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
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.
6.30pm Evening Cruise 90 mins
6.30pm Evening 1.5 hour cruise
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
Reviews
895 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Really good, relaxed boat...
Rosemary S,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Really good, relaxed boat trip to see the amazing Māori carvings. The skipper and crew were really good, both with the commentary and interaction with passengers.
A great experience for a summer evening
Helhola,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The lady on the phone wasn’t the warmest or most professional when I rang with a query but other than that this was a great experience. The crew on the boat were excellent, full of local knowledge and banter and really put in 110% effort to make the experience enjoyable. We went on a lovely warm evening and our kids really enjoyed swimming in the lake. I would definitely recommend.
Excellent trip
Livan1,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent trip. The crew were friendly and informative. We thoroughly enjoyed the trip.
Nice trip. Would recommend to others
debrac131,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful trip! Great crew! Lovely weather 😊
An absolutely fabulous...
Sonja W,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00An absolutely fabulous experience. Knowledgeable and funny commentary throughout the trip. Awesome skipper and 2IC. Great boat ride to the carvings and they are spectacular, up close and from a distance. Worth also reading or listening to the story behind the Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings, in case you don't hear it all on board.
Great morning on the lake.
shirleytB1595VX,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great trip out to see the Carvings. Got tea/coffee biscuits on the boat. Boat stopped at the carvings for people to have a swim.
Great cruise to view the...
Mitchell B,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Great cruise to view the carving. The skipper was very knowledgeable and the hostess was awesome. Definitely worth the trip if time allows.
Taupo Maori Carvings
Claire D,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00That it is not actually a Steam propelled boat Skipper had a good sense of humour and made the experience fun
Amazing trip and got to swim in socks
jessicathomas20,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an incredible experience! The team were so lovely and really made the trip special! The guys were very knowledgeable and gave a great tour of Taupo. The bay of mines was quite choppy but worth it for the craving! At the end you get to jump out of the boat and go for a swim. Because we didn't realise, we left our clothes on and got in anyway! The water was fresh but it was definitely the highlight of our day and our trip to Taupo.
Worth a visit
Libby D,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience on a cute little boat. Skipper shared interesting information and crew very helpful
From NZ$50.00
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Operated by ERNEST KEMP SCENIC CRUISES