Maori Rock Carvings
Maori Rock Carvings
4
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Maori Rock Carvings
The area
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
141 within 5 kms
Attractions
26 within 10 kms
Contribute
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.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.0
477 reviews
Excellent
225
Very good
159
Average
71
Poor
21
Terrible
1
Jill S
New Plymouth, New Zealand141 contributions
Jul 2020
We booked this awhile ago for my birthday...and though the day was cold and cloudy it was still a perfect trip. Izzy and Jordy were entertaining and informative, loved the old style boat. Trip takes 2 hours and had plenty of time to snap photos of the maori carvings. Tea and coffee are free onboard to.
Written 4 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.
Tim K
110 contributions
Mar 2023
We took a catamaran cruise to the carvings , which are just around a point to the west of town and only visible or viewable from the water. These ar enot historical, but were made in recent times by an artist undeer strenuously challenging conditions. The designs are nice but not stunning, some were hard ot see at times. You motor out with the captain telling you a little history, and then he goes up to the carvings, you see them and it takes a couple minutes, although he tries to stay longer. Out cruise added in fishing for trout, which seemed pretty strange addon and irrelevant, but it is a big deal in Lake Taupo. I would suggest looking into kayaking out if you are more adventurous, or a cheaper tour. Alternatively, skipping the tour and buying a postcard might be a good option.
Written 14 April 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.
juec
Nottingham, UK89 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
Lovely cruise and interesting rock carving.
I would definately recommend seeing this Moari art, only accessible by boat. I was on a boat trip but there were people there in small boats , canoes, and even paddle boards.
Definately worth a look
I would definately recommend seeing this Moari art, only accessible by boat. I was on a boat trip but there were people there in small boats , canoes, and even paddle boards.
Definately worth a look
Written 4 January 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.
chardonnayl8a
Tauranga, New Zealand27 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alaninnz
Auckland, New Zealand4 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Valsattheblock
Auckland Central, New Zealand48 contributions
Sept 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janka K
Brno, Czech Republic8,287 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
This place is nice, but I don't think that the carving alone is the reason to take a boat ride and travel to the other side of the lake Taupo. You can see the whole carving picture on Google and I think it's unnecessary effort to pay money to see it in person.
In any case, the ride to get to the carving was very nice and I learned a lot about the lake itself and the nature around.
If you decide to see the place in any way, check the tours a long time in advance, as end to be booked out.
In any case, the ride to get to the carving was very nice and I learned a lot about the lake itself and the nature around.
If you decide to see the place in any way, check the tours a long time in advance, as end to be booked out.
Written 14 April 2024
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.
Livakiwi
Upper Hutt, New Zealand51 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
We went with my mom and niece that visit us from overseas and all of us enjoyed the trip very much.
This is an easy short trip that you can do with family and friends on a good sunny day. The cruise at 1.30pm include a short demonstration of trout fishing. We didn’t catch any, but it was still a nice experience which ended with the crew handing out samples of smoke trout fish from their previous trip.
If I may comment, the commentary (which was very interesting) was too loud inside the boat. Other than that, it’s highly recommended.
This is an easy short trip that you can do with family and friends on a good sunny day. The cruise at 1.30pm include a short demonstration of trout fishing. We didn’t catch any, but it was still a nice experience which ended with the crew handing out samples of smoke trout fish from their previous trip.
If I may comment, the commentary (which was very interesting) was too loud inside the boat. Other than that, it’s highly recommended.
Written 18 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.
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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ciaron M
Martinborough, New Zealand22 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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
Written 31 August 2018
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.
Written 4 September 2018
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!
Written 6 January 2018
either, or both are available. Need to consider weather, wind and lake conditions before making choice
Written 21 January 2018
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 :)
Written 12 November 2017
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
Written 16 November 2017
How long did it take you to paddleboard there? Are paddle board rentals pretty easy to find? any recommendations?
Written 5 August 2016
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.
Written 6 August 2016
Showing results 1-6 of 6
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing