Cruise around the scenic bays of Lake Taupo and admire the Maori Rock Carvings during this boat tour. Aboard the boat, listen to informative commentary about the ecology, volcanology, and cultural history of the area. Admire the impressive views of the snowy mountain tops of the UNESCO-listed Tongariro National Park and Lake Taupo's picturesque shores. See the Maori Rock Carvings depicting the legends of the local Tuwharetoa tribe. Choose from morning departure (includes tea) or afternoon departure (includes a fishing demonstration).

Cruise on scenic Lake Taupo to view the Maori Rock Carvings
Learn about the ecology, volcanology, and history of the area from your guide
Enjoy tea or a live fishing demonstration, depending on choice of departure time
See the Maori rock carvings depicting the local tribe's legends

What's Included

Coffee and/or Tea
Live commentary on board
Snacks

Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

65 Redoubt Street, Taupō 3330, New Zealand
65 Redoubt Street TAUPO - Cruise Cat is in Berth 4, just in front of the 'Stir Cafe' at the Boat Harbour. PAY ON BOARD.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Lake Taupo

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Maori Rock Carvings

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 1 hours of travel. In this case confirmation will be received as soon as possible, subject to availability
Wheelchair accessible
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Stroller accessible

Service animals allowed
Infants must sit on laps
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 75 travelers

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

Featured review

Faialofa_M

First of all, I have to say that our tour guide was absolutely fantastic. They were knowledgeable, friendly, and made the entire experience even more enjoyable. They shared interesting stories and facts about the Maori culture and the significance of the rock carvings. The boat ride itself was a highlight of our trip. The scenery was breathtaking as we cruised along the crystal-clear waters. The captain ensured a smooth ride and provided commentary throughout, pointing out various landmarks along the way. When we arrived at the Maori rock carvings, it was truly awe-inspiring. The intricate details and craftsmanship were remarkable to witness up close. Our tour guide explained the history behind these carvings, which added depth to our understanding and appreciation for them. Overall, our experience with both the boat ride and our tour guide exceeded our expectations. It was a memorable adventure that allowed us to connect with nature while learning about Maori culture. I highly recommend this trip to anyone visiting the area!

Reviews

4.5

440 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

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Showing 1-10 of 440 reviews

Fun day out.

iannichola, Apr 2024

Great commentary from Chris Jolly. Enjoyable experience, muffins were delicious. Sadly no catch on the day for us. We still got to enjoy some smoked trout which tasted good.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Love to see you back for a private fishing charter to catch the trout!

Great outdoor experience

Faye_B, Apr 2024

Commentry was extremely informative. All staff very helpful and friendly. Great boat ride Enjoyable boat ride on a windy day.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thank you for choosing to join our cruise.

Amazing experience from start to finish.

Sarah_K, Apr 2024

Amazing experience from start to finish, well worth the money. A must do if in Taupo! Excellent skipper with a great sense of humor, cultural information relayed in a way all can understand. Hot & cold drinks available for free onboard & a delicious blueberry muffin on the return journey. Thoroughly enjoyed by all in our party, would definitely go again.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Wonderful feedback - thank you so much, we really appreciate you taking the time.

Worthwhile Boat Trip

Rae_S, Mar 2024

Knowledgeable skipper and very safe operator. Good vessel for any weather conditions. Not many carvings but a good background to them. Most enjoyable outing.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Great feedback - thank you for joing our cruise.

Great trip - thoroughly...

Andrea_S, Mar 2024

Great trip - thoroughly recommend it. Very knowledgeable, friendly, efficient & entertaining crew. 👍👍👍

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thank you for your recommendation!

Beautiful lake and carvings but the cruise was meh

Shany, Mar 2024

Although the scenery was breathtaking, I must admit that the cruise experience fell a bit short of expectations. Unfortunately, we didn't get as close to the carvings as I had hoped, and to my disappointment, the promised muffin mentioned in the description was not provided. When I asked they said, it wasn’t included in the ride. They why did they mention in the description? Anyways, I must commend the commentator for their excellent delivery of informative content throughout the ride.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

I am sorry you were somewhat disappointed in the cruise - we get as close to the carvings as deemed respectful and safe. We do not serve the muffins on the 5pm scenic cruise - I would be keen to know where you have seen this advertised so we can correct the description? Thank you.

