Maori Rock Carvings Lake Taupo – Best Cruises & Boat Trips to Mine Bay
Māori Rock Carvings Lake Taupō – Best Cruises & Boat Trips to Mine Bay
The Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay are one of Lake Taupō’s most iconic cultural landmarks, accessible only by water. Carved into a sheer rock face overlooking the lake, the carvings honour Ngātoroirangi, the Māori navigator who guided the Tainui and Te Arawa waka to Aotearoa.
The best way to experience the Māori Rock Carvings is on a scenic boat cruise across Lake Taupō. From relaxed scenic cruises to private and luxury yacht charters, there are several excellent options that offer close-up viewing, live commentary, and unforgettable lake scenery.
Discover the Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings by Cruise on Lake Taupō
Carved directly into the volcanic cliffs overlooking the vast expanse of Lake Taupō, the Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings are one of the region’s most striking cultural landmarks. Rising dramatically from the water at Mine Bay, the carvings have become an enduring symbol of Māori heritage and contemporary artistry.
Created over 40 years ago by master carver Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell, the carvings honour Ngātoroirangi, the revered Māori navigator who played a key role in guiding the Tūwharetoa and Te Arawa iwi to this region. The central figure, towering more than 14 metres (46 feet) high, dominates the rock face, gazing out across Lake Taupō.
Surrounding the main figure are smaller carvings representing tūpuna (ancestors) and kaitiaki (guardians). Together, they symbolise the deep and ongoing connection between Māori people, their history, and the land. Unlike traditional ancient rock art, the Ngātoroirangi carvings are a unique blend of Māori cultural heritage and modern expression.
Accessible only by water, the Māori Rock Carvings can be viewed exclusively on a boat cruise across Lake Taupō. A guided cruise allows visitors to approach the carvings closely while learning about their cultural significance, the story of Ngātoroirangi, and the natural history of the lake.
Best Cruises to the Māori Rock Carvings on Lake Taupō
Chris Jolly Outdoors
Departs: Select when booking – daily year round.
Price: Adults $59.00 Child (4-16 yrs) $20.00
Duration: 1.5 Hours
A fast and stable power catamaran cruise offering close-up viewing of the Māori Rock Carvings with informative commentary and panoramic lake views.
More information:
Ernest Kemp Cruises
Price: Adults from $50 per person – Child $15 pp
Departs: Select when booking
Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
The most popular public scenic cruise to the Māori Rock Carvings, featuring live commentary, comfortable indoor and outdoor seating, and excellent photo opportunities.
More information:
Kindred Spirit
Departs: Choose when booking
Price From: $62.08 per person – Child $41036 pp
Duration: 2.5 hours approx
A relaxed sailing yacht cruise combining lake scenery with close-up views of the Māori Rock Carvings
More information:
Sail Barbary
Price: Adult $59 per person – Child $35 pp
Departs: Choose when booking
Duration: 2.5 hours approx
A classic sailing yacht cruise to Mine Bay, ideal for a laid-back and scenic Lake Taupō experience.
More information:
Luxury Sailing - Tiua
Departs: Choose when booking
Price: $72.60 per person – Child $62.08 pp Incl. Fees
Duration: 2.5 hours
A premium private sailing experience ideal for special occasions, couples, or small groups seeking a personalised and exclusive Lake Taupō cruise. More information:
Māori Rock Carvings Lake Taupō – Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the Māori Rock Carvings located on Lake Taupō?
The Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings are located at Mine Bay on Lake Taupō. They are carved into a steep volcanic rock face overlooking the lake and are accessible only by boat.
What is the significance of the Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings?
The Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings honour Ngātoroirangi, a highly respected Māori navigator who played a key role in the arrival of the Tūwharetoa and Te Arawa iwi in the region. The carvings symbolise Māori heritage, guardianship of the land, and the enduring connection between people, culture, and Lake Taupō.
Who carved the Māori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay?
The carvings were created by master carver Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell. Completed in the late 1970s, they are considered one of New Zealand’s most significant examples of contemporary Māori carving.
How tall are the Māori Rock Carvings?
The central figure of Ngātoroirangi stands over 14 metres (46 feet) high, making the carvings an impressive and instantly recognisable landmark on Lake Taupō.
What is the best way to experience the Māori Rock Carvings?
The best way to experience the Māori Rock Carvings is on a scenic boat cruise across Lake Taupō. Cruises allow close-up viewing from the water and include commentary explaining the carvings’ cultural meaning, history, and surrounding landscape.
Can you reach the Māori Rock Carvings without a cruise?
No. There is no road or walking access to Mine Bay. All visitors must travel by boat, which is why cruises and sailing trips are the only way to see the Māori Rock Carvings.
What types of boat cruises are available to see the Māori Rock Carvings?
There are several cruise options available, including scenic public cruises, power catamaran launches, sailing yachts, and private or luxury charters. Each offers a different style of experience, from relaxed sightseeing to exclusive private cruises.
Are there private or luxury cruise options to the Māori Rock Carvings?
Yes. Private and luxury cruise options are available for those seeking a more personalised experience. These typically include flexible departure times, smaller group sizes, and a relaxed pace, making them ideal for special occasions or intimate groups.
Are Māori Rock Carvings cruises suitable for families and children?
Yes. Most cruises to the Māori Rock Carvings are family-friendly and suitable for all ages, with stable vessels, seating options, and short cruising times across the lake.
How long does a Māori Rock Carvings cruise take?
Most cruises take between 1.5 and 2.5 hours, depending on the type of vessel and experience chosen. This allows ample time to view the carvings and enjoy Lake Taupō’s scenery.
Do cruises stop at the Māori Rock Carvings?
Cruises do not land at the carvings but stop directly offshore. This allows for close-up viewing and photo opportunities while guides share stories and commentary about the site.
