Māori Rock Carving Ngātoroirangi Taupo Lake Cruise cat expedition in Lake Taupo New Zealand

Māori Rock Carvings

Daily Scenic Cruises to the Ngātoroirangi Maori Rock Carvings.

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mine Bay Lake Taupo nz

Lake Experiences

Chartering a boat on Lake Taupō is the ultimate escape.

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Maori Rock Carvings from boat lake taupo

Experience Together

Chris Jolly Outdoors can cater to all your group's Outdoor entertainment needs.

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Land Experiences

Step into some of the most exclusive and untouched areas of wilderness in New Zealand.

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he Taupō region is a fly fisherman's paradise, with over 600 kilometers of fishable water. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting started, there is a Chris jolly guided tour for you.

River Experiences

A trout fishing experience you will never forget in Taupō.

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Chris Jolly Outdoors' has 40 years of experience creating ultimate adventures for holiday makers visiting Taupō, trust their expertise and book yours now.

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Day Trips Couple Activities Family Friendly For Small Groups Packages Fly Fishing Rock Carvings Relaxation Adventure Activities
Boatness

10.30 am Scenic Cruise on Lake Taupō

Boatness

1.30pm Scenic Cruise On Lake Taupō

Boatness

5pm Scenic Cruise On Lake Taupō

chris jolly boat on lake taupo

Corporate Functions

At Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guides, we only use the best quality equipment to ensure a successful fishing day.

Guided Fly Fishing Full-Day

fly fisherman in tongariro river

Guided Fly Fishing Half-Day

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Guided Hiking

Alpine View of New Zealand Bush

Gift Voucher

Cruise And Plant Project Chris Jolly Updated

The Cruise To Plant Project

Chris Jolly Outdoors is committed to planting trees in an effort to protect and enhance Aotearoa’s natural environment.

All passengers on Chris Jolly Outdoors scenic cruises will have a dollar from their ticket price go towards the planting project with The Opepe Farm Trust.

Have a closer look at our initiative

Māori Rock Carving Ngātoroirangi Taupo Lake Cruise cat expedition in Lake Taupo New Zealand

Māori Rock Carvings

Daily Scenic Cruises to the Ngātoroirangi Maori Rock Carvings.

Boatness

10.30am Maori Carvings Scenic Cruise

The Chris Jolly Outdoor daily 10.30 am Scenic Cruise of Maori Carvings on Lake Taupō. Get up close and personal to the Ngātoroirangi Māori carvings, appreciate the culture and craftsmanship in a relaxed setting.

Learn about 10.30am Maori Carvings Scenic Cruise

Boatness

1.30pm Scenic Cruise On Lake Taupo

The Chris Jolly Outdoor daily 1.30 pm Scenic Cruise of Maori Carvings on Lake Taupō. Get up close and personal to the Ngātoroirangi Māori carvings, and appreciate the culture and craftsmanship in a relaxed setting.

Learn about 1.30pm Scenic Cruise On Lake Taupo

mine Bay Lake Taupo nz

Lake Experiences

Chartering a boat on Lake Taupō is the ultimate escape.

Lake Taupo Charter Levante Riviera 4000 Offshore Sedan

Levante Boat Charter

The Levante Charter Boat is a Riviera 4000 Offshore Sedan. Taker her out and enjoy the ultimate way to entertain small groups on the impressively scenic Great Lake Taupō.

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Lake Taupo Charter Chris Jolly Outdoors Cruise Cat

Cruise Cat Boat Charter

The Chris Jolly Cruise Cat is a luxurious 52 ft Catamaran boat available to charter for use on Lake Taupō in New Zealand. Perfect for both conferencing and events, with a spacious capacity of 90 people.

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Maori Rock Carvings from boat lake taupo

Experience Together

Chris Jolly Outdoors can cater to all your group's Outdoor entertainment needs.

