Take a Memorable 1.5-Hour Cruise Along the Banks of Lake Taupo: Discover The Beautiful Maori Rock Carvings

If you’ve ever been to New Zealand, chances are you’ve heard of the beautiful Lake Taupo, a 23 kilometre-long lake nestled between the mountains of Central Plateau. It is famous for its crystal-clear water, natural volcanic hot-water springs, beautiful rainforest and adventure activities, and was even featured in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.But many people miss out on one of the most picturesque things to do in the area: a 1.5-hour cruise along Lake Taupo to check out the Maori rock carvings. They are a great chance to learn all about the area’s history and take some impressive photos, so you don’t want to miss out! In this guide, we’ll share more about the Maori rock carvings and what to expect on the cruise. Plus, we’ll explain details about what time to go, how much it costs and where to book your ticket.

What to expect: Everything about the 1.5-Hour Scenic Cruise in Taupo

A scenic cruise on Lake Taupo is an amazing experience—not least because you get to snap some incredible photos of the area’s geological gems and cultural heritage. The canoe tour is specifically designed to take you along the edge of Lake Taupo, with views of Mount Pihanga, the lake’s two islands, Maori rocks carvings, and other attractions including natural hot-water springs and bubbling mud pools. On average, it takes around 1.5 hours to complete the tour but can sometimes be slightly longer, depending on the route and other circumstances.

What you’ll learn: Background Information on Lake Taupo and the Maori Rock Carvings

If you’re interested in nature and culture, the canoe tour is one of the best ways to learn more about the area’s fascinating history. The tour guide is knowledgeable in both Maori and European culture within this region and will provide plenty of interesting facts along the way. The tour usually starts at Lake Taupo’s Māori Rock Carvings — also known as “Ngāti Tūwharetoa’. The carvings feature four whole figures, a canoe and various motifs representing different aspects of Maori culture. The carvings aren’t actually carved in the stone — instead, a hard stone was used to clean and polish away parts of a softer stone. The reason for this is that the traditional carvers weren’t able to carve into harder stones. Furthermore, you’ll learn about the impact of European colonisation of New Zealand, which changed many of the local Maori traditions and beliefs forever. The guides are well-versed in these topics and can answer any questions you might have along the way.

What time should you go?

The actual time you book your cruise for isn’t particularly important — however, you will want to keep in mind that when visiting Lake Taupo in summer, the sun sets relatively late (around 8:45pm), so it’s best to book your tour a few hours before sunset if you want some natural light while taking photos. A great way to maximize your experience on a 1.5-hour scenic cruise is to visit at sunrise or sunset—these times make for some truly stunning photos, especially in summer when you can experience the glorious golden hour! However, since there’s no sunset until 8:45pm (and sunrise isn’t until 7am) you may need to adjust your travel plans accordingly.

How much does it cost?

The price of a 1.5-hour scenic cruise on Lake Taupo can start from as little as $60 New Zealand dollar per person. This includes the use of canoes, paddles and all personal safety equipment required for the trip. You may be able to get a discount if you book your ticket online before you arrive — just be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully before making a decision.

Where to book the cruise?

The most convenient way to book a 1.5-hour scenic cruise on Lake Taupo is online. This will allow you to plan your trip ahead and make sure everything is organised before you arrive. A great platform for booking this type of boat tour is GetYourGuide, which offers a hassle-free booking system and reliable customer service team available 24/7 via email or phone if you have any questions or queries. Plus, they guarantee results including full refunds if your tour doesn’t end up going ahead! To book your 1.5-hour scenic cruise on Lake Taupo with GetYourGuide, simply click here.

Final Tips

A few final tips for planning your 1.5-hour scenic cruise: – Make sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes—layers are always your friend no matter what time of year you’re visiting; – Bring snacks and plenty of water to keep you hydrated throughout the tour; and – Be prepared for variable weather; New Zealand has unpredictable weather patterns so it’s always best to be prepared for the worst!Taking a 1.5-hour Canoe Tour along Lake Taupo and seeing those incredible Maori rock carvings is one of the best ways to experience this beautiful area of New Zealand. You’ll learn all about its history—both Maori and European—and snap some amazing photos along the way! To make sure you don’t miss out on this amazing experience, book your ticket today with GetYourGuide: click here.