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Half-Day Kayak to the Maori Rock Carvings in Lake Taupo
Badge of ExcellenceTaupo, New Zealand
- 4 hours
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Paddle a kayak to the magnificent Maori rock carvings on Lake Taupo with a half-day tour from Acacia Bay. You’ll learn the cultural significance behind the towering inscriptions, which were completed in 1980, and enjoy great views across the crystal-clear lake to the Tongariro Mountains. Approaching the Maori rock carvings by kayak means you can see them up close, passing native bush and tiny inlets, then floating right at the base of the cliff. Both morning and afternoon departures are available and beginning paddlers are welcome.
- Paddling trip across Lake Taupo from Acacia Bay
- See the Maori rock carvings from the water
- Enjoy views of the lake and mountains
- Chance to swim after viewing the rock carvings
- Includes snacks and beverages on the water
- Informative, friendly and professional guide
What's Included
- Full instructions and commentary
- Professional and experienced guide
- Top-quality kayaking equipment
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Taupo Kayaking Adventures2/876 Acacia Bay Road, Acacia Bay, Taupō 3330, New Zealand
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers
Operated by Taupo Kayaking Adventures
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Traveler Photos
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Featured review
russell_K
Great paddle with excellent, well informed guide. Good equipment and safety briefing. Coffee and muffin stop also highly enjoyable. But the absolute highlight is the carvings. Kayaking right upto them is easily the best way to see and experience them. Highly recommended
Reviews
5.0
87 reviews
Kimberly_P, Apr 2024
We had good weather - cloudy with some sun; we had a double kayak and wore spray skirts; our guide, Oliver, was kind, patient and provided us with some facts about the area; we had some water with waves and some flat water; we saw a cormorant holding its wings out to dry; we didn't stop to have a snack as the rocky area was too difficult to get to, so we ate back at the beach; snack was a muffin and a hot drink; Oliver said he would share photos he took with us, but he hasn’t (yet); we would have enjoyed more variety in the kayaking as we didn’t go into any of the inlets to see local animals - we kayaked in and back the same way; as we have kayaked many times, we felt we could have done this paddle without a guide.
KatieKingsbury, Apr 2024
It was early in the morning so not much traffic. Our guide was well versed in the biology and history of the area. The water was serene.
Polly_D, Jan 2024
Wonderful guides, good workout, beautiful scenery. It was a bit harder than I expected — it’s 10 km there and back. But we turned on the motor for part of the return trip.
Martina_W, Jan 2024
The guides were very kind and funny. They were very uncomplicated. The kayaking was a funny experience.
Muthu_K, Dec 2023
The trip should have been canceled as it rain for half the trip. Although it was nice to see the carvings, the trip was very uncomfortable and wet! The photos that were taken was of poor quality
Debi_L, Nov 2023
Chase was a great guide—- informative, funny, reassuring. Nice little break with muffins and Swimming in the Lake. Fun trip.
Joshua_H, Sep 2023
Pleasant kayaking tour. Guide was very knowledgeable. Do note: weather will dictate the lake's waves and effort required in this experience.
Paula_J, Apr 2023
I have always wanted to do this and it didn’t disappoint.A good workout with a great guide, hot chocolate and muffins and the carvings are impressive .We were able to get up close.
Steve_J, Mar 2023
Great tour for learning about the area and getting outside and getting exercise. The operators are easy to work with.
Sarah_P, Feb 2023
It was a great trip. I learned loads and had a great time! The guides Legend and Joey were great! Legend particularly, helped us to keep going at moments , when our muscles ached!! It was brilliant and when we come again, I would do another kayaking trip. It was great to have such an experienced guide in, Legend.
From $84.46
up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Half-Day Kayak to the Maori Rock Carvings in Lake Taupo
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