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Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings Tours and Tickets
Measuring more than 33 feet (10 meters) high, these mammoth Maori sculptures were chiseled into the rocks on the edge of Lake Taupo in the late 1970s. Created by master carver Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell, the carvings depict Ngatoroirangi, who is said to have guided the Te Arawa tribes from their Polynesian homeland to New Zealand.
- Lake Taupo
Tours and Tickets to Experience Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings
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12 results
Maori Rock Carvings Scenic Cruise
Carved in the 1970s by one of Aotearoa’s master Māori carvers, the Mine Bay rock carvings are a striking Taupō attraction. They’re also impossible to access on foot, so hop on board a charming replica steamboat and take a scenic cruise out to the carvings instead. Learn all about the history and the myths behind the carvings from your steamboat crew, and along the way enjoy pristine views of Lake Taupō and beyond, including the nearby volcanoes Tongariro, Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe.
... More- 1 hour 30 minutes
- Free Cancellation
from
US$24.54
Daily Scenic Maori Rock Carving Cruise Taupo
Cruise around the scenic bays of Lake Taupo and admire the Maori Rock Carvings during this boat tour. Aboard the boat, listen to informative commentary about the ecology, volcanology, and cultural history of the area. Admire the impressive views of the snowy mountain tops of the UNESCO-listed Tongariro National Park and Lake Taupo's picturesque shores. See the Maori Rock Carvings depicting the legends of the local Tuwharetoa tribe. Choose from morning departure (includes tea) or afternoon departure (includes a fishing demonstration).
... More- 1 hour 30 minutes
- Free Cancellation
from
US$30.06
Maori Rock Carvings - Taupo Sailing Adventures - Kindred Spirit
Take a break from the busy-ness of sightseeing and enjoy a couple of hours on the water. On board a charter yacht, the Kindred Spirit, sail on Lake Taupo, admiring the mountain views. Sail to the Maori Rock Carvings, which can only be seen from the water. If the weather’s good you can swim, or simply sit on the deck and relax with a blanket to keep you warm.
... More- 2 hours 45 minutes
- Free Cancellation
from
US$36.19
Maori Rock Carvings Eco Sailing Taupo
Relax aboard a sailing yacht on Great Lake Taupo during this sightseeing cruise to Maori rock carvings. Accessible solely by water, this impressive rock art on the cliffs of Mine Bay was created by a master carver in 1976. You’ll come up close to the 22-foot-high (10-meter) gallery and enjoy postcard views from the deck. Relax with a complimentary glass of wine or beer if you sail in the evening.
... More- 2 hours 30 minutes
- Free Cancellation
from
US$33.74
Half-Day Kayak to the Maori Rock Carvings in Lake Taupo
Paddle a kayak to the magnificent Maori rock carvings on Lake Taupo with a half-day tour from Acacia Bay. You’ll learn the cultural significance behind the towering inscriptions, which were completed in 1980, and enjoy great views across the crystal-clear lake to the Tongariro Mountains. Approaching the Maori rock carvings by kayak means you can see them up close, passing native bush and tiny inlets, then floating right at the base of the cliff. Both morning and afternoon departures are available and beginning paddlers are welcome.
... More- 4 hours
- Free Cancellation
from
US$85.88
Likely to Sell Out
Maori Rock Carvings - Taupo Sailing Adventures - Sail Fearless
Sail Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake, and get up close to the Māori Rock Carvings on this sailing tour. Aboard Fearless, a sleek ketch boat, you’ll set sail on the impossibly blue Lake Taupo at the heart of the North Island. Choose to rig and hoist the mainsail with the crew, or sit back and let the views wash over you as you sail to the secluded spot where Māori figures have been etched into the rock face.
... More- 2 hours 55 minutes
- Free Cancellation
from
US$30.06
Likely to Sell Out
Maori Rock Carvings - Taupo Sailing Adventures -Tiua
Cruise Great Lake Taupo in style and comfort on our luxury catamaran Tiua. Tiua brings smooth sailing to effortless entertaining, as a high-end charter vessel. She blends her original character and style with the latest comfort and class.
