The Chris Jolly Outdoors Huka Jet and Cruise Combo
Chris Jolly Outdoors and the team at Huka Jet have teamed up to offer you a double Taupō adventure, a scenic cruise and an exciting jet boat ride under the rushing Huka Falls.
Trip Highlights
Getting to see the culturally significant sculptures of Mine Bay with epic photo opportunities at every turn.
What’s Provided:
90-minute Scenic Cruise and a 30-minute Huka Jet Boat ride. Homemade muffin and beverage onboard the cruise. Live educational commentary.
Transport and Timing:
Depart from the Taupō Marina at the luxury sleep-in hour of 10.30 am and head off onto the lake in Chris Jolly’s Cruise Cat for a gentle scenic ride to view the famous Maori Rock Carvings of Mine Bay. Take a bite of a homemade muffin and a sip of tea before returning to take a 30-minute adrenaline rush aboard the Huka Jet as it speeds along the Waikato River to view the tremendous power of Huka Falls Taupō.
The Huka falls jet is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Taupo. Every year, thousands of people come to see the powerful waterfalls and experience the thrill of riding on the jet boat. The Huka falls jet experience in Taupo New Zealand is an adrenaline-pumping activity that is not to be missed. huka falls is the largest waterfall in New Zealand and the Huka jet boat takes you right up close to the action. The Huka jet boat ride is an exhilarating experience and the views of Huka Falls from the boat are simply stunning. If you are looking for an activity that will get your heart racing, then the Huka Falls jet experience is definitely for you.
Take advantage of Chris Jolly and Huka Jet teaming up to offer you an adventure combo
Always Be Prepared For Your Holiday
Lake Taupo is a beautiful place to relax and take in the scenery. The lake is located in New Zealand and is a very popular tourist destination. The weather in Lake Taupo can change quickly, so it is important to pack appropriate clothing. There are many different activities that you can do on the lake, so be sure to research what interests you before you go. Chris Jolly offers private boat charters, hiking, and fishing activity options. Always remember to bring sunscreen and insect repellent because the sun can be quite strong and the bugs can be pesky. By following these tips, you will be sure to have a spectacular holiday around Lake Taupo.
Take in scenic vistas on the stunning Lake Taupō before chasing adrenaline along the Waikato River
Visiting Taupo New Zealand? Some helpful Information:
The Chris Jolly staff are English speaking
There is no dangerous marine life dwelling in the lake.
No poisonous insects or snakes or spiders (no snakes at all)
New Zealand is underneath the hole in the Ozone layer, therefore the UV rays are harsher than in other countries.
You’ll always receive the best Kiwi Hospitality!
Be Weather Wise On Your Adventure
Weather in Taupō varies from 2 to 22 degrees Celsius depending on the season. It rarely snows in the Winter at lake level with the Summer months able to get quite humid, between 70-90%. Bearing this in mind, please bring seasonally appropriate clothing and polarized sunglasses.
The Huka Jet Experience
Your jet boat experience at Hukafalls Jet departs at 1pm.
Check-in at the base 15 minutes prior to your departure time, 200 Karetoto Road, Taupō. You may get a little wet while jet boating, so make sure to bring a jacket and wear warm clothing should it be a cold day.
The Waikato river is damned to allow this thrilling ride to the base of the falls, be amazed by the white waters as they tumble ferociously down the maw of the riverbed.
The Great Lake Taupō is nestled in the centre of a plentiful volcanic and geothermal oasis. Enjoy panoramic mountain and lake views, explore the nearby ranges, or journey 20 minutes south to a colour ridden desert.
The Central Plateau is an area known for its nature-based tourism and extraordinary hot pools. Chris Jolly Outdoors is proud to showcase Taupō’s range of hidden gems. Whether you want to meander through open plains or chase adrenaline, Taupo has it all, and we’re here to guide you through it.
"This was an unbelievable experience! The crew on the boat were so informative, highly recommend"
History of the Māori Rock Carvings
The Ngātoroirangi story begins with Te Huatahi Susie Gilbert of Ngāti Tūwharetoa. 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. Ngātoroirangi 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.
Let loose, let yourself take a chance on a journey full of wonder and adrenaline click here to make it happen.
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. This is one of the first planting initiatives for Chris Jolly with the future goals being to offset the boat charter service and to become carbon neutral. The partnership with The Opepe Farm Trust will help to ensure that the right trees are planted for sustainability. The Trust is passionate about protecting the environment for future generations and has the knowledge and expertise to guide the project. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against climate change and help to preserve our natural environment.
As the trusted activity partner for things to do in Taupō for forty years, Chris Jolly Outdoors will take care of you during your stay here. From absolute relaxation and fishing crystal pools to exciting hikes in the wilderness; we are the go-to guides to tick off that bucket list.
In Taupō, the possibilities are truly endless. But one thing is sure; we will create a memorable experience for you that you’ll treasure forever. Put yourself in the picture with us, and book with us today.
Five private charter boats for small or large functions up to 140 pax with full catering/bar/fishing equipment and an exclusive personal crew
Access to private land, water and know-how of local’s secret spaces
Corporate events & team building.
Reliable and Experienced
We’re a family headed by Chris’s son Simon Jolly with a number of the Jolly clan still working within the team
We’re a bunch of fishing, hiking, boating, biking, and bush experts with experienced staff who can teach you a lot about the Taupō region.
We’ve spent forty years in the industry taking care of people’s holidays.
Our Qualifications
Gold Qualmark rated (5 star rating NZ)
Our Fly fishing guides are Orvis endorsed, a globally recognised mark of excellence
Partners with Ngāti Tūwharetoa (TMGH) with a focus on growing Māori Tourism for Taupō
FAQ
Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell shares his story
Master carver Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell shares his story behind the remarkable Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings in Lake Taupō, New Zealand.
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!
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.
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
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.
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.
Is jumping into the lake allowed off the boat?
It is encouraged! Show us your best bomb, the more water spray, the better.
bookings@chrisjolly.co.nz
073780623
Berth 4, Taupo Boat Harbour, Redoubt Street, Taupō 3330
