Experience one of the most popular scenic cruises on Lake Taupo, departing daily with Chris Jolly Outdoors. Glide across New Zealand’s largest lake, soak up panoramic volcanic landscapes, and get up close to the majestic Maori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay — a must-see cultural landmark accessible only by water. With expert commentary, comfortable vessels, and stunning views, these cruises are perfect for visitors seeking a memorable Lake Taupo adventure.
Scenic Cruise on Lake Taupō – Quick Facts
⏱ Duration: 1.5 hours
💰 From $59 per adult
🚤 Daily departures, year-round
🗿 Highlights: Māori Rock Carvings & northern bays
Experience some of the best scenic cruises on Lake Taupo with Chris Jolly Outdoors. These daily cruises explore the northern bays of Great Lake Taupo, with stunning views across the water to the snow-capped peaks of Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape.
Cruise in comfort aboard the newly refurbished Cruise Cat catamaran, enjoying close-up views of the iconic Maori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay while learning about Lake Taupo’s fascinating volcanic and cultural history from your expert skipper. Complimentary tea, coffee, and a hot homemade muffin are included, making this a relaxing and memorable Lake Taupo experience for all ages.
Departs: 10.30am Scenic Cruise – daily year round.
Price: Adults $59.00 Child (4-16 yrs) $20.00
Family: $139:00 ( 2 x Ad + 2 Child)
Duration: 1.5 Hours
Why this cruise is a favourite:
Nobody cruises further on Lake Taupo than the Chris Jolly Cruise Cat
Spacious, fully covered catamaran — handicapped accessible
Expansive outdoor decks for unbeatable views of the Maori Rock Carvings
Informative commentary on Maori mythology and volcanic history
Complimentary hot homemade muffin plus tea or coffee
Colouring-in activity sheets and skipper certificates for children
Cruise past secluded bays, dramatic volcanic scenery, and the world-famous Maori Rock Carvings in comfort — the perfect scenic cruise on Lake Taupo for families, couples, and first-time visitors.
Departs: 1.30pm Scenic Cruise – Taste of Taupo – daily year round.
Price: Adults $59.00 Child (4-16 yrs) $20.00
Family: $139:00 ( 2 x Ad + 2 Child)
Duration: 1.5 Hours
At Jerusalem Bay, your crew will demonstrate traditional Lake Taupo trout-fishing techniques as lines are set from the boat. There’s almost always a trout at the end of the line, which is thinly sliced and served sashimi-style for guests to sample.
Trout cannot be ordered in restaurants — the only way to enjoy it is to catch it yourself. This unique experience adds a true Taste of Taupo to your scenic cruise and makes the afternoon departure especially popular with food lovers and curious travellers.
A fishing licence is required if you wish to participate.
Choose from morning or afternoon departures and discover why these are among the most popular scenic cruises on Lake Taupo. With daily sailings, expert commentary, and unbeatable lake views, Chris Jolly’s cruises are a must-do Taupo experience.
The main attractions include cruising across the northern bays of Lake Taupo, panoramic views of the snow-capped Tongariro National Park, and close-up views of the iconic Maori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay, which are only accessible by boat.
During the cruise, you’ll enjoy informative skipper commentary covering Lake Taupo’s volcanic origins and Maori history, complimentary tea or coffee and a hot homemade muffin, and stunning views of secluded bays, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and mountain peaks.
Both the 10.30am Scenic Cruise and the 1.30pm “Taste of Taupo” Scenic Cruise last approximately 1.5 hours, making them an easy and relaxing activity to fit into your Taupo itinerary.
Yes, children are very welcome onboard. The cruises are family-friendly and include colouring-in activity sheets and skipper certificates to keep younger passengers entertained during the journey.
Both cruises visit the Maori Rock Carvings and include scenic sightseeing and commentary. The ‘Taste of Taupo’ cruise also features a trout fishing demonstration at Jerusalem Bay, where guests may sample freshly caught trout served sashimi-style (fishing licence required to participate).
Yes, all scenic cruises include complimentary tea or coffee and a freshly baked hot homemade muffin, enjoyed while relaxing onboard the spacious Cruise Cat catamaran.
Yes, the Chris Jolly Cruise Cat is fully covered, recently refurbished, and wheelchair accessible, with large outdoor viewing decks that allow guests to move comfortably between sheltered and open-air areas.
Scenic cruises depart daily, year-round at 10.30am and 1.30pm, offering flexible options for both morning and afternoon visitors.
Prices for both daily cruises are:
Adults: $59.00
Children (4–16 yrs): $20.00
Family Pass: $139.00 (2 adults + 2 children)
All cruises are approximately 1.5 hours long.
You can book your Lake Taupo scenic cruise online in advance through the booking section on this page. Early booking is recommended during peak seasons to secure your preferred departure time.