Scenic Māori Rock Carving Cruise - Chris Jolly Outdoors

4.8
1252

Discover the ancient Māori Rock Carvings on Lake Taupō with the trustworthy team at Chris Jolly Outdoors!

Discover the ancient Māori Rock Carvings on Lake Taupō with the trustworthy team at Chris Jolly Outdoors!

Highlights

  • 90 Minute cruise to the Maori Rock Carvings with live commentary
  • Stylish and spacious vessel with plenty of room for large groups
  • Spectacular viewing platforms get you right up next to the scenery
  • Live fishing demonstration on-board (1.30pm cruise only)
  • Trustworthy team with over 40 years experience

Tick off one of the top things to do in Taupō as you visit some of New Zealand's most extraordinary artworks, the historic Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings!

Attracting visitors from all around the world, the Māori Rock Carvings are truly unique and only accessible by water, towering 14-metres above Lake Taupō.

You'll travel aboard the Cruise Cat, a stylish vessel that has been built for comfort offering warm booths and spacious viewing platforms that get you right up next to the scenery.

Enjoy live commentary and a hot beverage and muffin on board, and keep the kids entertained with colouring, a treasure hunt, or even driving the boat if the skipper allows. The afternoon cruise also includes a trout fishing demonstration where you'll also learn about various fishing options on Lake Taupō.

The friendly team at Chris Jolly Outdoors has over 40 years of experience and place high importance on your safety and wellbeing, so you can expect exceptional service, high attention to hygiene, and an all-round awesome time out on the water!

Adult $65.00 (17 years and older)
Child $25.00 (4 - 16 years)
Infant $10.00 (0 - 3 years)
Family $158.00 (Price $158 if purchased separately - Discounts shown from this rate)

What's included

  • Hot beverage and muffin (not available on 5.00 pm cruises)
  • Live commentary
  • Live fishing demonstration (1pm cruise only)

Duration

  • Allow approximately 90 minutes for the whole experience

Location

  • Departure Location: Taupō Harbour
  • Berth 4, Taupō Boat Harbour, Redoubt Street, Taupō 3330

Notes

  • Child Age 4 - 16 years inclusive. Family Pass is for 2 Adults + 2 Children or 2 Infants.

  • Pram and wheelchair access - please enquire with the operator prior to booking.

Available Bookings from4 Jul to 17 Jul 2026

All prices are shown inNZD ($)

Change Dates
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Sun 5 Jul
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Fri 17 Jul

  • Adult$45.50 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.25
  • Infant$4.50
  • Family$97.30

  • Adult$29.25 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.25
  • Infant$4.50
  • Family$97.30

  • Adult$29.25 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.25
  • Infant$4.50
  • Family$97.30

  • Adult$29.25 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.25
  • Infant$4.50
  • Family$97.30

  • Adult$29.25 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.25
  • Infant$4.50
  • Family$97.30

  • Adult$45.50 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.25
  • Infant$4.50
  • Family$97.30

  • Adult$45.50 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.25
  • Infant$4.50
  • Family$97.30

  • Adult$29.25 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.25
  • Infant$4.50
  • Family$97.30

  • Adult$29.25 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.25
  • Infant$4.50
  • Family$97.30

  • Adult$29.25 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.25
  • Infant$4.50
  • Family$97.30

  • Adult$29.25 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.25
  • Infant$4.50
  • Family$97.30

  • Adult$29.25 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.25
  • Infant$4.50
  • Family$97.30

  • Adult$29.25 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.25
  • Infant$4.50
  • Family$97.30

  • Adult$45.50 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.25
  • Infant$4.50
  • Family$158.00

  • Adult$29.25 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.25
  • Infant$4.50
  • Family$158.00

  • Adult$29.25 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.25
  • Infant$4.50
  • Family$158.00

  • Adult$29.25 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.25
  • Infant$4.50
  • Family$158.00

  • Adult$29.25 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.25
  • Infant$4.50
  • Family$158.00

  • Adult$45.50 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.25
  • Infant$4.50
  • Family$158.00

  • Adult$29.25 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.25
  • Infant$4.50
  • Family$158.00

  • Adult$29.25 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.25
  • Infant$4.50
  • Family$158.00

  • Adult$29.25 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.25
  • Infant$4.50
  • Family$158.00

  • Adult$29.25 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.25
  • Infant$4.50
  • Family$158.00

