# Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings

Source: https://godosomething.fun/activities/new-zealand/waikato/taupo/mine-bay-maori-rock-carvings-plc_dpwmnrsgbmcdb/

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Attraction

The Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings are a 14-metre carved face cut into a lakeside cliff on Lake Taupō, created by artist Matahi Brightwell in the 1970s. The carvings sit on a stretch of shoreline with no road or walking access, so visitors reach them by scenic cruise, sailing trip or kayak from Taupo Boat Harbour.

## Tours and tickets for Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings

Tours and tickets from an approved affiliate partner. Prices and availability are confirmed by the partner.

- Sponsored (GetYourGuide): [](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Mine%20Bay%20M%C4%81ori%20Rock%20Carvings%2C%20New%20Zealand&partner_id=NNYQ1IK&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=place-mine-bay-maori-rock-carvings)

## How to get there

Mine Bay sits on the western shore of Lake Taupō and has no road or walking access, so a boat is the only way in. Scenic cruises depart daily from Taupo Boat Harbour, with the return trip taking around 90 minutes and running up to four times a day in summer and fewer in winter. Sailing trips and guided kayak tours to the carvings also leave from the same harbour, and independent kayaking is possible for experienced paddlers in suitable conditions.

Approximate location: -38.73302, 176.00754

## Hotels near Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings

- [Hotels in Taupo](https://godosomething.fun/hotels/new-zealand/waikato/taupo/)

## More in Taupo

- [Things to do in Taupo](https://godosomething.fun/activities/new-zealand/waikato/taupo/)
- [What to Do in Taupō? Match the Experiences to Your Trip](https://godosomething.fun/guides/new-zealand/what-to-do-in-taupo/)
- [How Many Days Do You Need in Taupō?](https://godosomething.fun/guides/new-zealand/how-many-days-in-taupo/)

## Quick answers

**How do you get to the Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings?**

The carvings sit on a lake cliff with no land access, so visitors reach them by scenic cruise, sailing boat or kayak departing from Taupo Boat Harbour on Lake Taupō.

**How long does a cruise to the carvings take?**

A typical scenic cruise from Taupo Boat Harbour to the Mine Bay carvings and back takes about 90 minutes, with several daily departures during summer.

![A large carved Māori face cut into a lakeside cliff, viewed from the water.](https://cdn.godosomething.fun/media/site__place-new-zealand-taupo--mine-bay-maori-rock-carvings.webp)
Photo: Go Do Something Fun (/media/site__place-new-zealand-taupo--mine-bay-maori-rock-carvings.webp) — First-party AI-generated artwork © Suppers Software Limited ()