Lake Taupo: Maori Rock Carvings 1.5-Hour Cruise



Lake Taupō scenic cruise aboard a spacious catamaran. See the famous Māori Rock Carvings and enjoy spectacular views of Tongariro National Park and its snow-capped volcanic peaks.

Highlights

  • Discover the renowned Maori Rock Carvings on a cruise
  • Marvel at the beautiful panoramic scenery surrounding Taupo
  • Enjoy guided commentary to learn about the lake and the carvings
  • Feed the ducks and watch an optional fishing demonstration

Description

Thank you for choosing Chris Jolly Outdoors. We look forward to welcoming you aboard one of Taupō's most iconic experiences.

Please ensure you have read and understood our Terms & Conditions and Risk Disclosure before booking: https://chrisjolly.co.nz/risk-disclosure/

Cruise Information

  • Cruise to the world-famous Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings on a 90-minute scenic cruise.
  • Enjoy informative live commentary, local history and spectacular views of Lake Taupō.
  • Complimentary tea, coffee and a freshly baked blueberry muffin are included on the 8.30am, 10.30am, 1.00pm and 3.00pm departures.
  • The 1.00pm departure also includes a brief trout fishing demonstration by our crew (subject to weather and operational requirements).

Departure Times

  • 10.30am and 1.00pm departures operate year-round.
  • Additional departures (including 8.30am, 3.00pm, 5.00pm and 7.00pm) operate during peak seasons and selected periods only.
  • Our timetable is subject to change. If you are unsure about availability, please call 0800 252 628 before travelling.

Check-in

Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure. Boarding commences shortly before departure and vessels leave promptly.

Accessibility

  • Our Cruise Cat is wheelchair and pram accessible; however, there is no accessible toilet onboard.
  • At times, cruises may operate on our smaller vessel, Supercat, which is not wheelchair accessible.
  • If you or anyone in your group uses a wheelchair or has mobility difficulties, please contact us before booking so we can ensure we provide the most suitable vessel and assistance for your visit.

Health & Safety

Your safety and enjoyment are our highest priorities. Chris Jolly Outdoors has been welcoming guests onto Lake Taupō for more than 40 years, and our experienced skippers and crew operate to strict maritime safety standards.

All passengers must follow crew instructions at all times. The skipper has the final authority regarding:

  • Safe operation of the vessel
  • Weather suitability
  • Passenger safety
  • Departure decisions

Children under 16 years of age must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult (18 years or older) for the duration of the cruise.

Weather

Our cruises operate in most weather conditions. If weather or operational factors prevent us from operating safely, we will contact you as soon as possible to reschedule your booking or provide a full refund.

We look forward to welcoming you aboard and sharing the beauty, history and culture of Lake Taupō.

Includes

1.5-hour cruise aboard a 2-story catamaran
Experienced and professional local guide
Fishing demonstration (if option selected)
Life jackets
Tea or coffee and a muffin on the 8.30am, 10.30am, 1.00pm and 3.00pm departures

Excludes

Additional food

Important Information

  • Subject to weather conditions. In the event of bad weather, it may not be possible to view the Maori Rock Carvings. This decision is made at the discretion of the skipper for the health and safety of all on board the vessel. If bad weather prevents viewing the Maori Rock Carvings, travelers are offered a refund or reschedule for the affected booking Wheelchair access is dependent on lake levels and size of the wheelchair. You must call the office to book prior to traveling to see if the wheelchair can be accommodated

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Available Dates

November 2026 19 dates
Thu 12th Nov Fri 13th Nov Sat 14th Nov Sun 15th Nov Mon 16th Nov Tue 17th Nov
December 2026 31 dates
Tue 1st Dec Wed 2nd Dec Thu 3rd Dec Fri 4th Dec Sat 5th Dec Sun 6th Dec
January 2027 31 dates
Fri 1st Jan Sat 2nd Jan Sun 3rd Jan Mon 4th Jan Tue 5th Jan Wed 6th Jan
February 2027 28 dates
Mon 1st Feb Tue 2nd Feb Wed 3rd Feb Thu 4th Feb Fri 5th Feb Sat 6th Feb
March 2027 31 dates
Mon 1st Mar Tue 2nd Mar Wed 3rd Mar Thu 4th Mar Fri 5th Mar Sat 6th Mar
April 2027 30 dates
Thu 1st Apr Fri 2nd Apr Sat 3rd Apr Sun 4th Apr Mon 5th Apr Tue 6th Apr
May 2027 11 dates
Sat 1st May Sun 2nd May Mon 3rd May Tue 4th May Wed 5th May Thu 6th May

Frequently Asked Questions

The Maori Rock Carvings are large sculptures carved into the cliff face on Lake Taupo, created by local Maori artist Ngātoroirangi and representing Maori culture and history.
The cruise departs from Taupo, near Rotorua, offering access to the lake and the rock carvings by boat.
The cruise lasts approximately 1.5 hours, including guided commentary and optional activities like feeding ducks and fishing demonstrations.
Experienced local guides offer commentary about the Maori Rock Carvings, the history of the lake, and surrounding natural features.
Yes, passengers have the opportunity to feed ducks while cruising on Lake Taupo.
A fishing demonstration is available as an optional part of the cruise experience.
Check the tour website for current operating times and seasonal availability to plan your visit.
Yes, all safety regulations are followed, and passengers are advised to review the tour's Terms & Conditions and Risk Disclosure before booking.
Families are welcome, and the cruise offers educational and engaging activities suitable for children.
Bookings can be made online through the official tour website, with up-to-date information on availability and prices.

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