Lake Taupō Māori Rock Carvings Scenic Cruise aboard Ernest Kemp
Overview
Available languages
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.
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
10.30am & 2 pm 2 Hour Cruise
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.
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
Reviews
954 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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!
Good way to fill a couple of hours
Alison M,Mar 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00A nice short cruise on Lake Taupō. Local information along the way. Tea, coffee & biscuits included and opportunity to swim if you’d like to.
Good value for money,...
Evie R,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Good value for money, really friendly skipper and crew mate and the free coffee/tea and biscuits were a nice touch.
Nice Boat ride to and...
Alain L,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Nice Boat ride to and from the rocks. Entertaining comments from operator crew and captain. Impressive work away from everything on the huge lake.
Very interesting excursion.
404HappyTraveller,Feb 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a great way to see the Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings which are only accessible by water. I must admit we initially picked this tour operator since my wife thought his boat was cute. It turned out to be a good choice, as the boat was comfortable, with free cookies and coffee. The operator was very knowledgeable about the carvings, knowing the artist personally, and kept us well informed about various points of interest along the way. We ran into a bit of a shower on the way, but everyone just moved inside and it cleared nicely in time to see the carvings. The carvings are very impressive and worth the time it took to cruise out and back.
Extremely enjoyable cruise on Lake Taupo
525narelleb,Feb 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A 5 star experience on this replica steam boat..The online booking system was easy and the communication was helpful and timely. The crew were attentive and informative, catering to everyone’s needs and interests. We were lucky to have beautiful weather to complement a well organised and comfortable cruise. It was great to see the lake’s foreshores from a different perspective and appreciate some of the standout architecture in the surrounding districts. There was a welcome opportunity to swim in the deep, refreshing water of Lake Taupo and view the historic Maori carvings.
Incredible boat trip
georgina r,Feb 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Incredible boat journey great views of the caving with plenty of time for everyone to see them and get great photos. The staff were very knowledgable and helpful and had a passion for the lake/carvings. Getting to swim in the lake was incredible and although cold you fairly quickly got use to the temperature. Really recommend taking your swimming stuff!
Beautiful Experience
W4242NEsophiem,Feb 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely amazing. The captain and his daughter who we had running the cruise were so delightful and accommodating. We have two children (one who is 2 years old) and she loved it. Even went for a dip in the COLD water. But the crew were so helpful with her and made sure we all had an amazing experience. The captain knew his history and spoke nearly the entire way to the carvings - it was great. The carvings themselves were beautiful and something we don't think you would see anywhere else. Definitely recommend.
Great trip, very informative crew.
Ron W,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Go for it, you will not be disappointed . We had great weather, there is free tea and coffee should you want it.
It was nice and chill. A...
Kate A,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was nice and chill. A great way to relax. Time went by so fast that it felt like we were only on it for half an hour. Would go with them again in the future. Friendly and welcoming staff.
From NZ$50.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by ERNEST KEMP SCENIC CRUISES