Lake Taupō Māori Rock Carvings Scenic Cruise aboard Ernest Kemp
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
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‘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
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.
Options
12.30pm 1.5 Hour Cruise
Maori Rock Carving Cruise
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Maori Rock Carvings 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
Reviews
824 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour, the best way to explore Lake Taupo
Nathan L,
Oct 27, 2025
- Viator
5.00Fantastic tour, great Captain and first mate, made our tour very enjoyable. Lovely replica steam boat. Deep local knowledge and character. Perfect views of the carvings, took us right up close and shared the stories of the Maori culture and history. Donald and Daisy duck like to fly by and visit the boat too.
Carvings were good to...
Colleen R,
Oct 24, 2025
- Viator
5.00Carvings were good to see. Boat was a bit rough but we were informed of this before we left the dock.
friendly crew lovely ship
Jill C,
Sep 28, 2025
- Viator
5.00Staff and skipper were friendly and knowledgeable about the history of Lake Taupo. Enjoyed the original steam ship.
Scenic cruise, relaxing ride
Julia K,
Sep 26, 2025
- Viator
5.00A nice boat ride, kid friendly. Staff were friendly, talkative and informative. Carvings were really unique and interesting to see.
Lake cruise
Nina S,
Aug 18, 2025
- Viator
5.00Lovely trip on a smaller boat. Staff friendly and informative. Ensured all could take photos of rock carvings. Nice to have complimentary tea, coffee and cookies!
Related Experiences
Operated by ERNEST KEMP SCENIC CRUISES