The Mine Bay rock carvings are among the most impressive Māori rock art in New Zealand — and they are only accessible by boat, which keeps them uncrowded and makes arriving at them by water appropriately dramatic. The main carving is enormous: a face perhaps ten metres high, carved directly into the clifftops above the waterline, staring out across the lake.
The carvings were created in the 1970s and 1980s by master carver Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell, who paddled out alone and worked from a small boat over many years. Boat tours depart from the Taupo marina several times daily; the round trip takes about two hours. Kayaking to Mine Bay is also possible for strong paddlers.