Discover the famous Māori Rock Carvings and active volcanic views on a guided kayaking tour of Lake Taupō!

Discover the famous Māori Rock Carvings and active volcanic views on a guided kayaking tour of 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 from13 Mar to 26 Mar 2026

All prices are shown inNZD ($)

Change Dates
Fri 13 Mar
Sat 14 Mar
Sun 15 Mar
Mon 16 Mar
Tue 17 Mar
Wed 18 Mar
Thu 19 Mar
Fri 20 Mar
Sat 21 Mar
Sun 22 Mar
Mon 23 Mar
Tue 24 Mar
Wed 25 Mar
Thu 26 Mar

  • Per Person$87.00 Less than 6 at this price!

  • Per Person$123.00

  • 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$123.00 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$123.00 Less than 6 at this price!

  • Per Person$130.00 Less than 6 at this price!

  • Per Person$87.00

  • 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!

Authenticated Reviews

Real highlights, tips, and the helpful advice straight from Bookme customers who’ve actually done this experience.

5.0

4 reviews

Showing all 4 authenticated Bookme reviews

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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heidij1 from Germany wrote on 21 February 2026

Ein guter Ersatz

Die Kajaktour zu den Rockcarvings konnte wegen schlechten Wetters leider nicht stattfinden, stattdessen wurde mir am folgenden Tag eine Tour zum Hidden Lake angeboten. Die wurde zu einem der besten Erlebnisse meiner Neuseelandreise. Wir waren nur zwei Gäste plus Guide. Der See lag wirklich völlig versteckt und es war dort niemand anders. Das Wasser war ruhig und das Paddeln relativ einfach. Nochmal würde ich gleich diese Tour direkt buchen.

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Booking

10:00 a.m.Thursday 13 July

12

Per Person Ages 12+

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