Lake Taupō Māori Rock Carvings Scenic Cruise aboard Ernest Kemp

Overview

Available languages

German

English

Chinese (China)

French

Spanish

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.

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Included

Options

Maori Rock Carvings Cruise

12.30pm 1.5 Hour Cruise

Maori Rock Carving Cruise
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

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.

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

4.66

845 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

628

164

Great Cruise
meeko04,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was a great cruise commentary was good very friendly staff the carvings are well worth going to see highly recommended.
Delightful experience on...
Sarah S,
Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00
Delightful experience on a sunny morning on the Earnest Kemp. Nice touch with inclusive drink & cookie. Would recommend.
Ernest Kemp cruise on Lake Taupo.
Sightseer33037971366,
Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We chose the Ernest Kemp as it is a traditional old vessel so ideal for a cruise on the lake, and we were not disappointed. It was a most enjoyable cruise, friendly crew and informative commentary. Well recommended.
Terrific Two Hours
Carolyn H,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
The captain & first mate were friendly, helpful, and took great care of us. The trip took the perfect amount of time. Additionally, we had great weather for the trip!
Lake Taupo Maori Rock Carvings scenic cruise aboard Ernest Kemp
B4074PGruthc,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
We had an enjoyable couple of hours with good service. Unfortunately, the PA equipment wasn't loud enough to enable us to hear the captain's commentary over the loud laughter and youngsters for most of the cruise (and we were up the front near a speaker). Great opportunity for photos of the rock carvings.
Such a beautiful experience
409daylins,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Such a beautiful experience. Very cool boat. Very good price. And lovely staff. Enjoyed having a beer and looking at the maori cravings
Great trip with a lovely crew
Chris G,
Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
A lovely boat trip around the lake with up close views of the rock carvings and lots of information about the settlements along the shore. The crew were very nice and made sure everyone got the most out of the tour.
Great boat trip on the lake
joywL5398ZA,
Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great trip, such a cute boat. Really friendly staff. Pack your togs, you don’t want to miss the swimming opportunity if the weather is right!!
It was a pleasant trip...
Helen M,
Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00
It was a pleasant trip but would have been better if you could have heard the commentary better. It was hard to hear outside at the back and also inside. It would have been nice if the windows were cleaned as if you were sitting inside the windows were foggy - even better if there had been no glass at all
We loved Lake Taupo!
Deb H,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great time! Our captain was terrific! A beautiful calm day! We loved it and would definitely do again!!!