings were amazing and we are so lucky to have craftsman who are happy to share their mani for us to enjoy.
The explanation of what each part of the carving represented was enlightening and incredible to realise that this is NOT just a picture.
There was plenty of time to take in the experience of the carvings, the lake (roto) and the mountains (maunga)
The muffins on the way home were the icing on the cake (boys!!) and this may be a secret of Chris Jolly?
So so pleased that we took the time to do this trip. Absolutely stunning.
Thank you team Chris Jolly
From checkin we knew that Karen, Talia and the skipper (sorry dont remember the name) wanted our trip to be safe and enjoyable.
After the COVID requirements explained we set off on time.
The commentary was informative and interesting (even for 2 13 year old boys)
The rock carvings were amazing and we are so lucky to have craftsman who are happy to share their mani for us to enjoy.
The explanation of what each part of the carving represented was enlightening and incredible to realise that this is NOT just a picture.
There was plenty of time to take in the experience of the carvings, the lake (roto) and the mountains (maunga)
The muffins on the way home were the icing on the cake (boys!!) and this may be a secret of Chris Jolly?
So so pleased that we took the time to do this trip. Absolutely stunning.
Thank you team Chris Jolly
Written 17 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ciaron M
Martinborough, New Zealand18 contributions
Oct 2021 • Family
Not something I would do again. It’s an 2 hour round trip to see a carving done in 1986 so not quite the historical icon I expected. Free tea, coffee and biscuits and relatively cheap. Staff were nice.
Written 2 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Naina-Damani
London, UK1,032 contributions
Mar 2020
Extraordinary contemporary Maori carvings in a beautiful lakeside rocks featuring a huge face and smaller figures.
Written 22 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
chefsam77
Wellington, New Zealand281 contributions
Feb 2021 • Friends
Great carvings and we opted to head out with Barbary Eco sailing, quiet boat no noise and no fumes. A must do when in the area..
Written 3 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Seb J
6 contributions
Dec 2020
This trip was fun we got a free muffin and hot drink very good ride there was a little bit bumpy but not to much
Written 9 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
mcgarveyjr
Manawatu-Wanganui Region, New Zealand4 contributions
Nov 2020
This boat trip was extremely interesting. The staff were great, answered all our questions and even took photos on our phone for us.
Written 22 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Alaninnz
Auckland, New Zealand3 contributions
Nov 2020
The entire cruise was an enjoyable experience right from the start to the finish.
Gill the captain, and Lauren the host both talked knowledgeably and naturally about the area we were visiting.
The Maori rock carving 'Ngatoroirangi' is unique and well worth viewing.
Lauren provided delicious blueberry muffins, baked on board, Took us fishing (we caught a rainbow trout) and provided smoked trout and crackers as we headed back to base!
And all this experience in just 2 hours - such a great experience and such good value.
Thanks Gill and Lauren.
Gill the captain, and Lauren the host both talked knowledgeably and naturally about the area we were visiting.
The Maori rock carving 'Ngatoroirangi' is unique and well worth viewing.
Lauren provided delicious blueberry muffins, baked on board, Took us fishing (we caught a rainbow trout) and provided smoked trout and crackers as we headed back to base!
And all this experience in just 2 hours - such a great experience and such good value.
Thanks Gill and Lauren.
Written 5 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Courtney
Canberra, Australia32 contributions
Feb 2020
We hired canoes and paddled out to he carving, it was hard work but luckily weather was on our side and it wasn't rough, took about an hour to paddle there. Once we got there we were able to paddle right up to the carving and the weather was so beautiful we managed to dock our canoes onto some rocks and have a swim around at the carving until a tourist boat came when we retreated back to the rocks for safety. There is no signage about the history of the carvings at all but we were able to hear the history from the tourist boat that had arrived and it gave it a lot of perspective. We spent at least half an hour admiring it before we paddled back.
Written 13 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Valsattheblock
Auckland Central, New Zealand50 contributions
Sep 2020 • Family
What a big thank you to this firm who took us out to the rock carvings.we were warned that it could be a rough trip - and it was. Our Grandson freaked out at the proximity to the rocks. The crew not only settled him, but provided a picture to colour in, including pencils, and then a chance to visit the wheel house. Not only were the rock carvings stunning, but the care of the crew was to be highly recommended.
Written 30 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ying889
Wellington, New Zealand
Hi, when is the best time, considering the sunlight to the main carvings, to take good photos there during a day. Thanks
Danni W
North Shore, New Zealand84 contributions
we have been to there at10am and the weather was heavy rainy, but we still enjoy the trip, also we see the special rainbow on board. I can imagine the sunny day will be beautiful especially for a amazing sunset.
Hi, do we need to book a guided tour or can we simply rent some kayaks and go by our own? If we can do it, any suggestions on where?
Thanks!
Kasper454
Hamilton, New Zealand73 contributions
either, or both are available. Need to consider weather, wind and lake conditions before making choice
Steph K
Melbourne, Australia
Hi, me & a group for 5 friends are planning to visit the carvings in 2 weeks time. Do you recommend if we book the ticket online or can just buy the boat ticket on the spot? If yes to booking online, can anyone suggest which company I should go for? thanks in advanced :)
dsp1015
Quezon City, Philippines27 contributions
We booked online via Sail Barnaby, cheapest among the ones we saw. Plus, they have online promos so we got additional discounts. Always better to book online rather than take a chance that there will be available slots. :D
Hi, does this trip cater for wheel chair bound guests? Thanks.
darryn J
Hamilton, New Zealand48 contributions
Bound to on a charter
Irma W
1 contribution
How long did it take you to paddleboard there? Are paddle board rentals pretty easy to find? any recommendations?
OutThere-Kiwi
Auckland Central, New Zealand89 contributions
Hi Irma - we stopped quite a few times along the way but I would say that from the start of the Rangatira Point Track in Te Kumi bay to the carvings should take about 1.5 to 2 hours each way. As far as renting paddleboards, get in touch with Taupo Kayaking Adventures and they should be able to sort you out. There's a link to their site on our blog post and you can also see more photos from our trip to the carvings - just search for us online.
Frequently Asked Questions about Maori Rock Carvings
- We recommend booking Maori Rock Carvings tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 12 Maori Rock Carvings tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Maori Rock Carvings:
- Daily Scenic Maori Rock Carving Cruise Taupo (From $35.97)
- Maori Rock Carvings - Taupo Sailing Adventures - Sail Fearless (From $41.10)
- Maori Rock Carvings Scenic Cruise (From $35.97)
- Maori Rock Carvings Eco Sailing Taupo (From $50.34)
- The Maori Carvings Half Day Kayak (From $118.16)
- Hotels near Maori Rock Carvings:
- (0.05 km) Twin Peaks Lakeside Inn
- (0.14 km) Acapulco Motor Inn
- (0.11 km) The Village Resort
- (0.26 km) eMotel
- (0.14 km) Tui Oaks Motor Inn
- Restaurants near Maori Rock Carvings:
- (0.07 km) Jolly Good Fellows
- (0.31 km) The Brantry
- (0.25 km) Lake Bistro
- (0.53 km) Spoon and Paddle
- (0.42 km) Fox & Hounds