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Māori Rock Carvings Kayak Tour – Lake Taupō

Highlights

Paddle to the stunning Māori Rock Carvings
Enjoy breathtaking views of live volcanoes
Experience rock jumps and swimming in the lake
Learn local legends from expert guides
Embark on an award winning kayaking adventure and a Taupō must-do!

Journey across the pristine waters of Lake Taupō on a guided kayaking tour to the incredible Māori Rock Carvings!

Witness the monumental artwork - which stands at 14 metres high - up close while soaking in panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including three active volcanoes. This unique adventure combines breathtaking scenery with fascinating cultural insights, offering an unforgettable experience.

Your expert guide will share captivating stories of local Māori folklore and the history behind the carvings. After your visit to the rock art, you'll have the opportunity to take a refreshing dip in Australasia's largest freshwater lake or, for the more adventurous, try rock jumping.

This highly acclaimed tour is a classic Taupō activity and a highlight of any New Zealand adventure!

Per Person $145.00 (Ages 12+)

What's included

4 hours return trip, including approx. 3 hours on the water depending on group size
All kayaking and safety equipment
Experienced qualified kayak guides
Complimentary refreshments & photos of your tour
Secured locker for valuables

Duration

Allow approximately 4 hours for the whole experience

Location

54 Spa Road
Taupō 3330
New Zealand (start & finish point of the tour)

Restrictions

Minimum age: 12
Each child must have adult supervision (ages 18+)

Child Friendly

This experience welcomes families with children.

Bad Weather Refunds

If your experience is cancelled by the operator (because of the bad weather, safety concerns, unscheduled maintenance etc) you will be entitled to a full refund.

Notes

Arrival: Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time. This allows us to check you in and provide any necessary instructions before the tour begins.
Please Note: Minimum numbers are required for the tour to go ahead. If minimum numbers are not met you will be offered either an alternative date or a full refund.
Weather Cancellations: As much as we endeavour to go on the time scheduled, your safety is paramount. In the event of adverse weather the tour will be cancelled. You will be offered either an alternative date or a full refund.
Please check the forecast before your visit.

Available Bookings from20 Apr to 3 May 2026

All prices are shown inNZD ($)

Change Dates

09:30am

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Per Person$87.00 Less than 6 at this price!

Per Person$87.00

Per Person$87.00 Less than 6 at this price!

Per Person$116.00 Less than 6 at this price!

Per Person$116.00 Less than 6 at this price!

Per Person$116.00 Less than 6 at this price!

Per Person$116.00 Less than 6 at this price!

Per Person$123.00 Less than 6 at this price!

Per Person$116.00 Less than 6 at this price!

Per Person$116.00 Less than 6 at this price!

Per Person$116.00 Less than 6 at this price!

Per Person$130.00 Less than 6 at this price!

Per Person$116.00 Less than 6 at this price!

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Authenticated Reviews

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6 reviews

Māori Rock Carvings Kayak Tour – Lake Taupō

Showing all 6 authenticated Bookme reviews

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Connor McCarthy from New Zealand wrote on 11 April 2026

Perfect

Excellent guide and great value

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Alexia Williams from United Kingdom wrote on 21 March 2026

Fantastic afternoon

Our afternoon was brilliant, the kayak over to the Māori rock was 4km but the lake was very still and the sun was shining, we got little bits of information about the lake and surrounding area from our guide on the way there. Once at the rock we had plenty of time to take pictures and the guide also took pictures of us in front of it. On the way back we stopped off at some rocks for a swim and a cup of coffee/tea which was a nice addition before continuing the rest of the way back. You go in a mini bus from the shop to the launch location and back again at the end.

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Maddy from New Zealand wrote on 10 March 2026

Excellent

Had a wonderful experience kayaking for the first time. Kahu was a great guide. Highly recommend.

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Delphine Guilmin from Belgium wrote on 11 February 2026

Maori rock car carving kayak

The guide was super nice and professional, I felt safe from the beginning to the end :)

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alexanderb14 from New Zealand wrote on 10 January 2026

Great Experience

Highly recommended

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Bookme Help Terms & Conditions Operators

10:00 a.m.Thursday 13 July

Per Person Ages 12+

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

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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.