Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings, Taupo: How to Visit and What to Do Nearby

The Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings are large-scale carvings on a cliff face accessible only by water on the western shore of Lake Taupo. The main figure, a 14-meter-tall depiction of Ngātoro-i-rangi, was carved in the late 1970s by sculptor Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell and a small team working from a barge over several summers. The carvings are rendered in a contemporary style but draw on traditional Māori design. Boat and kayak tours depart from Taupo's marina, covering the roughly 30-minute trip to the site. is just one of many options in Taupo. Major attractions worth considering include Huka Falls, Lake Taupo, and Aratiatia Rapids.