Lake Taupo Charter Levante Riviera 4000 Offshore Sedan Corporate Hosting

Incentive Escape Package With Chris Jolly

Incentivize your team, take them away from the hustle and bustle of everyday office life, reward their efforts with a memorable adventure, and escape with Chris Jolly Outdoors.

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chris jolly boat on lake taupo

Floating Corporate Functions

Work with us to create a superior corporate event for your staff. escape with your team off-grid to get serious business done. A customizable corporate experience in New Zealand's great outdoors.

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hikers on top of a hill nz

Land Experiences

Step into some of the most exclusive and untouched areas of wilderness in New Zealand.

mine Bay Lake Taupo nz

Hiking and Cruise With Chris Jolly

The Chris Jolly Outdoors guided hike and cruise combo is a package deal that takes you on an adventure from Kinloch to Kawakawa.

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Guided Bike Adventure On The Timber Trail In Taupo With Chirs Jolly Ourdoors

Guided Biking With Chris Jolly

Guided bike tours with our expert riding team here at Chris Jolly Outdoors are a magic way to spend time with your team, friends or loved ones on a trip away. Whether you're an adventure chaser or pleasure seeker, we've got you covered.

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he Taupō region is a fly fisherman's paradise, with over 600 kilometers of fishable water. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting started, there is a Chris jolly guided tour for you.

River Experiences

A trout fishing experience you will never forget in Taupō.

Guided Heli Fishing For Brown And Rainbow Trout In New Zealand

Guided Heli Fly Fishing in the Backcountry

The ultimate fly fishing experience, complete with helicopter transfers into New Zealand's backcountry with brown and rainbow trophy trout photo opportunities. Take a trip through untouched streams and untouched waters, and put your angling skills to the test in the best fly fishing arena New Zealand has to offer.

Learn about Guided Heli Fly Fishing in the Backcountry

At Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guides, we only use the best quality equipment to ensure a successful fishing day.

Guided Fly Fishing Full-Day

Looking to get the most out of your fly fishing trip to New Zealand? Then look no further than our full day guided fly fishing trips in Turangi. Our internationally recognised Orvis endorsed fly fishing guides will take you to some of the most beautiful and productive trout fishing spots in the area. No matter what your level of experience, we can provide a trip that is tailored to your needs.

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FAQ

Is Lake Taupō fresh water or salt water?

Fresh clear and largely drinkable water. We would recommend drinking from a stream as running water is best.

Is Lake Taupō a volcano?

Lake Taupō is actually the crater of what was an enormous volcano. Lake Taupō is now the largest freshwater lake in Australasia, and the southern hemisphere. Lake Taupō is roughly the size of Singapore and the eruption was one of the largest volcanic eruptions earth has had in the last 5000 years. If you skydive above Lake Taupō on a clear day, you can see the edges of the entire North Island!

What is the Huka Falls?

A truly mighty 11-metre waterfall. It is said to be the most visited natural attraction in all of New Zealand, and it's free! Experience the foaming falls from all of the different viewing platforms to fully appreciate their power, or book in for a Huka Jet Boat ride and Scenic Cruise to get your adrenaline pumping!

Does anything dangerous live in or around Lake Taupō?

Taupō, and New Zealand in general have no native or imported predators, there is one kind of poisonous spider (very small) called the whitetail, but a quick GP visit and some antibiotics after a bite and you'd be right as rain. It is the reason why we have So many gloriously fat fish and large flightless birds. The biggest threat to New Zealand's ecosystem is introduced vermin such as ferrets, cats, possums and rats.

What do the smaller sculptures around the Māori carvings represent?

The smaller sculptures surrounding Ngātoroirangi depict tupuna (ancestors) and kaitiaki (guardians) that are pivotal to the history of the local Māori tribe.

How big are the Ngātoroirangi rock carvings?

The Ngātoroirangi rock carvings are a staggering 14 meters tall, they were created by sculptor Matahi Brightwell and reflect his ancestry.

How old are the Māori carvings?

The Ngātoroirangi carvings took four years to complete and were finished in 1980.

How long has Chris Jolly Outdoors been around?

