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
6.30pm Evening Cruise 90 mins
12.30pm 1.5 Hour Cruise
Maori Rock Carving Cruise
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
6.30pm Evening 1.5 hour cruise
10.30am & 2 pm 2 Hour Cruise
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
956 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fantastic
charmainer975,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We 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
5.00A 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
5.00Peter 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
5.00Such 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
5.00A 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
5.00It 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.
Great value
305duncanc,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Historic boat, great skipper, lovely first cabin crew. Informative and pleasurable.
Perfect!!
Rainer O,Mar 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great skipper and team!! Perfect afternoon trip! Really good information about the lake and carvings!
Amazing Māori carvings on the water
RichardBoyle,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were fortunate that it was a warm, sunny day. We got regular commentary from the captain which was always lively & informative. But the highlight was the carvings which are hidden away & can only be seen from the lake. They are truly spectacular & you can only wonder how they were carved as they are so inaccessible & surrounded by water. My wife’s highlight was steering the boat on our return as she is very wary of travelling on water !
Very enjoyable experience!
Rachel C,Mar 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really good fun and the rock carvings are amazing. The water was very choppy but that added to the fun! Peter our captain and Jordan looked after us and provided lots of interesting information. Well worth doing if in the area!
From NZ$50.00
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Operated by ERNEST KEMP SCENIC CRUISES