Chris Jolly Outdoors

28/05/2026

Nobody tells you how big they are until you're standing right in front of them.

The Māori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay rise 14 metres from the volcanic cliff face above the lake. The central figure is Ngātoroirangi, the navigator who guided his people to this region long before it became one of the most visited lakes in New Zealand.

No road leads to them. No track. No viewing platform. You have to get on the water.

Daily cruises at 10.30am and 1pm 👉 www.chrisjolly.co.nz

15/05/2026

You can’t buy Lake Taupō trout in any restaurant in New Zealand.

Selling wild trout is illegal here. The law exists to protect trout as a sport fish rather than a commercial one, which is part of why the fishery is still so healthy today.

So the only way to try Taupō trout is to catch it yourself.

Our 1pm scenic cruise includes a live fishing demo on the way back from the Māori rock carvings, so you can see how it’s done.

Ready to catch your own? That’s what our private fishing charters are for 👉 www.chrisjolly.co.nz

05/05/2026

May is one of the better months to be out on Lake Taupō 💙

The mornings often start misty. The mountains tend to be crisp without the summer haze in the way.

Groups on the boat are smaller, the lake is quieter, and the whole thing feels less rushed.

Same cruise, same carvings, same muffin. Just a different version of the lake.

Daily departures at 10:30am and 1pm. Book online at www.chrisjolly.co.nz

03/05/2026

01/05/2026

Two ways to spend 90 minutes on Lake Taupō. Neither is wrong.

10.30am is for a slower start. Mornings on the lake are often glassy, and your hot drink is ready as you board.

1pm catches the warmer part of the afternoon. Fuller light, calmer feel, and a live fishing demo somewhere out on the lake.

Both cruises head to the Māori Rock Carvings with live commentary on the way. Both come with a freshly baked blueberry muffin.

Book your cruise here 👉 https://chrisjolly.co.nz/experience/maori-rock-carvings-cruises/

27/04/2026

No matter where you sit on the Cruise Cat, the views are going to find you.

Daily cruises from the Taupō marina.
Hot drink and a homemade blueberry muffin included in every ticket.
All ages welcome.

23/04/2026

The forecast for Taupō this long weekend is exactly this ☀️

Join us on the water for spectacular views, excellent commentary about the region, hot drinks and a freshly baked blueberry muffin.

Daily cruises to the Māori Rock Carvings.

Book via link in bio.

22/04/2026

You won't find this on any restaurant menu in New Zealand.

Trout can't be commercially sold here, which means the only way to eat fresh Lake Taupō trout is to catch it yourself.

Our 1.30pm cruise includes a live fishing demo out on the lake. Get involved, or just watch. Either way, it's a good time.

Add this to your Taupō plans. Book using the link in our bio.

21/04/2026

The school holidays are over and Taupō just quietly became the best version of itself.

This is the Taupō the locals love. Quieter roads, a calmer lake, golden autumn light filtering through the trees.

Our cruises run daily all through April. Smaller groups. More relaxed atmosphere. Same extraordinary Māori Rock Carvings.

Come and see it. Book here 👉 www.chrisjolly.co.nz

20/04/2026

A warm muffin and a hot drink, included in every ticket.

Something about being out on the lake just makes it taste better.

Daily cruises from the Taupō marina. Link in bio to book.