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
6.30pm Evening Cruise 90 mins
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
10.30am & 2 pm 2 Hour Cruise
6.30pm Evening 1.5 hour cruise
Reviews
983 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fun trip
ChrisHyett,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing. Enjoyed the tour, the guides, the photo opportunities. A great trip on a lovely boat
Great little tour
Richard C,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Well run tour. Great commentary. Refreshments were provided. Kids got to have a go at steering the ship.
Amazing cruise aboard Ernest Kemp😀
Tebatso L,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It’s such an amazing experience with friendly staff. It was enjoyable and we had enough time to take photos and videos of the Maori carvings. It was worth it.
A relaxing cruise to see...
Ted L,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A relaxing cruise to see the wall carvings. The captain was great giving us the history of the area, lake and carvings. He made several loops around the carvings making sure everyone on board got great views and pictures!
Great experience, great value, great memories
N5049AKharryh,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful tour. The skipper had plenty of fun facts and left plenty of time to view the rock carvings. They make it fun for family's as some of the kids got to 'steer' the boat. Thank you so much the whole group loved it.
Amazing Experience
cynthiasQ4978WA,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was absolutely amazing I really enjoyed it
Well worth booking
juliec2562016,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great trip. Excellent guys on board skipper was very informative. Even though weather wasn't great it was still worth doing and a great trip.
Awesome Tour. Highly recommended.
GarryClarkD,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Awsome expernice, both Peter and Owen were fantastic. Their knowledge was fantastic and. Itching was a problem. 😊
Great time on Ernest Kemp
459ronw,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent experience! Highly recommend this tour!
Great short cruise to see...
Liz T,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great short cruise to see maori carvings and Lake Taupo - even though it was raining today, it still was an enjoyable experience
From NZ$50.00
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Operated by ERNEST KEMP SCENIC CRUISES