  • Adult$29.25 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.25
  • Infant$4.50
  • Family$158.00

  • Adult$29.25 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.25
  • Infant$4.50
  • Family$158.00

  • Adult$29.25 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.25
  • Infant$4.50
  • Family$158.00

  • Adult$29.25 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.25
  • Infant$4.50
  • Family$97.30

  • Adult$45.50 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$17.50
  • Infant$4.50
  • Family$97.30

  • Adult$29.25 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.25
  • Infant$4.50
  • Family$97.30

  • Adult$45.50 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.25
  • Infant$4.50
  • Family$97.30

  • Adult$45.50 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$17.50
  • Infant$4.50
  • Family$97.30

  • Adult$45.50 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.25
  • Infant$4.50
  • Family$97.30

  • Adult$29.25 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.25
  • Infant$4.50
  • Family$97.30

  • Adult$29.25 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.25
  • Infant$4.50
  • Family$97.30

  • Adult$29.25 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.25
  • Infant$4.50
  • Family$97.30

  • Adult$29.25 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.25
  • Infant$4.50
  • Family$97.30

  • Adult$29.25 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.25
  • Infant$4.50
  • Family$97.30

  • Adult$29.25 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.25
  • Infant$4.50
  • Family$97.30
10/10 cruise Really grrat thing to do in Taupo! Rock Carvings Amazing A great trip
1 / 337
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Authenticated Reviews

Real highlights, tips, and the helpful advice straight from Bookme customers who’ve actually done this experience, summarised with AI support

  • emergencyAmazing staff and crew who are friendly and knowledgeable (45 people said this).
  • emergencyBeautiful scenery and great views of the Māori rock carvings (40 people said this).
  • emergencyDelicious freshly baked muffins and complimentary hot drinks (35 people said this).
  • emergencyFun and engaging experience for families, with activities for kids (30 people said this).
  • emergencyGreat value for money, making it a must-do in Taupo (25 people said this).
  • emergencySmooth and relaxing cruise, even in less-than-ideal weather (20 people said this).
  • star_shineBring a jacket for cooler weather.
    Plan to take lots of photos at the carvings.
5 Stars
1083
4 Stars
122

4.8

1252 reviews

Showing all 1252 authenticated Bookme reviews

Nyasha Kawara from New Zealand wrote on 01 July 2026

10/10 cruise

This cruise was simply superb. The views were magnificent with a side serving of light banter and delicious blueberry muffins from staff. The weather wasn't the greatest on the day but the boat was well heated and hot drinks were served all throughout. Commentary was also top notch and easy to follow. I would highly recommend

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From Scenic Māori Rock Carving Cruise - Chris Jolly Outdoors

Fabulous feedback - thank you so much!!

valeriea1 from New Zealand wrote on 26 June 2026

My family and I loved it

This is highly recommended to any visitor in NZ

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From Scenic Māori Rock Carving Cruise - Chris Jolly Outdoors

Many thanks for your comment - glad you loved it!

oweno from New Zealand wrote on 24 June 2026

An unforgettable cruise to the Maori Rocks!

We had an amazing time on the Chris Jolly cruise to the Maori Rock Carvings in Taupo. The scenery was stunning, but what truly made the trip special was the incredible crew. Every single staff member was so kind and welcoming. A special shoutout to Keren, who was exceptionally friendly and made our trip so much more enjoyable. Highly recommend this experience!

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From Scenic Māori Rock Carving Cruise - Chris Jolly Outdoors

Thank you for your lovely comments, I will pass them on to the crew.

julied24 from New Zealand wrote on 21 June 2026

Really grrat thing to do in Taupo!

I did the 3pm tour on the Saturday of Kinfs Birthday weekend.. Veey informative tour, great views and friendly staff!

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From Scenic Māori Rock Carving Cruise - Chris Jolly Outdoors

Thank you

sandyt9 from New Zealand wrote on 20 June 2026

beautiful experience

beautiful experience with family

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From Scenic Māori Rock Carving Cruise - Chris Jolly Outdoors

Thank you Sandy. We are glad you enjoyed the cruise with your family!

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Booking

10:00 a.m.Thursday 13 July

12

Adult 17 years and older

Child 4 - 16 years

Infant 0 - 3 years

Family Price $158 if purchased separately - Discounts shown from this rate

*This option must be made together with another price type.
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