Top Experiences in Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings

Unearth the geothermal hotspots to enjoy the surreal landscapes and mysterious appeal of active geothermal sites at Wai-O-Tapu thermal wonderland. Discovery of the city’s vibrancy, and beautifully preserved 1930s architecture, is Napier's special point of difference. Offering an ideal base to explore, the welcoming nature of Cape Kidnappers, is an outstanding bird-watching destination, with dramatic coastal views into the Pacific. Walk through the city on an Art deco tour and pass through the spectacular natural landscapes unlike those found anywhere else in the world. Continuing, Lake Taupō is known for its stunning natural beauty, with crystal-clear waters, rugged mountains, and a variety of wildlife and the thundering Huka falls. Get right up close to explore lake Taupō on an eco-friendly scenic cruise around the Western Bays of the Lake to see the huge Māori rock carvings at Mine Bay.

A journey from Auckland’s bustling cityscape to Taupō’s scenic lakes on a luxury private tour will lead you to marvel at the breath-taking geothermal scenery, stunning waterfalls, and World Heritage-listed Forest reserves. Located in the centre of New Zealand’s North Island lies the largest freshwater lake in Australasia, Lake Taupo, is also a super volcano! Get right up close to explore lake Taupō on an eco-friendly scenic cruise around the Western Bays of the Lake to see the huge Māori rock carving at Mine Bay. Investigate the hidden bays, beautiful coastline and feel the thrill of cascading waterfalls at Huka falls. Be prepared to have your taste buds tingling, with the chance to try an array of exotic artisan honeys in a special tasting room.

Experience the beauty of a scenic sailing tour to the Māori Rock Carvings, one of the most extraordinary contemporary carvings in the world. Only view-able from the water, the likeness of Ngātoroirangi towers 14-meters above Lake Taupō, surrounded by over 40 smaller carvings..

Escape from hectic life for a while and enjoy the breathtaking views around.
Relax on our charter yacht “Kindred Spirit” and enjoy the superior comfort with a large deck space and a cosy lounge under.
Listen to our experienced skippers and learn about the history of the lake. Give the crew a hand hoisting the sails and take a turn on the wheel or just snuggle under some blankets and enjoy the wide selection of drinks.
Kindred Spirit sails under full sails as much as possible or gently meanders, when it is truly calm, by a quite inboard diesel engine.

Take a dip and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the largest freshwater lake in Australasia (weather dependent).

Cruise Great Lake Taupo in style and comfort on our luxury catamaran Tiua. Tiua brings smooth sailing to effortless entertaining, as a high-end charter vessel. She blends her original character and style with the latest comfort and class.
Tiua is the only boat on Lake Taupo which combines the relaxing feeling of an eco friendly sailing experience with the comfort of being able to go out in any weather and keep customers out of rain and the cold with her spacious saloon and covered cockpit.

[Tee-ua] Māori

1. (verb) To move with the wind

Synonyms – to relax and immerse oneself in nature and luxury with family and friends.

The pirate-flagged Sail Fearless has got to be the not-so-buried treasure of Great Lake Taupō . With a heart of gold and extensive knowledge of New Zealand and lake Taupo it is no wonder Fearless (David) has won so many awards for his affordable Maori rock carvings cruises.

So come on board Fearless for simply the best sailing experience on Great Lake Taupō. This is the more intimate cruise option to the famous Maori Rock carvings, with sleek lines and a maximum of only 18 passengers. 

Guests can relax on beanbags and snuggle under blankets, or give the crew a hand.

Glide your kayak over Lake Taupo's crystal clear waters as you paddle to the awe-inspiring Maori Rock Carvings on this 4-hour guided tour. 

Soak in the view across the Lake to 3 live volcano's while you hear the history of the carvings, various Maori legends and facts of the local area from your guide before enjoying rock jumps and a swim in Australasia's largest freshwater Lake. A must-do while in Taupo!

Ernest Kemp Cruises cruising Lake Taupo for over 30 years. We specialise in visiting the Maori Rock Carvings daily. Enjoy the history of the area and this unique replica steamboat. Friendly skipper and crew offer a live commentary and a colour brochure explaining the meaning of the carvings. Lots of great photo opportunities with viewing and seating both inside and out. Bring a towel in summer months your skipper may decide there is time for a swim in our crystal clear lake.