Forty long and wonderful action packed years.

What clothing is best for hiking, hunting, fishing or being outdoors in Taupō?

Conditions are changeable in Taupō, so it's best to be prepared! The local's joke that Taupō can have four seasons in a day!

  • Hiking boots with good ankle support and grip, or other sturdy footwear
  • Sun hat or warm beanie – pack one and wear the other (we lose 70% of heat through our heads alone!)
  • Sunglasses – wear or pack, NZ has harsh sunlight.
  • Base layer: top and leggings in polypropylene/wool, quick dry shorts or pants
  • Mid layer: long-sleeved top in wool or polar fleece – wear or pack depending on the weather
  • Gloves in polypropylene/wool – wear or pack, only in Winter really.
  • Socks in polypropylene or wool ( a spare pair is always a good idea)

A good exterior layer:

  • Wind and waterproof jacket with hood – wear or pack depending on the weather
  • Waterproof overtrousers optional

I’m planning on going hiking while in Taupō, what should I bring?

The Essentials

  • Day pack with a waterproof liner (no one likes wet clothes)
  • Drink bottle –  2 litre, per day you will be out.
  • Packed lunch and snacks – if you are coming on a guided hike with us here at Chris Jolly Outdoors  we can cater your hike
  • Fully charged mobile phone ­
  • Personal medication, eg antihistamines, asthma medication
  • Extra base layer and socks
  • Rubbish bag
  • Map of the area you'll be walking - if you are being guided you will not need this, we will direct you.

Emergency equipment:

if you are coming on a guided hike with us here at Chris Jolly Outdoors we will make sure to have the following list on hand.
  • Basic first aid kit including hand sanitiser, sunscreen and insect repellent
  • Head torch/torch and spare batteries in case you take longer than intended
  • Survival blanket to keep you warm in an emergency
  • Whistle in case your split up or need help
  • Extra high energy snack food

Can you swim in Lake Taupō?

We would advise a good quality wetsuit if you're going to attempt it in winter! but December through to March it is absolutely beautiful to get in to that fresh crystal clear water.

Does it get cold in Taupō?

Taupo can get to -1 or 2 degrees celsius in Wintertime, with icy winds coming straight off the central plateau mountains. It is best to pack woolly layers and definitely a wind/waterproof jacket.

Where is the best fly fishing in NZ?

Right here with Chris Jolly Outdoors on Lake Taupō and the surrounding river mouths.

Are there any native birds around Taupō?

Tui, Fantail and wax eyes are amongst the beautiful birdsong that serenades lake Taupō's verdant native bush.

Do you have transport available?

Yes, we have helicopter transfers available from anywhere in NZ but can also arrange vehicle transfers from Auckland International or Taupo domestic terminals. Our hunting and fishing guided tours have helicopter options to them, with our hunting grounds being either a 90 minute drive or a 25 minute flight from Taupo CBD.

Are any of your activities child friendly?

Absolutely, we recommend the Maori Carving scenic cruise. Our boats are stocked with full amenities and we even have treasure hunts and colouring-in sheets for the kids. Our Cruise Cat Boat has cosy indoor areas if the day is looking a bit overcast or to tuck up the little one who isn't quite feeling it. Our viewing platform means we can get you super close to the carvings for a unique culture filled experience you can chalk up to an educational day out with the fam.

Can kids drive the boat?

Yes! If you ask the skipper nicely.

Is jumping into the lake allowed off the boat?

It is encouraged! Show us your best bomb, the more water spray, the better.

What should I pack for the boat?

It is always a good idea to pack the basics, sunscreen, insect repellent, a muesli bar or two, your own full water bottle, togs, a towel and a spare change of clothes and a warm jersey. The wind can go right through you on a boat so layering up is always pragmatic! A wise person packs a raincoat on a sunny day, just in case.

When were you founded?

Founded in 1980 by Chris & Sue Jolly.

Contact Us

in New Zealand

phone Icon073780623

from overseas

phone Icon+64 7 378 0623

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