KAYAK - Half Day – Maori Rock Carvings

Half Day – Maori Rock Carvings Tour (Mine Bay)

Beginning in the sheltered waters of Acacia Bay, come out with us and explore the secluded Rock Carvings at Mine Bay. Our sea kayaks allow us to paddle below native bush, past steep cliffs and into mini inlets that kayaks can only harbor into at (Whakamoenga Point) before the striking carvings (towering 14 meter-high) come into view.  Your experienced guide will captivate you with fascinating stories and legends behind creation of the carvings and their cultural significance to the lake and surrounding areas while you float beneath them inches away in orr.  

On our return we stop at a beach or harbor into the flat rocks at Whakamoenga Point for delicious muffin & refreshments, where you can take the opportunity to do some rock jumping and bobbing or go for a swim in the crystal clear waters of our beautiful lake. Otherwise relax and listening to the sounds of native birds, while taking in the magnificent sight of the Tongariro National Park’s 3 volcanic mountains across the southern side of the lake. 

On our return if the breeze comes up, we can raft our kayaks together and sail back – bliss!

No experience is necessary, as all our trips are guided, and full tuition and instruction is given. Our double kayaks are safe and easy for everyone to use. Children under the age of 15, must be accompanied by an adult in our double kayaks.

We also have some Motorized kayaks available, which mean we can offer safe kayaking trips for the disabled, and for those who are unable to paddle due to injury and other health reasons.  Our motorized kayaks mean there’s no longer any reason not to go kayaking now – we’ve done all the work for you!

This is truly a unique trip and one you will remember forever.

Allow approx 4 hours per trip (3 hours on the water)

Tour includes:

• Professional qualified guides

• Full instruction & tuition 

• Quality kayaking & Safety equipment

• Motorized kayaks - if needed and available

• Delicious muffin & hot drink (if your gluten free - please leave a comment in the special requirements section when making your booking at check out) 

• Tuwharetoa Maori Trust Board – Kaitiaki (lake guardianship) contribution fee 7%

• Transport: On request only (if you do not have your own transport to our base) – Pick up from/to Taupo CBD. Additional fees may apply.   Please call or email to arrange.

• Complimentary Photos via our facebook page

Times (can be flexible with times for group bookings):

• Summer: 8.30am and 1.30pm   (1st October to 30th April)

• Winter: 10am and 1.30pm  (1st May to 30th September)

Please arrive 15 minutes earlier than tour starting time

Base – Meeting Point / Starting Location:

Unit 2, 876 Acacia Bay Road, Acacia Bay, Taupo

Gear List:

• Please view our website under GEAR LIST for what to wear and bring, no jeans please.                            https://www.tka.co.nz/gear-list/ 

• Please arrive wearing the appropriate clothing and already have sunblock applied, so we can keep to  tour time.