Complimentary tea, coffee, hot chocolate and cookies. Free wifi on board.

4 cruises daily in the summer months, from 90 - 120 minutes. Our popular 5 pm Cocktail Cruise includes a couple of complimentary glasses of wine or beer and pizza, this is all included in the ticket price. Sit back and relax you will have great experience on board Ernest Kemp Cruises.

Explore Lake Taupo as you kayak to the Maori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay. You will start your half day tour from the sheltered waters of Acacia Bay before paddling out on the lake below native bush, past steep cliffs and mini inlets that can only harbor a kayak.

The experienced guide will explain the carving's cultural significance to the lake and surrounding areas while you float beneath them. On the way back stop for gourmet refreshments and can take the opportunity to swim or go for a rock jumping into the clear waters of the beautiful lake. If the breeze comes up, you can raft your kayaks together and sail back – bliss!

Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Departure time is at 8:30am and 1:30pm in summer and 10:00am and 1:30pm in winter from our base in Acacia Bay. Allow approx 4 hours per trip (3 hours on the water). 

Immerse yourself with panoramic views of an ancient volcanic resting ground. Experience the trek across a dramatic alpine and volcanic landscapes all with stunning views. Walk the unforgettable Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a World Heritage site, celebrated for both its cultural and spectacular natural significance and at the centre of sparkling Lake Taupo, the great inland sea of New Zealand, witness the snow-blanketed winter ski fields, thundering Huka Falls, steaming geothermal valleys with rejuvenating hot springs.

Visit and experience the heart of New Zealand's North Island... Lake Taupo is not only home to one of New Zealand's greatest waterfalls but also the biggest lake! Whether it's the stunning landscape or the various activities - Lake Taupo is one New Zealand's must do's!!

The Great Lake Tour can be altered in any way to fit your needs!

Please be aware that this is a booking request. We will be in touch as soon as possible following your booking time to confirm your tour. This is to allow for customisations and ensuring you get the best out of your desired tour.
After we have confirmed your booking, we also confirm a final tour price. This can be paid in-person or simply by bank transfer. We will take away the $5.00 booking fee which you have paid to make this booking.

Our electric yacht is 100% sustainable, emissions and noise free, making it climate safe, and Lake Taupo’s best sailing experience.

We have been sailing to the iconic Maori Rock Carvings since 1982!

This all-year-round activity offers relaxation, fun and adventure on the water, the Kiwi way. Get right up close to this culturally significant 46 foot (14m) high rock art.

Excellent, amusing and current commentary on lake, the volcanics and the carvings. Free refreshments including tea, coffee, hot chocolate and mulled wine (winter only). We are licenced but you are welcome to bring your own. BYO

Swimming is encouraged.

Sail Barbary is the only boat in Taupo rated 'Qualmark Gold' by Tourism NZ under the 'sustainable business' category.

Maori Rock Carvings Package

Our Great Lake Taupo Mountain Bike and Kayak Package is without a doubt the best way to experience the spectacular scenery by bike from the Great Lake Trail, and view the amazing Maori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay by water. You will meet us at our base in Acacia Bay, where we will load your bike then set off by road to Kinloch to ride the W2K (Kinloch to Whakaipo Bay) section of the Great Lake Trail. Your ride will take approximately 2 - 2.5 hours, ending at the beautiful Whakaipo Bay where you gourmet lunch awaits you. After lunch, you will head down to the crystal clear waters of Lake Taupo to begin your kayak trip to the famous Maori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay. Allow up to 8 hours for this trip. 

Daily Scenic Cruises – Maori Rock Carvings

Our Daily Scenic Cruises depart from Berth #4 at the Taupo Boat Harbour on Cruise Cat. You’ll love cruising in comfort and style with fabulous views from both the top and bottom decks. Cruise Cat is fully enclosed with large outdoor decks to enjoy close up views of the Maori Rock Carvings.  Children are welcome, and we have colouring-in sheets and wheel certificates available for them.  Cruise Cat is also wheelchair and push chair/stroller accessible.

An informative commentary is given on the volcanic history and Maori mythology surrounding Lake Taupo, and you’ll enjoy a complimentary hot homemade muffin and tea/coffee as you take in the fabulous views of secluded bays and the spectacular snow capped mountain peaks of the World Heritage Tongariro National Park.