10.30am is the perfect time for a spot of morning tea, and getting up close and personal to the Ngātoroirangi Māori carvings on Lake Taupō. Appreciate the culture and craftsmanship, and the beautiful views of Taupō while cruising.
10.30am sounds like the perfect time for morning tea, and viewing some of the finest culture and craftsmanship Taupō has to offer. Get up close and personal to the Ngātoroirangi Māori carvings with our 10.30am cruise on Lake Taupō, sailing daily.
Trip Highlights
A gentle mid-morning cruise, picture perfect photo opportunities and on-board commentary.
What’s Provided
Educational commentary of the region, history and cultural significance of the Maori Rock carvings. Entertainment for the kids. Enjoy a complimentary muffin and hot beverage of your choice while on board.
Timing & Location
Departure: 10.30am
Boarding: 10.15am
Duration: 90 minutes
Our boat, the Cruise Cat, is moored at the Lake Taupō Marina and you will depart from Berth 4, Taupo Boat Harbour, on Redoubt Street.
Notes
The Cruise Cat is stroller friendly and has wheelchair access though not a disabled toilet on board.
The cruise goes ahead rain or shine, and will only be cancelled in extreme weather conditions.
Our guides speak English, but there is the option for commentary in many languages.
Appreciate the beauty of traditional Māori carving techniques on an incredible scale.
About our Māori Carvings Scenic Cruise
The Chris Jolly Scenic Cruise operates aboard a spacious 52ft Catamaran, which is also offered for private charters. Each cruise lasts for ninety minutes and features a free muffin and beverage. Departures occur several times daily. The vessel boasts ample space, including exterior viewing decks and comfortable indoor seating areas.
At Mine Bay, the boat is expertly positioned to provide all passengers with an excellent view of the carvings. Guests can admire the detailed artwork and capture stunning photographs.
A well organised trip even booking the morning of was not a problem . Crew very knowledgeable and nothing was too much trouble . Lots of great photos and an enjoyable couple of hours.
– Sara S
What to bring
Sunscreen and sunhat
Sunglasses
Weather appropriate clothing
Warm layers
Boat friendly footwear
Visitor Information
The Chris Jolly staff are English speaking
There is nothing dangerous dwelling in the lake
No snakes, or poisonous insects
Our thin ozone layer means you can get sunburnt quickly
Enjoy the cultural legacy of Ngātoroirangi
History of the Māori Rock Carvings
We can thank Te Huatahi Susie Gilbert of Ngāti Tūwharetoa for her request to her grandson, resulting in these beautiful carvings. Susie asked her grandson, Matahi Whakataka Brightwell, to create a likeness of her ancestor Ngātoroirangi on a totara tree to create a permanent connection for her family to the land.
When Matahi arrived in Taupō, there was no totara tree to carve, so he journeyed onto the lake for inspiration and found the rock alcove at Mine Bay. The alcove then became the canvas for one of the most extraordinary contemporary carvings in New Zealand.
The main carving is a depiction of Ngātoroirangi, an esteemed tohunga (priest), whom laid claim to the land of Ngāti Tūwharetoa. This is surrounded by smaller sculptures depicting tupuna (ancestors) and kaitiaki (guardians).
Ngātoroirangi towers 14-metres above Lake Taupō and is regarded as a significant North Island tourist attraction. Ngātoroirangi is a true showpiece of New Zealand’s cultural artistic ability.
The team was awesome, the skipper had a great sense of humor and made the tour exciting, I enjoyed listening to their Korean around the rock carvings and the lake. Highly recommend
– Anna V
NZ’s Natural Beauty
When you think of New Zealand’s most famous natural landmarks, what comes to mind? You’d be hard pressed to choose a landmark that’s more famous, and more beautiful than Lake Taupō!
Formed by the most violent eruption of the last 5,000 years, Lake Taupō is a what remains of a caldera volcano. These days its a quiet moana, with beautiful crystal clear water, and home to introduced trout which give a great fishing opportunity. The pristine freshwater is ideal for swimming all year around (though we recommend a wet suit, or extreme bravery in winter).
Experience Lake Taupō in the most magical way, on the Chris Jolly Outdoors Cruise Cat to the Maori Rock Carvings.
What We Offer
Private charter boats with catering/bar/fishing equipment and crew
Access to private land, water and know-how of local’s secret spaces
Functions, corporate events & team building
Reliable & Experienced
Over forty years in the central North Island tourism industry
We’re a family business, with local Taupō knowledge
Our staff are experienced adventure experts
Adventure Qualified
5 Star Rated Gold Qualmark
Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guides
Trip Advisor’s Travellers Choice 2023
Partnered with Ngāti Tūwharetoa
Your Taupō Activity Partner
From beautiful lake views, to fishing crystal pools, to scenic hikes in the central North Island wilderness; Chris Jolly Outdoors are the go-to guides to tick off that bucket list.
In Taupō, the adventure possibilities are truly endless. We guarantee one thing – we’ll create a memorable experience for you that you’ll treasure forever.
Yes! From December through to March it is absolutely beautiful to get in to that fresh crystal clear water. We would advise a good quality wetsuit if you’re going to attempt it in winter!
How old are the Māori carvings?
The Ngātoroirangi carvings are over 40 years old. They were carved during the 1970s, taking four years to complete and finished in 1980.
How big are the Ngātoroirangi rock carvings?
The Ngātoroirangi rock carvings are a staggering 14 meters tall.
What are the small sculptures by the Māori Rock Carving?
The smaller sculptures surrounding Ngātoroirangi depict tupuna (ancestors) and kaitiaki (guardians) that are pivotal to the history of the local Māori tribe.
Is Lake Taupō a volcano?
Lake Taupō is a caldera volcano, formed approx 26,000 years ago. It erupted 29 times, with the last eruption about 1800 years ago. These days, Lake Taupō is the second largest freshwater lake in the southern hemisphere.
Is Lake Taupō fresh water or salt water?
Lake Taupō is a fresh water lake with excellent water quality, perfect for swimming, fishing and even drinking!
Who carved the Ngātoroirangi rock carvings?
Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell and a team of carvers worked on the 14m high rock face to carve Ngātoroirangi.
How do I book a trip with Chris Jolly Outdoors?
You can book a trip with Chris Jolly Outdoors by either calling us on +64 7 378 0623, emailing us at bookings@chrisjolly.co.nz or filling out the form to make an enquiry. If you want to book a cruise to the Māori Rock carvings, head over to the experience page to book direct.
bookings@chrisjolly.co.nz
07 378 0623
Berth 4, Taupo Boat Harbour, 
