The 12 Boat Tours in Taupo That Earn Their Price

1.Waikato River Jet Boat Ride from Taupo

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

Taupo’s Rapids Jet Waikato River jet boat ride hits Nga Awapurua rapids, spins on clear water, and runs about 35 minutes.

“Having compared 2 companies on Viator, we went with this company as there were more reviews and great comments. It is slightly down river than the other company, which (apparently) is more commercial and doesn’t go to the Huka Falls. We benefited from the small business enthusiasm and dedication to giving us the best experience possible! Jacob, our guide and driver, was knowledgeable and skilful. He stopped and gave us information about the river and area but also filled our time with exhilaration and fun! There have been several films shot along this stretch of the river, which we will be looking out for. We all had a brilliant time…”

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2.Lake Taupo: Classical Sailing to the Māori Rock Carvings

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,275 reviews · 2h 30m · from $35

Classic sailing on Lake Taupo to view the Māori Rock Carvings, with blankets, a swim stop, and Kiwi crew plus a complimentary drink.

“it was perfect. we've got perfect background information/explanation about the landscape and Maori culture and also time to just sit back, enjoy and take the beauty of lake Taupo in. would definitely recommend it.”

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

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

Ride Ernest Kemp on Lake Taupo to see the Mine Bay Māori rock carvings, with live commentary, WiFi, and free tea.

“An absolutely fabulous experience. Knowledgeable and funny commentary throughout the trip. Awesome skipper and 2IC. Great boat ride to the carvings and they are spectacular, up close and from a distance. Worth also reading or listening to the story behind the Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings, in case you don't hear it all on board.”

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4.Huka Falls 30-Minute Jet Boat Experience

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

A 30 minute jet boat to Huka Falls with water level access, up to 80 km/h speed, and 360 spins, plus heated handrails.

“One of the best things I’ve done in New Zealand! Absolutely amazing time in the Jet Boat and Huka Falls was breathtaking.”

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5.Hukafalls Jet Boat Ride in Taupo

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

Hold on for Hukafalls Jet Boat thrills in Taupo. 360 spins, trick turns, power brakes, and an up-close view of Huka Falls.

“You get wet, the driver was fun, Huka was 30% but that’s OK, got up close and personal. Oh and did I mention, you get wet.”

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

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

90-minute catamaran cruise on Lake Taupo to see Māori rock carvings, plus tea, muffins, and optional trout fishing.

“Thoroughly enjoyed the trip to Maori carvings excellent commentary. The whole trip was amazing learnt so much and we were also served lovely warm blueberry muffins on return leg highly recommended”

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7.Daily Scenic Maori Rock Carving Cruise Taupo

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

1.5-hour Lake Taupo cruise to Māori rock carvings, with live commentary, snowy Tongariro views, and a warm homemade muffin.

“Absolutely loved loved loved loved the cruise today been wanting to see the carving for years and being able to do it on a beautiful clear day with awesome crew just made it even better. Today was the meeting point to see my daughter and Read more”

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

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

A 90-minute Lake Taupo catamaran cruise to see Ngātoroirangi Māori rock carvings, trout fishing demo, and warm muffin with tea.

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

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

A 90-minute Lake Taupo cruise to the Māori Rock Carvings with live commentary, two deck levels, and a great early evening vibe.

“Absolutely loved it. The history & cultural connection to our tupuna was priceless. Also the staff were amazing!!”

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10.Lake Taupo: Luxury Sailing Catamaran to Māori Rock Carvings

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 234 reviews · 2h 30m · from $41

Luxury Tiua catamaran on Lake Taupo with Māori rock carvings, a swim stop, all-weather comfort, and a fully licenced bar.

“We were lucky enough to be the only people booked onto the trip and we had the most fantastic time! Danny and Liam we’re fantastic out on the boat, told us all about the carvings and were able to answer any questions we had. We even got to stop off and do a little fishing, which was so much fun. Better luck next time Liam! Thank you so much for an amazing experience, I can’t recommend it enough!”

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11.Sail Barbary Eco Sailing to the Maori Rock Carvings

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

Sail Lake Taupo on an electric boat to Mine Bay for Māori rock carvings, stories, hot drinks, and a refreshing swim. $35, 150 minutes.

“A really beautiful morning out - even if we went blessed with clear skies and a gentle breeze! Chris was full of interesting information - but also let us sit back and just enjoy the sail in peace. The electric motor was required most of the time as the wind was just non existent! The boat was big enough to move around easily, coffee, tea and milo available to make yourself - even a toilet if needed. Ideal for couples or families. Highly recommended.”

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

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

1.5-hour Lake Taupo catamaran cruise to Maori rock carvings, guided scenery, tea and muffin, plus duck feeding.

“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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