Lake Taupō Kayaking: Paddle to the Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings

Overview

Lake Taupō's best-known paddle leads to the Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings. The carvings are 14 metres tall, cut into a rock alcove above deep water. Love Taupō describes them as one of New Zealand's most extraordinary contemporary Māori artworks.

The carvings are only accessible by water, and a kayak lets you float right beneath them.

The story of the carvings

The carvings are the work of master carver Matahi Brightwell. According to Love Taupō, his grandmother, Te Huatahi Susie Gilbert, asked him to create a likeness of her ancestor Ngātoroirangi. There was no tōtara tree to carve when he arrived in Taupō. In 1976, paddling past a rock alcove on the lake, he had a vision of a tattooed face.

Ngātoroirangi was a navigator and tohunga who, in tradition, guided the ancestors of Ngāti Tūwharetoa and Te Arawa to the area.

Ways to get there

Love Taupō says trips to the carvings leave from Taupō Boat Harbour:

• Guided kayak tours: Canoe & Kayak runs a Māori Rock Carvings kayak tour. Love Taupō also lists half-day kayak trips with Taupō Kayaking Adventures.
• Cruises and sailing trips: Options include the Ernest Kemp steamboat cruises, sailing catamarans, classic sailing boats and an electric sailboat.

Check the current operators and departure times on Love Taupō.

Who it suits

A guided half-day trip suits beginners, families and anyone visiting Taupō without their own kayak. The guide takes care of the route, the safety gear and decisions about the weather.

Conditions and safety

Lake Taupō is New Zealand's largest lake, and wind can whip up waves quickly. Before any independent paddle:

• Check the forecast, and stay off the water in strong wind.
• Wear a lifejacket, and carry two waterproof ways to call for help.
• Tell someone your route and when you'll be back.

See our kayak safety guide for the full Boating Safety Code.

Nearby

• Walk the riverside track to Huka Falls. See our Huka Falls Walk guide.
• Find holiday parks and lakeside camping in our Taupō camping guide.
• See our Taupō city guide for more to do.