THE ULTIMATE
GUIDE TO THE
MĀORI ROCK
CARVINGS.
Hidden along the shores of Lake Taupō is one of New Zealand's most extraordinary contemporary artworks. Discover the story behind the carvings, how to visit and why the journey is just as memorable as the destination.
WORTH THE
JOURNEY.
If you're planning a trip to Taupō, there's one remarkable experience that deserves a place on your itinerary: visiting the Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay.
Carved directly into a towering lakeside cliff, this extraordinary artwork celebrates Māori history, ancestry and artistic heritage.
But what makes this experience even more memorable is its location. The carvings face the open water of Lake Taupō, so the journey to see them becomes an adventure in itself.
From traditional sightseeing cruises and sailing yachts to kayaking and a whole new generation of electric hydrofoil sightseeing, there are several ways to discover this incredible landmark.
WHAT ARE THE
MĀORI ROCK
CARVINGS?
The Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings are a collection of contemporary artworks carved directly into the cliff face at Mine Bay.
The centrepiece is a magnificent carving approximately 14 metres high, depicting Ngātoroirangi, an important ancestral figure connected to Ngāti Tūwharetoa.
Surrounding the main carving are smaller figures and artworks with their own cultural significance.
Although the carvings look as though they have stood for centuries, they were actually created in the late 1970s and completed in 1980.
They represent a living Māori artistic tradition and have become one of the most recognisable landmarks on Lake Taupō.
THE STORY
BEHIND THE
CARVINGS.
The story begins with master carver Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell.
His grandmother, Te Huatahi Susie Gilbert, asked him to create a likeness of their ancestor Ngātoroirangi as a lasting connection to their family heritage.
In 1976, Matahi explored the shores of Lake Taupō and discovered the rock alcove at Mine Bay.
Over the following years, Matahi and a team of fellow artists transformed the rock into the remarkable collection of carvings visitors see today.
The work was completed in 1980 and remains an important expression of Māori culture, ancestry and creativity.
For more about the artists, their inspiration and the cultural significance of the carvings, explore the stories shared by Love Taupō.
HOW DO YOU GET
TO THE CARVINGS?
The artwork faces Lake Taupō and is not accessible from a public road or walking track. Here are three ways to experience Mine Bay.
SCENIC BOAT
CRUISES.
Join a scheduled sightseeing cruise for a comfortable journey across Lake Taupō. Enjoy the scenery and commentary as you approach the carvings. Journey lengths and inclusions vary between operators.
SAILING
EXPERIENCES.
A sailing yacht offers a wonderfully relaxed way to experience the lake. Enjoy the fresh air, scenery and classic atmosphere of sailing before arriving at Mine Bay. Sailing conditions depend on the weather.
GUIDED KAYAK
TOURS.
For active adventurers, a guided kayak tour offers a close-to-the-water perspective on the lake. These experiences generally require more time and physical effort. Check fitness and weather requirements with your operator.
WHAT IF THE
JOURNEY COULD
FEEL LIKE FLIGHT?
The Māori Rock Carvings are extraordinary. But the journey to reach them can be extraordinary too.
Taupō Hydrofoil Tours is preparing to introduce HALO, a luxury Vessev VS-9 electric hydrofoil experience on Lake Taupō.
As a hydrofoil gains speed, its underwater wings lift the hull above the surface of the lake.
This reduces contact with the water, creating a remarkably smooth and quiet way to travel.
Inside HALO, passengers enjoy a comfortable, climate-controlled cabin with panoramic windows designed to showcase the scenery outside.
Our planned 60-minute Scenic Hydrofoil Flight includes a visit to the Māori Rock Carvings and beautiful locations around Lake Taupō.
HALO is preparing for commercial launch. Flight availability is subject to operational readiness and suitable lake conditions.
MAKE THE MOST
OF YOUR VISIT.
A little planning can make your journey to Mine Bay even more enjoyable.
BOOK AHEAD.
Scenic lake activities can be particularly popular during weekends and the summer holidays. Reserve your preferred time in advance where possible.
WATCH THE WEATHER.
Lake Taupō conditions can change quickly. Your operator may postpone or cancel a trip if the weather is unsuitable. Plan some flexibility into your visit.
BRING YOUR CAMERA.
The scale of the carvings is remarkable when viewed from the lake. Have your camera ready as you approach Mine Bay.
RESPECT THE ARTWORK.
These carvings carry important cultural meaning. Appreciate the artwork from your vessel, avoid touching the rock face and follow your guide's instructions.
GOOD TO
KNOW.
Everything you need to know before visiting the Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings.
Where are the Māori Rock Carvings?
The Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings are located at Mine Bay on the western side of Lake Taupō, in New Zealand's North Island.
Can you drive to the carvings?
No. The carvings face the water and cannot be viewed from a roadside lookout. Visitors generally reach the viewing location by boat or kayak.
How old are the carvings?
They were created in the late 1970s by Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell and fellow artists and completed in 1980. They are contemporary Māori artworks.
How tall is the main carving?
The central carving of Ngātoroirangi is approximately 14 metres high.
How long does it take to visit?
The duration depends on your chosen operator. Scenic boat trips vary in length, while guided kayaking experiences often take several hours. Taupō Hydrofoil Tours is planning a 60-minute scenic hydrofoil flight.
Can I visit on an electric hydrofoil?
Taupō Hydrofoil Tours is preparing to operate HALO, a luxury electric hydrofoil whose planned scenic route includes the Māori Rock Carvings. Explore our scenic flight options for details and current availability.
DISCOVER
THE CARVINGS.
EXPERIENCE
THE FLIGHT.
The Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings deserve a place on every Taupō itinerary.
With HALO, we're bringing an entirely new perspective to the journey.
Discover the extraordinary scenery of Lake Taupō aboard an electric hydrofoil designed for comfort, quiet and unforgettable panoramic views.
THE FUTURE
DOESN'T FLOAT.
IT FLIES.
Experience Lake Taupō from an entirely new perspective.