The stunning Lake Taupo’s boat tours pack serious bang for your buck, offering both relaxation and thrills on New Zealand’s largest lake. The standout experience is the Hukafalls Jet, racing through narrow canyons and spinning 360 degrees near the thundering falls – it’s the perfect mix of scenery and excitement. For a more peaceful outing, the Maori rock carving cruises are wonderful, especially at sunset when the ancient carvings seem to glow against the cliffs. The modern catamarans offer stable, eco-friendly tours with excellent commentary about local history and geology. We especially love the sailing trips for their intimate feel and ability to reach quiet coves other boats can’t access. Check out our favorite Lake Taupo boat tours below.
Key Points
- Adrenaline-fueled jet boat rides on the Waikato River, offering 360-degree spins and close encounters with Huka Falls.
- Scenic cruises showcasing the iconic Māori rock carvings, providing stunning views of surrounding volcanoes.
- Eco-friendly sailing tours on Lake Taupo, including swimming opportunities and cultural experiences.
- Intimate yacht and catamaran cruises with live commentary, refreshments, and opportunities to assist with sailing.
- Overall high satisfaction among travelers, with positive reviews highlighting friendly crews and memorable experiences.
Hukafalls Jet Boat Ride From Taupo
For an adrenaline-fueled adventure, the Hukafalls Jet Boat Ride from Taupo is a must-try experience. The 30-minute journey on the Waikato River offers thrilling 360-degree spins as you get up close with the powerful Huka Falls, a 36-foot-high waterfall.
Rated 4.8 stars with a 96% traveler recommendation, this jet boat tour is a popular activity in the area. While not wheelchair accessible, the ride provides life jackets, heated handrails, and spray jackets for comfort.
Travelers describe the experience as an exciting rush, praising the knowledgeable guides and breathtaking scenery. With free cancellation and rescheduling, the Hukafalls Jet Boat Ride is a fantastic way to explore Taupo’s natural wonders.
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Lake Taupo: Sailing Trip to the Maori Rock Carvings
Exploring Lake Taupo’s natural wonders takes on a serene twist with the Lake Taupo: Sailing Trip to the Māori Rock Carvings.
Enjoy a 2.5-hour environmentally-friendly sailing tour on the lake, starting from $34.52 per person. Discover the extraordinary contemporary carvings and learn about their cultural significance from a local guide.
The large deck provides superior comfort, with opportunities to swim in the crystal-clear waters. Complimentary drinks and pizza on sunset trips make this an unforgettable experience.
Rated 4.8/5 based on over 500 reviews, the friendly crew ensures a safe and informative journey. Families are welcome, with engaging activities like dressing in pirate hats.
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Daily Scenic Maori Rock Carving Cruise Taupo
The Daily Scenic Maori Rock Carving Cruise Taupo provides an unparalleled opportunity to witness the breathtaking Māori rock carvings on the shores of Lake Taupo.
Offering 484 reviews and a 91% recommendation rate, this cruise is a must-do for visitors. Priced from €33.61 per person, it allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before and a reserve now, pay later option.
The cruise accommodates up to 75 travelers and includes live commentary, complimentary refreshments, and family-friendly activities. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and relaxing atmosphere.
With wheelchair accessibility and service animals allowed, the cruise is an inclusive experience to learn about Māori culture along the tranquil waters of Lake Taupo.
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Taupo: Māori Rock Carvings Lake Taupo Sailing Tour
Visitors to Taupo can embark on the Māori Rock Carvings Lake Taupo Catamaran Tour, an immersive 2.5-hour sailing experience that showcases the region’s stunning natural scenery and rich cultural heritage.
Priced from $40.37 per person, the eco-friendly tour includes a 53ft catamaran cruise, a local guide, and features such as lifejackets, blankets, and beanbag chairs.
Highlights include close-up views of the Māori Rock Carvings, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and a licensed bar on board.
With an overall rating of 4.8/5 and positive reviews for its friendly guides and cultural presentations, this tour offers an unforgettable way to explore Lake Taupo’s natural wonders.
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Maori Rock Carvings Eco Sailing Taupo
Situated along the shores of picturesque Lake Taupo, the Maori Rock Carvings Eco Sailing Taupo offers visitors an immersive experience to witness the stunning 46-foot (14-meter) high gallery of rock art created by a master carver in the 1970s.
With 96% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence, this sightseeing cruise takes guests to the Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings, accessible only by water.
The tour includes a knowledgeable local guide, complimentary beverages, and optional swimming during warm weather.
Reviewers praise the stunning scenery, engaging guides, and relaxing atmosphere, making this a must-do activity for those visiting Taupo.
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Lake Taupo: Maori Rock Carvings 10.30 AM 1.5-Hour Cruise
Departing from Berth 4 at the Taupo Boat Harbour, the Lake Taupo: Maori Rock Carvings 1.5-Hour Cruise offers visitors a captivating journey to witness the stunning 46-foot (14-meter) high gallery of rock art.
Aboard a large 2-story catamaran, guests cruise through the crystal-clear turquoise waters of Lake Taupo, framed by the majestic snow-capped peaks of Tongariro National Park. An experienced local guide provides commentary on the Maori Rock Carvings, created in 1980 by artist Matahi Brightwell.
Included are tea or coffee and a muffin, as well as optional activities like a fishing demonstration and duck feeding. With an overall rating of 4.6/5 based on 511 reviews, this cruise is a must-do for visitors to Taupo.