Tiua is the only boat on Lake Taupo which combines the relaxing feeling of an eco friendly sailing experience with the comfort of being able to go out in any weather and keep customers out of rain and the cold with her spacious saloon and covered cockpit.
[Tee-ua] Māori
1. (verb) To move with the wind
Synonyms – to relax and immerse oneself in nature and luxury with family and friends.
... More- 2 hours 30 minutes
- Free Cancellation
from
US$48.46
The Maori Carvings Half Day Kayak
Take in the scenery of Lake Taupo during this half-day kayaking tour from Taupo. After a brief paddling lesson, set out in your kayak from Jerusalem Bay. Follow your guide along the shoreline of New Zealand’s largest lake to rock cliffs where you can see Maori carvings. Stop at a scenic spot for snacks and an optional swim on a tour that is suitable for all levels of experience.
... More- 4 hours
- Free Cancellation
from
US$70.55
Lake Taupo - Maori Rock Carvings Package (Mountain Biking & Kayaking)
Explore the northeastern end of Lake Taupo by both land and water with a combo bike and kayak tour from Taupo. You'll start by biking from Acacia Bay to Kinloch along the W2K section of the Great Lake Trail on a 2- to 2.5-hour ride. Then enjoy lunch before hopping in a kayak to paddle from Whakaipo Bay to the Maori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay.
... More- 8 hours
- Free Cancellation
from
US$239.25
Lake Taupō Private Day Tour from Auckland to Māori Rock Carvings
Discover the power of geothermal energy and marvel at at World Heritage-listed forest with this tour of Lake Taupō. Located in the central North Island, this region is an incredible landscape where snow capped mountains clash with bubbling mud pools and Australasia's largest fresh water lake. This cruise heads to Mine Hay, home to historic Māori Rock Carvings and the perfect location for a summer swim.
... More- 13 hours
from
US$551.50
Likely to Sell Out
Private Tour [3 Days]: Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Huka Falls & Lake Taupō
Immerse yourself with panoramic views of an ancient volcanic resting ground. Experience the trek across a dramatic alpine and volcanic landscapes all with stunning views. Walk the unforgettable Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a World Heritage site, celebrated for both its cultural and spectacular natural significance and at the centre of sparkling Lake Taupo, the great inland sea of New Zealand, witness the snow-blanketed winter ski fields, thundering Huka Falls, steaming geothermal valleys with rejuvenating hot springs.
... More- 3 days
from
US$1,839.76
Private Tour [3 Days]: Huka Falls, Lake Taupō, Napier, Art Deco, Cape Kidnappers
The heart of Aotearoa New Zealand’s beautiful North Island is sparkling Lake Taupo, the great inland sea of New Zealand, trout-filled rivers and the thundering Huka Falls. Three towering volcanoes in the awesome and otherworldly landscape with a welcoming nature of Cape Kidnappers, an outstanding bird-watching destination, with dramatic coastal views into the bargain. Get right up close to explore lake Taupō on an eco-friendly scenic cruise around the Western Bays of the Lake to see the huge Māori rock carving at Mine Bay.
... More- 3 days
from
US$1,533.03
What are people saying about Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings
Joshua_H, Sept 2023
Pleasant kayaking tour....
Pleasant kayaking tour. Guide was very knowledgeable. Do note: weather will dictate the lake's waves and effort required in this experience.
Tory_M, Sept 2023
Peaceful and interesting experience
Very relaxing and enjoyable experience. Our skipper shared stories of the lake, of the Maouri legends and of the carvings. He was happy to answer any and all questions.
Brent_D, Sept 2023
Worth doing
Lovely cruise down the lake with Chris, very funny man. The yacht was so peaceful instead of a noisy motor. The carvings were fantastic, very detailed. Tea and coffee available on board too. Well worth it.
Leesa_N, Aug 2023
Lovely tour
Loved it! 10/10 recommend going with the Kindred Scenic Tour! Was awesome views & great hospitality. Having blankets and refreshments was also a great touch :)
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