Lake Taupō Māori Rock Carvings Scenic Cruise aboard Ernest Kemp
Overview
Available languages
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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.
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.
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
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.
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
1,008 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great vibes from the get go
Quest27339746765,Jun 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Was such a cool chill ride. Very informative. Great views. Staff was awesome, considering they had to deal with a slightly drunk passenger, the staff handled it well. We also took our dog, which they accommodated with very well. I throughly enjoyed the trip. Very much appreciated Ernest kemp crew 5 stars!!😎🤙
Relaxing trip
Gary B,Jun 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a very relaxing and educational cruise. Well worth the time and cost. We learned a lot and he Captain and crew were tops.
Amazing experience
Tammy L,Jun 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic experience all round. The “Ernest Kemp” is an adorable little boat and the Captain and crew are wonderful. The Māori rock carvings are a must see when visiting Lake Taupo and the Captain was very informative and amusing. The boat is well maintained and very comfortable and cosy. Tea and coffee, soft drinks and alcohol are on offer to make the trip even more enjoyable. This was a highlight of my New Zealand holiday and I highly recommend it. Overall, it’s a beautiful way to spend a couple of hours.
good experience
385jaspreetk,Jun 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00-very nice -Really friendly and nice staff -Great that we were given blankets
Confusing Booking Process and Currency Conversion
Explorer32869042889,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00I was disappointed with my experience. The booking process TRIP ADVISOR was not clear regarding the currency, and I was charged in USD instead of NZD, which resulted in unexpected costs. This was frustrating and could have been communicated more clearly. I hope TripAdvisor improves the transparency of pricing and currency selection for future customers
Winter is no barrier to fun
caardrey,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic trip even in the cold. The crew so knowledgeable about Taupo and its history as well as being hillariously funny.
Labradors loved it
Nicola A,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were able to bring our 2 Labradors along and they just loved it. The staff were very welcoming, knowledgeable, and we loved the stories.
Great!
LucyDoll,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Captain and guide was very good and amusing. It was a good couple of hours.
Great 2hrs spent
Jane W,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great 2 hr cruise on a beautiful old boat. Commentary was excellent, staff were amazing, attentive and friendly. Loved every bit of our 2 hrs out on the Lake
Informative
jennymI7244PV,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Great informative tour, although a little difficult to understand/ hear clearly. Progress of tour explained well plus explainations of the conditions. Helpful staff on board.
Related Experiences
Operated by ERNEST KEMP SCENIC CRUISES