-
travel_explore
Rotokawa Explore New Zealand, Australia & Fiji!tune
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!
All prices are shown inNZD ($)
- Adult$45.50 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$11.25
- Infant$4.50
- Family$97.30
- Adult$45.50
- 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$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$17.50
- Infant$4.50
- Family$158.00
- Adult$29.25
- 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$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$97.30
- Adult$29.25
- Child$11.25
- Infant$4.50
- Family$97.30
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.
Showing all 1239 authenticated Bookme reviews
From Scenic Māori Rock Carving Cruise - Chris Jolly Outdoors
Thank you for your wonderful review and for sharing your beautiful photo of Lake Taupo. We are delighted you had such an enjoyable time on the water and that our crew helped make your experience memorable. We hope to welcome you aboard again on your next visit to Taupo.
Dayna Joblin from New Zealand wrote on 24 May 2026
All around a great cruise
We had a wonderful cruise. The boat is large and comfortable, we found downstairs better with children. The had hot muffins and a help yourself drink station (tea coffee etc). The crew were very friendly and the tour to the rocks was awesome. Highly recommend.
From Scenic Māori Rock Carving Cruise - Chris Jolly Outdoors
Thank you so much for your lovely review and for sharing your beautiful photo of the Maori Rock Carvings. We are happy to hear that you and your family enjoyed the cruise and felt comfortable on board. I will also pass your kind comments on to our crew. We really appreciate the recommendation and hope to welcome you back again in the future!
Barry Westphal from Australia wrote on 22 May 2026
A Great day out
We found the crew to be really knowledgeable about the area. We had a lot of time to appreciate the rock carvings. It was very enjoyable cruise.
From Scenic Māori Rock Carving Cruise - Chris Jolly Outdoors
Thank you for your lovely review. We’re so pleased you enjoyed the cruise and had plenty of time to take in the carvings. Great to hear you found the commentary informative as well.
bobbyvanjaarsveld from New Zealand wrote on 21 May 2026
Webers
Awesome. Thanks
From Scenic Māori Rock Carving Cruise - Chris Jolly Outdoors
Thank you!
tonia2 from New Zealand wrote on 13 May 2026
Must book this experience
This is my first time visiting the Māori carvings. It would be nice if small printed kōrero was available to read and take as I was very interested in listening to the speaker but couldn’t hear properly being outside the boat and the surrounding passengers talking. That’s just a personal request as I return home and would love to take the kōrero back with me. Other than that the staff are super lovely, plenty of space to relax and move around - top and bottom deck. Bar available, and complimentary baking. Thank you for this experience, I really enjoyed it and wish I visited sooner. It was also a good deal through book me :)
From Scenic Māori Rock Carving Cruise - Chris Jolly Outdoors
Thank you for the feedback and will take your suggestion to management. If you would like us to send you some information - please email [email protected] Thanks again for joining us!
Copyright ©2026 Bookme Limited.
When you see the Qualmark logo, your activity of choice is endorsed by New Zealand Tourism's official quality assurance organisation and backed by leaders in the industry. It's your trusted guide to iconic activities and experiences that are awarded for their exceptionally high level of quality, safety and sustainability.
Qualmark Gold
This award recognises the best sustainable tourism businesses in New Zealand. It denotes exceptional customer experiences at the heart of everything the company does. This business is leading the way in making the New Zealand tourism industry a world class sustainable visitor destination.
Qualmark Silver
This award is evidence of a sophisticated tourism business that consistently exceeds visitor expectations. Their proactive leadership and management ensure the business's focus on continuously improving their economic, social and environmental performance to create genuine, constantly evolving and sustainable tourism experiences.
Qualmark Bronze
The Qualmark Bronze award recognizes a business that operates with a high level of professionalism, is mindful of its environmental impact, and is dedicated to putting customers first.
Continue with Facebook
Steve from New Zealand wrote on 29 May 2026
Not to miss.
Chris Jolly cruise to the Moari Rock Carving was the perfect 90 mins out on Taupo lake. The weather was perfect as was the crew,we were even given complimentary tea/coffee and the best blue Berry muffins,could get any better. Kids were given colouring doodles and a hunt for the kiwi icons around the boat,,with a lolly gift if you found all icons. The Moari carving is absolutely amazing,and well worth the trip . The all female crew were spot on,friendly ,helpful and informative through the whole 90mins,we definitely picked the best lake trip.