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Waikato River Jet Boat Ride From Taupo
The Waikato River Jet Boat Ride from Taupo delivers an exhilarating journey through the dramatic landscape of New Zealand’s North Island.
Travelers embark on a thrilling 35-minute ride, expertly guided by experienced professionals. With a maximum of 11 passengers, the small group size ensures a personalized experience.
Highlights include breathtaking scenery, exciting turns and speed, and knowledgeable commentary from the guides. The activity is suitable for most travelers, though certain restrictions apply.
Reviewers praise the memorable family-friendly experience, excellent organization, and emphasis on safety.
Afterward, visitors can explore the nearby Huka Falls and witness the dam openings. At $86.79 per person, this jet boat ride offers an affordable and unforgettable adventure in the heart of Taupo.
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Hukafalls: 30-Minute Jet Boat Experience
For an exhilarating 30-minute jet boat experience at the iconic Huka Falls, visitors can embark on Hukafalls Jet.
The tour offers thrilling 360-degree spins and close encounters with the dramatic rock cliffs, as well as a cruise into a thermal hot water stream. Priced from $84.83 per person, the experience also includes learning about the nearby Geothermal Power Station and taking in scenic views of the Waikato River, native bush, and wildlife.
With a 4.8/5 overall rating based on 293 reviews, the tour is praised for its knowledgeable guides and memorable experience.
However, certain restrictions apply, such as not being suitable for pregnant women or those under 3’3″ tall.
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Maori Rock Carvings – Taupo Sailing Adventures -Tiua
Taupo Sailing Adventures takes visitors on an unforgettable journey to witness the impressive Maori rock carvings along the shores of Lake Taupo.
Rated 4.8 out of 73 reviews, this tour offers a unique and captivating experience for up to 50 travelers. Guests can relax on comfortable seating, enjoy food and drinks from the fully licensed bar, and even go for a swim during the longest stop among companies.
The tour includes detailed historical commentary about the area and the Maori carvings.
Travelers consistently praise the excellent crew, beautiful views, and overall memorable experience on this highly recommended Taupo sailing adventure.
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Lake Taupo: 1.5-Hour Maori Rock Carvings 5:00 PM Cruise
Travelers can embark on a captivating 1.5-hour cruise along Lake Taupo to witness the renowned Maori Rock Carvings.
This tour offers excellent value at just $34.52 per person. Guests will enjoy guided commentary about the carvings and panoramic views of Tongariro National Park.
The cruise features split-level comfort, with both lower and upper decks, and a full bar is available onboard.
With an overall rating of 4.5/5 based on 240 reviews, this tour is highly recommended for its knowledgeable crew, smooth sailing, and great value.
Guests should arrive 10 minutes early and bring comfortable shoes, a jacket, and sun protection for an unforgettable experience.
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Maori Rock Carvings Scenic Cruise
Nestled along the serene shores of Lake Taupo, the Maori Rock Carvings Scenic Cruise offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness the renowned Māori artistry.
Aboard the charming replica steamboat, Ernest Kemp, passengers can admire the stunning rock carvings created by a master Māori carver in the 1970s.
The cruise also provides breathtaking views of the surrounding volcanoes, Tongariro, Ruapehu, and Ngauruhoe.
With a maximum capacity of 38 travelers, the cruise offers a comfortable and intimate experience, complete with complimentary refreshments and free Wi-Fi.
Boasting a 93% recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence, the Maori Rock Carvings Scenic Cruise is a must-do activity for anyone exploring the natural beauty of Taupo, New Zealand.
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Maori Rock Carvings – Taupo Sailing Adventures – Kindred Spirit
For those seeking an intimate and immersive exploration of Taupo’s renowned Maori Rock Carvings, the Taupo Sailing Adventures’ Kindred Spirit offers an exceptional experience.
This 3-hour cruise aboard the yacht receives a stellar 4.9/5 rating from 91 reviews, with 98% of travelers recommending it. Along with live commentary, blankets, and snacks, the tour includes a swim stop – the longest offered on the lake.
While some guests were disappointed when transitioning to a catamaran, the overall consensus praises the friendly crew, beautiful scenery, and informative experience.
With its relaxing atmosphere and breathtaking views, the Kindred Spirit delivers an unforgettable journey to the iconic Maori Rock Carvings.
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Maori Rock Carvings – Taupo Sailing Adventures – Sail Fearless
The Māori Rock Carvings – Taupo Sailing Adventures – Sail Fearless offers an immersive experience for those captivated by Taupo’s renowned rock art.
Aboard the 48-ft Fearless ketch, adventurers can sail to Mine Bay and admire the impressive Māori rock carvings. During the approximately 2.5-hour tour, guests can assist with sailing or simply relax as the knowledgeable guides provide commentary on the carvings and the lake’s geological history.
In warmer months, swimmers can take a dip, and an evening cruise with wine, music, and pizza is available for an upgrade.
With a 98% recommendation rate from 325 reviews, this tour is a must for visitors seeking a unique and scenic Taupo experience.
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Recap
Taupo offers a variety of cruises and boat tours to explore the Maori rock carvings on Lake Taupo. Visitors can choose from jet boat rides, sailing trips, and scenic cruises to see these unique cultural landmarks. With options to suit different budgets and preferences, there’s a Taupo boat tour that’s perfect for everyone.