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‘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
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
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.
Maori Rock Carvings Cruise
12.30pm 1.5 Hour Cruise
Maori Rock Carving Cruise
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
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
851 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing experience!
Rhiannon N,
Nov 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Owen and Peter were fantastic at making this a great experience! We got right up close to the cavings with excellent commentary.
Wonderful experience!
MerryG V,
Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The boat was comfortable and quaint. Refreshments were provided. We got a great look at the carvings and information about the carvings and surroundings by the captain.
Fantastic boat trip
Pioneer53521443094,
Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A great 1.5hrs. Money well spent. Even though it was a bit choppy we were forewarned and it wasn't too bad - it certainly didn't spoil the trip at all. The crew were lovely and the skippers commentary was very informative and amusing! The carvings were amazing and we were able to get quite close up. A great trip and would certainly recommend it.
Nice trip!
ulrikewU1305AK,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had great weather and the ride was informative. The view from Lake Taupo to the bay is fascinating. Highly recommended!
Great Cruise
meeko04,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a great cruise commentary was good very friendly staff the carvings are well worth going to see highly recommended.
Delightful experience on...
Sarah S,
Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Delightful experience on a sunny morning on the Earnest Kemp. Nice touch with inclusive drink & cookie. Would recommend.
Ernest Kemp cruise on Lake Taupo.
Sightseer33037971366,
Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We chose the Ernest Kemp as it is a traditional old vessel so ideal for a cruise on the lake, and we were not disappointed. It was a most enjoyable cruise, friendly crew and informative commentary. Well recommended.
Terrific Two Hours
Carolyn H,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The captain & first mate were friendly, helpful, and took great care of us. The trip took the perfect amount of time. Additionally, we had great weather for the trip!
Lake Taupo Maori Rock Carvings scenic cruise aboard Ernest Kemp
B4074PGruthc,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00We had an enjoyable couple of hours with good service. Unfortunately, the PA equipment wasn't loud enough to enable us to hear the captain's commentary over the loud laughter and youngsters for most of the cruise (and we were up the front near a speaker). Great opportunity for photos of the rock carvings.
Such a beautiful experience
409daylins,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a beautiful experience. Very cool boat. Very good price. And lovely staff. Enjoyed having a beer and looking at the maori cravings
From NZ$50.00
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Operated by ERNEST KEMP SCENIC CRUISES