bookings@chrisjolly.co.nz
07 378 0623
Berth 4, Taupo Boat Harbour, 
Scenic Rock Carving Cruises on Lake Taupō
View some of the finest culture and craftsmanship Taupō has to offer.
Get up close and personal to the Ngātoroirangi Māori carvings with our cruises on Lake Taupō, sailing multiple times daily.
Lake Experiences
Scenic Cruises on Lake Taupō
Get up close and personal to the incredible Ngātoroirangi Māori carvings on Lake Taupō. Appreciate the culture and craftsmanship, and the beautiful views of Taupō while cruising. Choose the time of day that suits your schedule and enjoy a moment of tranquility!
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
Duration: 90 minutes
Boarding: 15 minutes before your chosen departure time
Location: 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.
- Terms and Conditions apply. Please read these before booking.
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 Legacy of our Ancestors
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I book a trip with Chris Jolly Outdoors?
Want to book a cruise to the world famous Māori Rock carvings? Head over to Māori Rock Carvings Cruise page to book direct.
For other activities, contact 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.
- When do I board my cruise?
Report to Berth 4 at least 15 minutes before your cruise departure time. We recommend being first in line to snag the best spots on the Cruise Cat!
- Is jumping into the lake allowed from the boat?
It is encouraged! The crew will tell you when it’s go time. Show us your best manu (bomb) – the more water spray, the better!
- Does Chris Jolly have activities suitable for kids?
Yes! We recommend the Māori Rock Carvings scenic cruise. We have activities onboard for kids and cosy indoor areas to chill out in. If you’re looking to book for a school group, our floating classroom experience cannot be missed!
- Can you swim in Lake Taupō?
Yes! From November 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.
- Can kids drive the boat?
Yes, if you ask the skipper nicely!
- What should I pack for the boat?
Bring the basics: sunscreen, insect repellent, a snack, a filled water bottle, and a warm jersey. If you’d like to go swimming, we suggest togs (kiwi for swimsuit!), a towel and a spare change of clothes.
- What risks are involved in your activities?
All our activities include some level of risk. Your guides takes all practicable steps to ensure your safety, and with any activity in the outdoors you acknowledge an element of risk involved.
Scenic Cruise / Private Charters are operated on Lake Taupō, which is a deep and exposed body of water, with its inherent risks.
Mountain biking is an inherently dangerous sport.
Hiking in the outdoors is an inherently dangerous activity.
Fly Fishing is a water based activity, and that with water, risks are increased.
Please read our Disclosure document for a full list of potential risks.
