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Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise

4.7
1732
Deals from $27.00 Save $28.00 Check dates nowsystem_update_alt
Join us for a relaxing cruise along the magnificent Lake Taupo aboard The Ernest Kemp, a beautiful vintage replica steamboat!

Join us for a relaxing cruise along the magnificent Lake Taupo aboard The Ernest Kemp, a beautiful vintage replica steamboat!

Highlights

  • Experience an amazing two hour cruise along the spectacular Lake Taupo!
  • Enjoy your cruise in a beautiful vintage replica steam boat
  • Visit the famous Maori Rock Carvings
  • Enjoy complimentary tea, coffee and cookies!

Lake Taupo, one of the largest freshwater volcanic craters in the world, is home to the famous Maori Rock Carvings.

Only accessible by boat, we will get you the closest to these incredible 10 metre high carvings which tower high over New Zealand’s largest lake. Learn about the spiritual and cultural significance of the area from your skippers interesting and informative commentary.

With comfortable seating both inside and out, bathroom facilities and a licensed bar, we’ll ensure your cruise on the Ernest Kemp will be warm and comfortable. Your skipper even welcomes you to join him in the wheelhouse and take a turn at the wheel! Bring a towel as there may be an opportunity for a swim *at skippers discretion.


The Ernest Kemp cruise is an enjoyable outing and a great way to see the Maori Rock Carvings and to get out onto Lake Taupo.

Cruise Duration:

10:30am, 2pm, 5pm and 7pm = 2 hour (approx).

9:00am, 12:30pm, 4:30pm = 1.5 hour (approx).

Adult $55.00 (10:30am, 2pm, 5pm & 7pm Departures)
Adult - $50.00 (9am, 12:30pm, 4:30pm departures )
Child $15.00 (0-15 yrs old)

What's included

  • Informative commentary
  • Complimentary tea, coffee and cookies
  • 2 hour cruise on 10:30am, 2pm, 5pm and 7pm departures
  • 1.5 hour cruise on 9:00am, 12:30pm, 4:30pm

Duration

  • Allow approximately 2 hours for the whole experience

Location

  • Berth #2
  • Taupo Marina
  • Redoubt Street.

Child Friendly

  • This experience welcomes families with children.

Notes

  • Important: Cancellations made within 24 hours will receive no refund. Tickets are non-transferable and are unable to be rescheduled. Please ensure you book the correct departure time.

    Upon arrival: Please report to Berth 2 Taupo Marina, Redoubt St approx. 10 -15 mins prior to departure. You need to meet in front of the red sign in front of the Ernest Kemp ready to board. Our crew member will meet you and your booking will be in our system.

Available Bookings from 2 Sep to 15 Sep 2025

All prices are shown in NZD ($)

Change Dates
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  • Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult -$31.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.00

  • Adult -$31.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.00

  • Adult -$31.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.00

  • Adult -$31.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.00

  • Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$15.00

  • Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$15.00

  • Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$15.00

  • Adult$35.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

Authenticated Reviews & PhotosAll of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme

Authenticated Reviews & PhotosAll of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme

4.7

1732 reviews

Showing all 1732 authenticated Bookme reviews

IAN BROWN from New Zealand wrote on 29 August 2025

A most tranquil interlude

We thought we'd take it down a notch or two and cruise the lake before skiing the next day. Nice surprise. An interesting trip with the carvings as the highlight but traveling close to the shore meant you took in a lot of the uniqueness of this stunning lake. Well catered for with wine, beer and nibbles. And Captain Haddock was informative while not intrusive. Will do it again

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From Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise

Thank you, Ian! We love that the cruise gave you that perfect breather before hitting the slopes. It’s great to hear you enjoyed the carvings and the cruise itself. We’ll pass on your review to the skipper he’ll be thrilled to hear your kind words. Appreciate you cruising with us and sharing your thoughts! We hope to see you again :)

tmh1907 from New Zealand wrote on 29 August 2025

Awesome morning

We loved this cruise out on Lake Taupo. The crew were amazing. The crewman that walked around talking to everyone on board was a delight. The skipper/ compere was so knowledgeable and had some great anecdotes to share. Our 2 boys LOVED being invited up to have a turn driving. Definitely recommend.

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From Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise

What an awesome review, thank you! We're so glad the whole family had a great time out on the lake. The crew will be stoked to hear your kind words, especially knowing the boys had a blast up front. It means a lot to us when guests feel welcomed, relaxed, and entertained, that’s exactly the experience we aim to deliver every day. Thanks again for joining us and for sharing the good vibes!

Verity from New Zealand wrote on 27 August 2025

NEW Maori rock carvings

Perfect day for a pleasant trip on the Lake. Carvings a bit disappointing when we'd thought they were ancient, but were only a few years old! Sparse commentary as we went. Otherwise good.

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From Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise

Hi Verity, thank you for your feedback and for joining us on our cruise. We’re glad you enjoyed the beautiful day on the lake. While the carvings are relatively recent, they represent an important and meaningful tribute to Māori culture and heritage, making them just as fascinating. We appreciate your comments about the commentary and will work to improve it with more detailed and engaging narration. We hope you have a lovely day!

varinderj from New Zealand wrote on 22 August 2025

The Ernest Kemp cruise was absolutely fantastic!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Ernest Kemp cruise was absolutely fantastic! The vintage replica steamboat itself is full of charm and made the whole experience feel unique and special. The staff were warm, welcoming, and very knowledgeable, sharing fascinating stories about Lake Taupo and the history of the Māori rock carvings. The cruise was smooth and relaxing, with plenty of time to take in the breathtaking scenery. The highlight, of course, was getting up close to the Māori rock carvings – such an incredible cultural and artistic treasure. Complimentary tea, coffee, and biscuits onboard were a lovely touch too. Highly recommend this cruise to anyone visiting Taupo – it’s the perfect mix of relaxation, culture, and history. A must-do experience!

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From Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise

Thank you Varinderj! We appreciate you taking the time to write this wonderful review. We’re absolutely thrilled to hear that you had such a fantastic experience with the warm hospitality of our crew and the trip itself. It’s always a pleasure to know our guests enjoy learning about the history. We’re happy to hear you enjoyed our services. Thank you for your kind recommendation. We hope you have a wonderful day!

julies52 from New Zealand wrote on 18 August 2025

Something for everyone

What an interesting cruise. Great history, humour and facts. Throughly enjoyed this and what a spectacular day.

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From Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise

Thank you so much, Julie! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed the cruise and had a spectacular day. Have a lovely day!

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