Awesome experience do it

Jason_H, Mar 2024

Great commentary from the skipper on the history of Lake Taupo and we were lucky the lake conditions were perfect. The rock carvings were spectacular. Nice comfortable vessel and the muffins were very nice. Highly recommend to everyone visiting Taupo.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thank you for your feedback

Māori rock carving cruise

Judith_D, Mar 2024

Seeing the Maori rock carvings and hearing the story about it. Our skipper was excellent and very witty.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

We are so fortunate to have fabulous skippers and crew to make these cruises interesting and fun!

Well worth the effort of going.

Denise_C, Feb 2024

The rock carvings were great to see. The information about lake Taupo was very interesting as well. Enjoyed it

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thanks for your comments!

Cruise was everything...

Brandon_P, Feb 2024

Cruise was everything advertised. Friendly and knowledgeable staff, good muffins, great views and learned about the history of the area.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Happy to please!

Nice boat ride and beautiful carvings

gabriele_t, Feb 2024

The carvings were amazing and the ship was nice size. We had sunny weather and not a lot of wind. Tour operator offered muffins and drinks. Fishing demo on way back.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thank you

Great Relaxing Cruise

Sean_A, Feb 2024

Beautiful cruise around Lake Taupo and all the history and information on the area. Water and views are extraordinary

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Thank you!

Not great value for money

Oliver_M, Feb 2024

Trip was really lacking commentary on the history of the lake, information about the town, etc. We got a few minutes of some commentary, but it wasn’t very much. Spent about 15min floating around looking at the rock carving, which was too long. The boat is comfortable and the onboard bar was nice.

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Sorry you seem somewhat disappointed - we appreciate your feedback and hope to always improve the experience for everyone.

Great way to get out onto the lake with the family

Rob_D, Feb 2024

The Captain ( and the crew) was fantastic and kept things interesting The fishing demo at the end ( we did the 1:30pm cruise) was a cool surprise and the kids loved it.

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Glad you all loved it - thanks for coming.

No visit to Māori Carvings

Natarsha_J, Jan 2024

we couldn't get out to the Māori Carvings which was the highlight and was told we could go fishing instead. The water didn't look too bad so I feela s though the skipper tried not to go.

Response from Host, Feb 2024

The safety of everyone on board is paramount - the Skipper is the only one on board who is qualified to make the decision to proceed or not and you can be sure they try to get there if they can - safely.

Enjoyable, relaxing

Niamh_C, Jan 2024

Lovely morning out on the lake, had the rock carvings all to ourselves which is rare. Enjoyed a cup of tea on board, great experience and friendly staff.

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Thank you.

Great way to see the lake and rock carvings

Jan_K, Jan 2024

Gorgeous way to see the lake and the rock carvings. Friendly and knowledgable crew, and the warm muffins were delicious 😊

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Thank you Jan.

Great cruise on the lake

Matthew_C, Jan 2024

Interesting cruise even with rainy weather. Captain and staff were entertaining and informative. Rock carvings were very cool!

Response from Host, Jan 2024

Thank you Matthew!

A wonderful tour!

Khrystyna_H, Jan 2024

It was a wonderful tour. Stunning scenery, including the lake and the carvings. I was in Taupo in transit/not staying overnight, and this tour was of a perfect duration and made me feel that I did not waste my day just on transportation. Relaxing atmosphere, great guide/captain, free coffee/tea and muffins provided. The captain turned the boat slowly around the carvings in full circles so that everyone can take pictures. Would do again and recommend to family and friends!

Response from Host, Jan 2024

Thank you for your thoughtful comments - we are very pleased you enjoyed your time cruising with us.

Cruise ship

Renjith_L, Jan 2024

Good experience in small cruise, guiding, rock carving and fishing, enjoyed a lot Thanks for the great experience

Response from Host, Jan 2024

So pleased you enjoyed your time with us!

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