Tours/Taupo/Daily Scenic Maori Rock Carving Cruise Taupo
Viator · group up to 75 pax

Daily Scenic Maori Rock Carving Cruise Taupo

4.6(616)Taupo1 hour
VIATOR4.6(278)TRIPADVISOR4.6(338)

Description

Daily Scenic Cruises – Maori Rock Carvings Please note we are changing our afternoon departure time from 1.30pm to 1.00pm from 1st November 2024. Our Daily Scenic Cruises depart from Berth #4 at the Taupo Boat Harbour on Cruise Cat. You’ll love cruising in comfort and style with fabulous views from both the top and bottom decks. Cruise Cat is fully enclosed with large outdoor decks to enjoy close up views of the Maori Rock Carvings.  Children are welcome, and we have colouring-in sheets and wheel certificates available for them.  Cruise Cat is also wheelchair and push chair/stroller accessible. An informative commentary is given on the volcanic history and Maori mythology surrounding Lake Taupo, and you’ll enjoy a complimentary hot homemade muffin and tea/coffee as you take in the fabulous views of secluded bays and the spectacular snow capped mountain peaks of the World Heritage Tongariro National Park.

Tour Options

10.30 Daily Rock Carvings Tour
  • 10.30 Maori Rock Carvings Tour: 90 minute scenic boat cruise on Lake Taupo to the Maori Rock Carvings. FREE hot drinks and homemade muffin. Trusted operator.
1.00pm Carvings Cruise
  • 90 minute scenic cruise to the Maori Rock Carvings includes a fishing demonstration. FREE hot drink, muffin & smoked trout.
5pm Daily Rock Carvings Cruise
  • 5pm Maori Rock Carving Tour: 90min scenic cruise on Lake Taupo to the Maori Rock Carvings. Full bar on board, Lake tour, kiwi music.
8.30am Rock Carvings Cruise

Itinerary

15 min

Lake Taupo Marina is situated on the Waikato River - the only river or stream to flow out of Lake Taupo.

Admission included10 min

Listen to your crew explain the history behind the Maori Rock carvings, the creation and explanation of what they represent. Great photo opportunities here.

Highlights

Live commentary on board
Coffee and/or Tea
A FREE HOMEMADE MUFFIN

What's included

Included
Live commentary on board
Coffee and/or Tea
A FREE HOMEMADE MUFFIN
Not included
Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Traveller Ratings

4.6
616 reviews
5
458
4
104
3
28
2
15
1
11

Important Information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult

Reviews(616)

T
Trail23113025491
July 12, 2026
The crew was perfect

Awesome service . Great crew members. Boat trip was super 👌

M
Maps52495901932
July 9, 2026
Highly recommended - family friendly and worth the price

Highly recommend. Good value, good information as the charter moved through the lake and at the carving. Kid-friendly, plenty of space and good for all weather.

S
Sherpa764013
July 7, 2026
Family holiday

Well worth the vist amazing place

F
F114AImartinc
July 6, 2026
Amazing experience

Amazing and engaging staff knowledgeable about the place. Would recommend any day

S
Safari02546696980
June 21, 2026
.

We had a lovely experience, the crew were awesome, friendly and the commentary was informative. Delicious cupcakes and complimentary coffee was also nice because the weather was a bit chilli, overall the trip was amazing and we enjoyed every bit of it. The views were beautiful and a highlight for me. Definitely will be recommending to family and friends to book on their next trip here.

Operator response

Thank you for your lovely comments and recommendation - we appreciate it!

M
Morgane_R
June 6, 2026
Magnificent

A very nice boat trip to discover the Māori rock carvings. It was magnificent. The landscapes are beautiful and the water is calm. The captain's comments are interesting. The crew was very kind and attentive to the children.

Operator response

Thank you for your lovely review. We're delighted you enjoyed the cruise and hope to welcome you back again soon!

J
jajavalB
June 4, 2026
A valuable trip with live demonstration

I took daytour sailing trip to see Maori carving rocks and, amazingly, live fishing demonstration. Boarding the cruise , I enjoyed complimenatry hot drinks , and also alcoholic beverages to be purchased onboard. Our guides showed around the history of rock carvings, then , on the way back, I was entertained with fishing , and also alcoholic, yes, we got big rainbow trout. It valued my money to do this activity.

Operator response

Thank you for your lovely review. We're delighted you enjoyed the cruise to the Maori rock carvings and the fishing demonstration. We hope to welcome you back again soon!

8
808reshmac
June 1, 2026
Birthday Treat

Reasonable price. Could be more exciting if live Band or Music. Rainy day as well.

Operator response

Thank you for your review. We're glad you found the pricing reasonable. We appreciate your feedback regarding the music. While we do not offer live bands, we can provide music accompaniment on our private charters for guests looking for a more personalised experience. Unfortunately, the rainy weather was beyond our control, but we hope you still enjoyed your visit and we look forward to welcoming you again soon.

M
moopius
May 26, 2026
A great way to spend a couple of hours

This was a last minute decision as we had a spare afternoon, and I couldn't have been happier The boat was clean and comfortable, the guide was interesting and the rock carving was worth the time Highly recommended

Operator response

Thank you for your lovely review! We are so pleased you chose to spend your afternoon with us and enjoyed the cruise, commentary and the carvings. We really appreciate the recommendation!

C
Clive_D
May 25, 2026
Exceptional value! Such a wonderful experience to sale on Lake Taupo!

From the moment you step on the catamaran you are treated like a long lost friend! The views are spectacular and the carvings are a sight to behold. Muffins and free coffee are a treat as in the trout tasting. Loved the fishing demo and exciting to see one being caught. The trout you taste, you won’t taste anywhere else unless you catch it yourself, as it’s not sold to shops or restaurants! Very privileged to have had a bite! Lived the whole experience!

Operator response

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are delighted you felt so welcomed on board and enjoyed the scenery, carvings, trout tasting and fishing demonstration. We are so pleased you loved every moment of the cruise!

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