The 13 Boat Tours in Taupo That Earn Their Price

1.Waikato River Jet Boat Ride from Taupo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,441 reviews · from $89Our pick

Rapids Jet takes you from Rotokawa along the Waikato River for a fast 35-minute ride through narrow canyons, clear water, and the Nga Awa Purua rapids. Your guide, such as Jacob, Shannon, or Taylah, handles the 550-horsepower boat and shares local history. The ride does not visit Huka Falls.

“Easy peasy fun & fast thrill ride. Capt. Shannon made it all worthwhile. Seemed that we did a bit more time than what the description said.”

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2.Lake Taupo: Sailboat Trip to the Maori Rock Carvings

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 972 reviews · from $35

Spend 2.5 hours sailing Lake Taupō aboard a roomy classic sailboat or catamaran. Your English-speaking crew, including guides such as Aaron, Liam, David, Danny, and Nick, explain the Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings, offer a drink, and stop for a swim when conditions allow.

“Fantastic morning out on the water. Friendly guides and informative tour.”

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3.Lake Taupō Māori Rock Carvings Scenic Cruise aboard Ernest Kemp

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 901 reviews · from $31Best value

Cruise Lake Taupō for 90 to 120 minutes aboard Ernest Kemp, a small replica steamboat, with live commentary from the skipper and crew. You will approach the inaccessible Mine Bay Māori rock carvings, enjoy views toward Tongariro, Ruapehu, and Ngauruhoe, and receive tea, coffee, cookies, and onboard WiFi.

“Delightful experience on a sunny morning on the Earnest Kemp. Nice touch with inclusive drink & cookie. Would recommend.”

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4.Huka Falls 30-Minute Jet Boat Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 759 reviews · 30 min · from $89

Ride a high-speed jet boat from Wairakei Tourist Park to the base of Huka Falls. Expect 80km/h runs, 360-degree spins, sharp cliff passes, local commentary, and spray. Drivers such as Scott, Ricky, Chopper, and Tee are known for lively guiding and skilled boat handling.

“Absolutely brilliant, loved it, great fun at high speed, the 360 spins and doughnuts by Huka Falls well worthwhile.”

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5.Maori Rock Carvings Eco Sailing Taupo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 758 reviews · from $33

Sail Barbary takes you across Lake Taupō on a small electric yacht to the Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings. Captain Chris or Pete provides stories about the carvings, Māori legends, and nearby volcanoes. Bring swimwear in warm weather, and choose an evening sailing for a complimentary drink.

“Chris is a great guy with a huge love for sailing. The carvings are amazing and the relaxing trip on the lake was very welcome. Make sure to bring sunscreen though!”

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6.Hukafalls Jet Boat Ride in Taupo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 658 reviews · from $94

Ride the Waikato River for 30 minutes with Hukafalls Jet, racing toward the 11-meter Huka Falls. Expect 360-degree spins, power brakes, lively commentary, close water-level views, and spray. Guides including Scott, Ricki, Arthur, Rocky, and others bring local knowledge and plenty of humor.

“Amazing experience and so much fun. The driver was so good and kept us on the edge of our seats with high speed turns and navigating the mighty haka falls.”

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7.Lake Taupo: Maori Rock Carvings 10.30 AM 1.5-Hour Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 633 reviews · 1h 30m · from $35

Spend 90 minutes on a two-story catamaran crossing Lake Taupō to the famous Māori Rock Carvings. Your English-speaking crew shares local stories, points out Tongariro National Park, and may add a trout-fishing demonstration. Tea, coffee, and a muffin are included.

“The activity was great, but getyourguide did not ask about dietary requirements. Well worth the trip out to see the carvings and learn about Lake Taupo!”

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8.Daily Scenic Maori Rock Carving Cruise Taupo

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 575 reviews · from $36

Cruise Lake Taupō for about 90 minutes aboard a comfortable boat, stopping near the Māori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay. Your crew explains local Māori culture, volcanology, and ecology while you enjoy mountain views, tea or coffee, and a homemade muffin. Morning and afternoon sailings are available.

“This is definitely a must do when in Taupo! The staff are excellent and knowledgeable, the Māori carving is spectacular and really impressive.”

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9.Lake Taupo: 1.5-Hour Māori Rock Carvings Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 498 reviews · 1h 30m · from $35

Board Chris Jolly Outdoors’ two-story catamaran in Taupō for a relaxed 90-minute cruise to the Ngātoroirangi Māori rock carvings. Your English and Māori commentary covers the lake and local traditions, with open decks, indoor seating, tea, coffee, a muffin, and a trout-fishing demonstration.

“great staff, very helpful and compassionate. We were travelling with elderly parents , one with mobility issues. the staff could not have been more accommodating. Lovely tour of the lake with entertaining commentary .”

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10.Lake Taupo: 1.5-Hour Maori Rock Carvings 5:00 PM Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 317 reviews · 1h 30m · from $35

Join Chris Jolly Outdoors for a 90-minute, 5:00 PM cruise from Taupo Boat Harbour to the Māori Rock Carvings. Your English-speaking skipper shares local facts as you take in Tongariro National Park, relax on two levels, and buy drinks from the bar.

“Had a really great trip out to see the Maori carvings. Beautifully smooth cruise on a sunny late afternoon. There was a choice of lower and upper decks with us preferring the lower deck, sitting inside but able to venture outside to take photos. We used this fully to take photos of the beautiful surroundings and the carvings. Drinks were available making for a pleasant trip. Wonderful value.”

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11.Sail Barbary Eco Sailing to the Maori Rock Carvings

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 154 reviews · 2h 30m · from $35

Spend 150 minutes on Lake Taupō aboard Sail Barbary, New Zealand’s first commercial electric sailboat. Captain Chris or Lloyd may guide you past volcanic shores to the Māori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay, with hot drinks, ponchos, commentary, and time for a swim.

“A good tour and a good host. Unfortunately it could have done with some wind. Not the host's fault.”

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12.Māori Rock Carvings Lake Taupo Catamaran Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 147 reviews · from $36

Cruise Lake Taupō for 2.5 hours aboard a 53-foot sailing catamaran with an English-speaking local guide. See the Māori Rock Carvings, learn their cultural meaning, swim in clear freshwater, and relax under cover with blankets, beanbags, and drinks from the licensed bar.

“Nice leisurely sail to the carvings with views of the volcanoes Then a lovely swim in the clear fresh lake water. Our guide was great.”

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13.Lake Taupo: Maori Rock Carvings 8.30 AM 1.5-Hour Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 13 reviews · 1h 30m · from $35

Join a local guide aboard a two-story catamaran for a 90-minute morning cruise across Lake Taupo. You will see Matahi Brightwell’s 1980 Maori Rock Carving, hear stories about the lake and Maori culture, enjoy tea or coffee with a muffin, and may feed the ducks.

“Great. I would recommend sitting inside downstairs. The view is quite nice and it is easy to go to the front of the boat or to the back to get amazing photos. They do a great job of telling you interesting facts and history about the lake and the carvings. I would definitely recommend it.”

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