Māori Rock Carvings Kayaking Tour
About This Experience
Paddling to the carvings is a different proposition from cruising to them. It takes four hours, you supply the power, and you arrive at the cliff at water level with nothing between you and it — no rail, no deck, no other passengers' heads in your photograph.
You meet your guide at the Canoe & Kayak shop, get the safety briefing, and launch onto Lake Taupō with a view across to three live volcanoes. On the way your guide covers the history of the carvings, Māori legends of the area, and the native plants along the shoreline. There is a stop for rock jumps and a swim in Australasia's largest freshwater lake.
Then you paddle to the Ngātoroirangi carving itself — roughly 14 metres of carved rock rising straight out of deep water, finished in 1980 and reachable no other way — sit under it, and paddle home. Photographs of your tour are included, which matters when your own camera is in a dry bag.
Highlights
- Reach the carvings under your own power, at water level
- Views across the lake to three live volcanoes
- Māori legends and local history from your guide as you paddle
- A swim stop with rock jumping in clear freshwater
- Photographs of your tour included
What's Included
- ✓ Guided kayak tour
- ✓ Use of kayak
- ✓ Safety gear
- ✓ Waterproof jackets
- ✓ Photographs of your tour
Not Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
- Entrance fee paid to the Māori community — NZ$8.83 per person, payable on site
What to Bring
- Swimwear and a towel
- Sunglasses and a sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Weather-appropriate clothing that is not jeans
- Comfortable shoes you can get wet
Good to Know & Caveats
- There is a NZ$8.83 per-person entrance fee paid to the Māori community on site. It is not part of the booking price — bring it with you.
- Do not wear jeans. Wet denim is heavy, cold and miserable for four hours.
- Tours run year-round in good weather. If the trip is cancelled for weather you receive a full refund.
- Every minor must be accompanied by an adult, who is responsible for making sure they follow instructions.
- You sign a liability release covering injuries caused by not following instructions. The operator may withdraw anyone who puts themselves or others at risk, and may cancel on safety grounds.
Not Suitable For
- Children under 12 years
- Pregnant women
Meeting Point
Canoe & Kayak Taupō shop. Arrive 15 minutes before your tour is scheduled to depart; you travel to the launch point from there.
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.8/5 by 157 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
Lake waters were too rough for kayaking but we were offered an alternative river tour. Loved it. Calm waters, quiet setting and beautiful scenery.
— Robert, Septemb
This trip was absolutely amazing! The lake was perfect and it was just us with Glen and Brad. Glen was a great guide, great snacks and he made us some great coffee! It was a fun trip. The stories and the carvings are so cool. This is the best way to get them by far. You get so close!! Unreal can’t say enough good things!
— Louise, July 7,
It was great, we had amazing conditions. Our guide knew a lot, he took great pictures of our small group and having a break with a swim, cookies and hot chocolate was awesome 😊
— N, April 2
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need kayaking experience?
No. You get a full safety briefing before launching and a guide stays with the group throughout. You do need reasonable general fitness — it is four hours and you are the engine.
Is there really an extra fee?
Yes, and it catches people out. A NZ$8.83 per-person entrance fee is paid to the Māori community on site and is not included in the GetYourGuide price. Bring it; it is the only tour on this site with a charge payable on the day.
Can children come?
Not under 12. The tour is also unsuitable for pregnant women. Minors aged 12 and over must be accompanied by an adult who takes responsibility for them following instructions.
What should I not wear?
Jeans. They are explicitly listed as unsuitable — wet denim stays wet and cold for the whole four hours. Wear quick-drying, weather-appropriate clothing and bring swimwear for the swim stop.
