Lake Taupō Māori Rock Carvings Scenic Cruise aboard Ernest Kemp
Overview
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Ernest Kemp Cruises cruising Lake Taupo for over 30 years. We specialise in visiting the Maori Rock Carvings daily. Enjoy the history of the area and this unique replica steamboat. Friendly skipper and crew offer a live commentary and a colour brochure explaining the meaning of the carvings. Lots of great photo opportunities with viewing and seating both inside and out. Bring a towel in summer months your skipper may decide there is time for a swim in our crystal clear lake.
Complimentary tea, coffee, hot chocolate and cookies. Free wifi on board.
4 cruises daily in the summer months, from 90 - 120 minutes. Our popular 5 pm Cocktail Cruise includes a couple of complimentary glasses of wine or beer and pizza, this is all included in the ticket price. Sit back and relax you will have great experience on board Ernest Kemp Cruises.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Well behaved dogs welcome.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Maori Rock Carvings
Sit back and relax cruising picturesque Lake Taupo to visit the famous Maori Rock Carvings with Ernest Kemp Cruises. Enjoy complimentary hot beverages, Free Wifi. Cruises between 90 -120 mins. Great photo opportunities. Comfortable seating inside and out. Live commentary of the lake and history of the local area.
What‘s Included
Free WiFi on board
Live commentary from skipper & crew
Complimentary tea, coffee & cookies.
Scenic cruise on Ernest Kemp
Snacks and drinks, alcoholic and non alcoholic available for purchase on board.
Hotel pickup/drop-off
Options
10.30am & 2 pm 2 Hour Cruise
4.30pm 1.5 hour Cruise
4.30pm 1.5 hour Cruise: 4.30pm Cruise to the Maori Rock Carvings, with the option to swim at the skippers discretion.
Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes
6.30pm Evening 1.5 hour cruise
6.30pm Evening Cruise 90 mins
9am Early Bird Cruise
9am Early Bird Cruise : 9am Early Bird Cruise with Ernest Kemp to visit the Maori Rock Carvings. Start the day with a relaxing Cruise.
12.30pm 1.5 Hour Cruise
Maori Rock Carving Cruise
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Reviews
924 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great excursion
rnhfischer,,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was very nice and the price-performance ratio is right here. Unlike others where a catamaran ride is advertised, but only with engine the same tour is run at significantly higher prices.
Our Family from England Loved This.
brettverat,,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic experience, the crew made it even more enjoyable. This was our third cruise on the Ernest Kemp and will be back again in late April and definitely joining you again. This time we had family from England and they also thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Interesting cultural experience
Mriorda,,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Firstly this was a unique boat. Plenty of seating and lovely and attentive staff. Coffee, tea and biscuits were complementary and other beverages were available for purchase. The captain was able to provide the history of the lake and all the important sites along the coast. The highlight was seeing the Māori rock carvings which are only visible from the water. They were very impressive. There was also an opportunity to take a quick swim in the beautiful lake which was very refreshing! It was a lovely excursion and very affordable.
Great value for money
Vacation819270,,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great trip on this very cute boat with a knowledgeable skipper who has a good sense of humour too. Chance to swim in the beautiful lake too.
Bring your dog & experience an awesome tour!
C9513IXscottm,,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely amazing experience! The Skipper was extremely knowledgeable & made the cruise not only informative but fun. The shipmates were very welcoming & we chose Earnest Kemp because they are dog friendly & our dog was welcomed by not just staff but other guests!
The water was divine to swim in
P8913DNjaner,,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolute must do in/ on Lake Taupo 😍 Hubby and I are mid 60's and the highlight was the swim ... Great boat as in your can get out of the sun... Great crew as super hospitable... And we just had the best ever weather that day February 8th 2026
This is a wonderful way...
Kate C,,Feb 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a wonderful way to explore the natural beauty of Lake Taupo, as well as the quite extraordinary Maori rock carvings. We loved the Ernest Kemp-- an historic, authentic vessel with an interesting back story and a pleasure to be on. Great crew and seamless experience ordering tickets and being on the boat. Highly recommend.
Delightful way to spend 2hrs on the lake
G7679FOleighb,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Headed out on the morning cruise. Were forewarned was a bit choppy but that didn't ruin the experience in anyway. Enjoyed seeing the mainland from the lake and the commentary from Peter was informative and humourous. Azura in the office was helpful and Libby (crew) really friendly. Always nice to have great customer service from start to finish. Seeing the carvings through our own eyes was the icing on the cake. Highly recommend joining the Ernest Kemp team for a couple of hours to enjoy this beautiful lake while in Taupo.
Highly recommend this cruise!
KaipoFlatsSafari,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great, very affordable cruise to see the Mine Bay Rock Carvings. There was a steam boat was clean, comfortable, complimentary tea/coffee and paid bar available. Skipper had great craic (information imparted with knowledge and humour). The stewards ensured all were suitably hydrated. Also had washroom facilities and we got to have a quick dip in the Lake.
Enjoyable Ernest Kemp tour
carolynwL6082VX,,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Well organized, personable trained staff, complimentary coffee, great scenery and commentary, suitably priced, great 90 minute tour.
From NZ$50.00
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Operated by ERNEST KEMP SCENIC CRUISES