Half-Day Kayak to the Maori Rock Carvings in Lake Taupo

Your kayak tour will start with a safety briefing at Taupo Kayaking Adventures base in Acacia Bay. Push off 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 harbour a kayak. Take in the amazing views of the lake and the Tongariro mountains beyond. The landscape is very scenic, especially when the mountains are covered in snow in the winter.

After about an hour you will reach the Maori Rock Carvings. You can kayak right up to the cliff face but we do request that you respect its cultural significance by not touching the carvings. Your experienced guide will explain the carving's cultural significance to the lake and surrounding areas while you float beneath them.

On the way back, you will stop for gourmet refreshments where you can take the opportunity to swim in the clear waters of the beautiful lake. If the breeze comes up, you can raft your kayaks together and sail back – bliss!

The Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings on Lake Taupo have been hailed as one of New Zealand’s most extraordinary artworks. Towering 14-metres above the deep water of Lake Taupo, the carvings have become one of the North Island of New Zealand's biggest tourist attractions and one of the must do activities when in Taupo. The carvings can only be reached by water so this kayak trip is one of the best options to see it.

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).