Loloma - 2 Hour Cocktail & Scenic Cruise

On a clear morning at Lake Taupō, take board the Loloma, a lovingly restored 1965 classic moored at Lake Taupō Marina – Berth 8, 65 Redoubt Street, Taupō. The two-hour Cocktail & Scenic Cruise is a compact, elegant way to see the lake’s signature sights, from the sheer cliffs of Mine Bay to the Māori Rock Carvings. Loloma seats up to 28 guests across flexible indoor–outdoor lounges, a licensed bar and a BBQ deck, and is fully accessible.

Lake Taupō is New Zealand’s largest freshwater lake, the flooded caldera of a supervolcano that shaped the central North Island. The mineral-flecked pumice cliffs and black-and-gold basalt shelves around Mine Bay frame the Māori Rock Carvings — a modern set of figures carved into the cliff face in 1976 by carver Matahi Brightwell — that read as both cultural marker and striking photo subject. Beyond the carvings, the lake’s wide surface offers open-water fishing for trout, sheltered bays for a quick swim, and long sightlines for scanning the horizon for native waterfowl.

On board a Loloma cruise you’ll find a licensed skipper and professional crew who steer between sightseeing runs, short casting stops, and event-focused charters. The vessel’s restoration keeps the 1965 profile — polished wood trim, a classic helm — while the crew handle catering options that range from BYO to full-service platters and a bar. That mix of heritage and service makes the Loloma a versatile platform for small groups: anniversaries, corporate outings, angling taster trips, or a slow two-hour introduction to the lake’s geology and culture.

Practically, the cruise is ideal for visitors staying in Taupō township; check-in at the marina at least 15 minutes before departure. Bring swimwear, layered weather gear and ID if you plan to drink. The boat provides tea, coffee, bottled water, onboard facilities and fishing gear when applicable.

Accessibility is solid, so travelers with mobility considerations can still enjoy the deck views. Why book this over a standard tour? Loloma pairs a sense of local history — a 1965 classic craft — with direct access to the Mine Bay carvings and fishing grounds that define Lake Taupō recreation. It’s a short, low-effort way to connect with volcanic scenery, Māori cultural art on the cliffs, and quiet open-water stretches, all from the comfort of a single, charismatic vessel.

On shorter runs to the carvings, allow time on deck for close-up photos and listen as crew explain the carvings’ symbolism and local iwi stories. Fishing charters target brown and rainbow trout in deeper lake sections; gear is provided and crew advise on techniques. For event bookings, menus can be customized and the boat’s layout adapts for mingling or seated dining.

Reservations fill fast in summer—book ahead to lock your preferred time today online