Carvings at Mine Bay, Lake Taupo
Commune with Nature and Maori Culture by Kayak or Boat
Explore the beautiful wilderness and native Maori culture with a visit to the carvings at Mine Bay, in the North Island of New Zealand.
If your ideal New Zealand trip includes a commune with nature and an exploration of native Maori culture, the carvings at Mine Bay, Lake Taupo are just what the travel agent ordered.
Located in the North Island, Lake Taupo is the largest lake (by surface area) in the country, draining into the Waikato River. It has a coastline of about 193 kilometres, a surface area of 616 square kilometres, and is 186 metres deep at its deepest point. Comparatively, the lake is approximately the size of Singapore.
The lake itself attracts over 1.2 million visitors a year. But by taking the time to venture off the beaten path, the diligent traveler will find a unique treat for the senses and an all-round spectacular experience – the carvings at Mine Bay.
Mathi Whakataka-Brightwell had just completed 10 years of training with the Maori elder carvers when he decided he wanted to mark the completion of his education with something memorable. He traveled to Lake Taupo, where he discovered the cliffs at Mine Bay during a boat tour.
On the canvas of these beautiful cliffs, Whakataka-Brightwell carved the likeness of Ngatoroirangi. Maori legend says Ngatoroirangi was a visionary and a navigator who guided the Tuwharetoa and Te Arawa tribes to the region of Taupo more than one thousand years ago.
More than 10 metres high, the carving has the power to awe and inspire any who looks upon it. In addition to the image of Ngatoroirangi, the carver’s first masterpiece also included two smaller works – the south wind and a mermaid, depicted in Celtic designs to represent the cross-cultural flavor of New Zealand. Whakataka-Brightwell spent four summers completing the project.
Perhaps the best part of visiting Mine Bay is the unique experience of getting there. The only way to reach the carvings is by boat – and to get up close and personal, a sea kayak is the way to go. What better way to connect with the peaceful waters, wildlife and culture of a place than skimming along the crystal blue surface in a kayak?
The attraction is not just about nature, either. Over the past three decades, the carving at Mine Bay has worked its way into the heart of the nation it represents, becoming a demonstration of traditional Maori knowledge and culture in the modern world. The carvings show skills passed on from generation to generation. If you want to experience that culture for yourself, you won’t regret the effort involved.
For more information on visiting Mine Bay, visit the official web site of Lake Taupo. Or, find out more about the Maori culture.
