Maori Rock Carvings Half-Day Kayak Tour in Lake Taupo: An Enthralling Exploration
4.8
87 Ratings
Taupō
Embark on a half-day kayak tour in Lake Taupo to explore the Maori Rock Carvings. Paddle through native bush, past steep cliffs, and mini inlets. Learn about the carvings' cultural significance and enjoy gourmet refreshments. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Departure times vary by season.
Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Taupo Kayaking Adventures - Half Day Maori Rock Carving: Kayaking, swimming or rock jumping (optional)

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). 

What's Included
  • Experienced guide
  • Optional transport to start point
  • Safety gear provided
  • High-quality kayaking equipment
  • Complimentary refreshment
  • Instructional commentary
  • Available tea and coffee
  • Refer to gear list online
Additional Information

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). 

  • A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
Location
Taupo Kayaking Adventures
Acacia Bay Road
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(87 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Randyotoole
Apr 18, 2024
Valentine’s Day, what else would you be doing… - Under the watchful eyes of Shane & Ollie, our team of 2 x pairs rowed across a very calm Lake Taupo on a beautiful summer’s day. With very little kayaking experience between us and a c.10km voyage to navigate, we were in safe hands all the way. The mid-point stopover for coffee, muffins and a dip in the lake broke things up nicely for us. And thankfully there was a back-up motor option for let’s say pair #2 to keep up with the main flotilla…Ollie was standout in getting Huey & Duey back on track. Thanks again guys - you made it a great experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Catherineee1
Apr 4, 2024
Self guided morning to Mine Bay Rock Carvings - Great morning out on Lake Taupo! We hadn’t booked, but just rocked up and knocked on the door where a lovely guy helped us to rent the kayak. Based on other reviews, we did ask about the rudder which was a little bit sticky on two of the kayaks we were offered, but worked absolutely fine once out in the water. Took about an hour 10 mins to get to the Mine Bay Rock Carvings and we were really lucky to be the only ones out there!! Water was really flat and the kayak was relatively easy to moderate
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Journey53694693156
Feb 3, 2024
Taupo kayak adventures - I was so stoked to be able to do this trip. The views and scenery were super cool and the staff were kind and helpful and had heaps of awesome facts which made the trip interesting. Big thank you to the team over at Taupo kayak adventures for the trip and being so accommodating they are a really good bunch. I would 100% recommend this trip to anybody in the Taupo area it was an awesome way to spend the day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Polly_d
Jan 13, 2024
Go for it. - Wonderful guides, good workout, beautiful scenery. It was a bit harder than I expected — it’s 10 km there and back. But we turned on the motor for part of the return trip.
Review provided by Viator
Lizf660
Jan 4, 2024
New Years paddle - We hired kayaks and went on our own. The booking and information before paddling was good. We had a great morning out paddling around to the carvings and sitting on the beach for a while. The lake had lots of interesting things happening on it being New Year. Lisa changed our singles to a double kayak which was great. Made paddling very easy. Lisa also gave some good information about other activities to do in the area
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Paulaog859yc
Dec 18, 2023
Great Sunday out! - We did this tour on Sunday 17th December and we were nervous going into it as I’m 4 months pregnant and not super fit. It was a great day activity where we both were able to have a great time and get some exercise. The motor didn’t work perfectly but that was fine and we had a good laugh trying to sort it. The carvings were amazing and the little tea break was just what we needed :) I also loved the splash skirts! Very handy for someone who was worried about feeling freezing out on the water!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Katiekingsbury
Apr 5, 2024
Morning kayak of eco area. - It was early in the morning so not much traffic. Our guide was well versed in the biology and history of the area. The water was serene.
Review provided by Viator
Martina_w
Jan 6, 2024
The guides were very kind... - The guides were very kind and funny. They were very uncomplicated. The kayaking was a funny experience.
Review provided by Viator
Kimberly_p
Apr 7, 2024
Just Rent One… - We had good weather - cloudy with some sun; we had a double kayak and wore spray skirts; our guide, Oliver, was kind, patient and provided us with some facts about the area; we had some water with waves and some flat water; we saw a cormorant holding its wings out to dry; we didn't stop to have a snack as the rocky area was too difficult to get to, so we ate back at the beach; snack was a muffin and a hot drink; Oliver said he would share photos he took with us, but he hasn’t (yet); we would have enjoyed more variety in the kayaking as we didn’t go into any of the inlets to see local animals - we kayaked in and back the same way; as we have kayaked many times, we felt we could have done this paddle without a guide.
Review provided by Viator
Muthu_k
Dec 11, 2023
Not again - The trip should have been canceled as it rain for half the trip. Although it was nice to see the carvings, the trip was very uncomfortable and wet! The photos that were taken was of poor quality
Review provided by Viator
Select Date and Tickets
minimum 2 guests
-
up to 15 guests
2 Adult
May 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today