Lake Taupō Māori Rock Carvings Scenic Cruise aboard Ernest Kemp

Name: Lake Taupō Māori Rock Carvings Scenic Cruise aboard Ernest Kemp
Price: 50 NZD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.67 (958 reviews)

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 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

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

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.

10.30am & 2 pm 2 Hour Cruise

6.30pm Evening Cruise 90 mins

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

12.30pm 1.5 Hour Cruise

Maori Rock Carving Cruise
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Reviews

4.67

958 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

723

179

Must do
Karen Q,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
beautiful old boat , great commentary and the lake and carvings are beautiful arrive early if wanting an outside seat
Māori carvings
kazrymond900,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Lovely boat trip to see the carvings, lots of information from the captain. Lovely clean boat and free tea and coffee.
Really enjoyable trip on the Ernest Kemp to seethe Maori Carvings
Voyager06430570510,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a fantastic cruise on the Ernest Kemp to see the Maori carvings. Peter, our skipper gave us a great commentary, giving us an insight into the history of Taupo and many interesting facts about the Waikato River and the lake itself. Details of some the Maori traditions and beliefs and the history of the carvings, the characters depicted and their significance were particularly fascinating. We really enjoyed the whole trip and the accompanying music playlist was great too!
Lake Taupo voyage
John L,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
The whole experience was very well thought out. The crew were helpful, friendly and informative. The hot drink was very welcome.
Fantastic
charmainer975,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a great time. The kids had a turn at steering the boat. We all jumped into the lake which was a fun experience. We got super close to the carving. Can't imagine a better view anywhere else. The driver was funny and very entertaining. He was a hoot. Staff were all lovely.
Great little boat trip
Caroline B,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A two hour lake cruise on Taupo on a wonderful little boat. Peter, the captain was knowledgable and entertaining with his commentary. The carvings were awesome and can only be seen from the water. Some folk went in for a swim, so bring a costume and towel. Free tea, coffee and biscuits and loos on board. I would highly recommend this cruise.
Great cruise
Maurice K,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Peter the captain was very interesting and knowledgeable about the lake and carvings We were very well looked after by the stewardess. The cheese board was larger than expected for the price which went well with the wine.
A Beautiful Taupo Experience.
Curiosity19037629174,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Such a beautiful, calm experience on a sunny afternoon.The Ernest Kemp was quaint, welcome and commentary excellent and having grown up in NZ and now living in Perth I was impressed with seeing the carvings and the whole afternoon. This is well worth the time and money.
A fantastic trip
235baileyn,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A fantastic trip out with Peter and Jordan. So knowledgeable about the area, its history, nature and culture. A comfortable boat and not overcrowded. A much smaller boat than some of the others, which made it feel a little more special, and we had amazing views of the carvings.
Fun morning on the lake
Ucki D,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
It was lovely on the water. The commentary was very thorough and the captain was so great with the kids on the boat. Loved watching the brave jump in gor a dip.