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
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 Cruise 90 mins
10.30am & 2 pm 2 Hour Cruise
12.30pm 1.5 Hour Cruise
Maori Rock Carving Cruise
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
6.30pm Evening 1.5 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.
Reviews
916 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Delightful way to spend 2hrs on the lake
G7679FOleighb,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Headed out on the morning cruise. Were forewarned was a bit choppy but that didn't ruin the experience in anyway. Enjoyed seeing the mainland from the lake and the commentary from Peter was informative and humourous. Azura in the office was helpful and Libby (crew) really friendly. Always nice to have great customer service from start to finish. Seeing the carvings through our own eyes was the icing on the cake. Highly recommend joining the Ernest Kemp team for a couple of hours to enjoy this beautiful lake while in Taupo.
Highly recommend this cruise!
KaipoFlatsSafari,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great, very affordable cruise to see the Mine Bay Rock Carvings. There was a steam boat was clean, comfortable, complimentary tea/coffee and paid bar available. Skipper had great craic (information imparted with knowledge and humour). The stewards ensured all were suitably hydrated. Also had washroom facilities and we got to have a quick dip in the Lake.
Enjoyable Ernest Kemp tour
carolynwL6082VX,,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Well organized, personable trained staff, complimentary coffee, great scenery and commentary, suitably priced, great 90 minute tour.
Great family adventure 😄
Inspire62017437842,,Feb 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great adventure for our family, very informative, all of us enjoyed the trip, especially our son who got to drive the boat
Beautiful Boat trip
suzannemK6919SJ,,Feb 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nice trip on the lake in beautiful boat. Drinks and biscuits provided. Good commentary by the Captain of the area. Excellent view of Maouri carvings which were explained. Would recommend
This was a really...
Helen H,,Feb 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a really pleasant trip and the staff were very helpful and informative. Boat was good and not too fu
Ernest Kemp Taupo
wellsburg2018,,Feb 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great little boat and fabulous crew. Helpful, funny and informative, loved our trip, well done Ernest Kemp
Lovely
Odyssey714129,,Feb 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful lake and a very pleasant boating ride. Crew was lovely and the carvings were impressive. Was a great stopover experience driving from Rotorua to Tongariro.
Great fun for all
Zabina M,,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The crew went above and beyond to ensure comfort and enjoyment for everyone on board. Really fun experience!
Best cruise on Lake Taupo highly recommend it
Regina B,,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Captain Peter was very knowledgeable and accommodating and Sasha looked after our every need. Swimming off the boat was another highlight. Totally enjoyed every aspect of the trip. Gina and Adrienne
From NZ$50.00
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Operated by ERNEST KEMP SCENIC CRUISES