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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.
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Well behaved dogs welcome.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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.
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
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 Cruise to the Maori Rock Carvings, with the option to swim at the skippers discretion.
Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes
Maori Rock Carving Cruise
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
875 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Nirmal S,,Dec 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
It was really good. We all enjoyed it very much. Service was good. Peter and Sophia were good and helpful during the whole trip. My son even got the chance to hold the cruise wheel. Overall was good experience. Thanks
878haut,,Dec 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
It was a adventure that's for sure! The lake was rough around Ngatoroirangi, yes we were told from the get go... my grand sons wanted to go out front, knowing full well we were going to get WET! And we did!! My youngest one being ADHD had an absolute blast getting saturated! The wind in his hair... water on his face, he loved it! As did I.. The crew were absolutely amazing! Always checking in... the information from the skipper was spot on. This was a trip for my little people, and they loved it!




F9427GTsandrag,,Dec 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
There was 10 adults in our group and they all seemed to really enjoy the experience. The slightly choppy water just made it more fun for all.
949katea,,Dec 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
What a fantastic trip. The crew were brilliant and looked after us so well. The lake was a little rough, we were warned before boarding and checked on regularly. The captain steered is away from the waves so well that we were very comfortable. We were a group from 11-73 and we all had a fantastic time. The kids (and granny) were able to drive the boat. We had a hot drink and biscuits at the start and there are other drinks and snacks you can buy on board. The carvings were mind blowing and the knowledge of the captain really added to the trip. Oh and the ducks being hand fed while motoring. A definite trip to book on Taupo.
Neal A,,Dec 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
Good vessel grea crew. The Captain did warn us the weather wasn't ideal and give us the option for returning later in the evening when the wind was expected to calm down a bit. Although it wan't ideal the Captain and his crew made it as comfortable as possible


Kate A,,Dec 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
What a fantastic tour. The information given was amazing and the boat was extremely comfortable and clean. It was rough but we were warned before getting on and the captain steered is so well to keep everyone comfortable. The carvings are a true wonder to see. The whole family, 11-73 had a day to remember. Thank you very much xx
477wayneb,,Dec 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
A quiet enjoyable ride. Very informative. And very interesting re the early Moari people. Will definatley highly recommend.



417sundusm,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Me and my family were robbed, we had no idea this price was USD till booking. We decided to cancel and find something within budget, unfortunately we canceled within 24 hours and didn’t get a refund. We call and told them to undo our cancellation as we can’t even get our refund so we may as go. They would not let us undo our cancellation, so unhelpful. Imagine in New Zealand we’re are paying USD to go to Taupo!!!!!! I’m so unhappy 😔
Pioneer60121734603,,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
The views were pretty and the staff was friendly with free hot coffee and tea served. It was well worth the afternoon spent.


leigh3051,,Dec 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Great trip great staff lovely old replica boat...awesome experience and a great way to chill for an afternoon. The young girl on the cruise was so friendly and looked after everyone on board so very well.
Operated by ERNEST KEMP SCENIC CRUISES