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
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.
10.30am & 2 pm 2 Hour Cruise
6.30pm Evening 1.5 hour cruise
6.30pm Evening Cruise 90 mins
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
12.30pm 1.5 Hour Cruise
Maori Rock Carving Cruise
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Reviews
907 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great fun for all
Zabina M,,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The crew went above and beyond to ensure comfort and enjoyment for everyone on board. Really fun experience!
Best cruise on Lake Taupo highly recommend it
Regina B,,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Captain Peter was very knowledgeable and accommodating and Sasha looked after our every need. Swimming off the boat was another highlight. Totally enjoyed every aspect of the trip. Gina and Adrienne
Relaxed boat ride
Elizabeth H,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Take swimming trunks if you fancy a dip nearing the carvings. Relaxed trip across the lake, easy to sit in open.
monday morning on lake taupo
dsckiwi,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00a wonderful and relaxing way to take in some of the attractions on lake taupo and learn the history would recomend it to friends family and colleagues
Must do
ShayneS133,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience, crew were very friendly and knowledgeable of the local history. 10/10 would recommend for anyone visiting Taupō.
A fun boat tour with outstanding crew and captain!
Tour01484942191,,Jan 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a really nice time on the cruise. The rock carvings were beautiful! The captain and crew were really lovely and friendly.
Good experience.
jomonj2026,,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Good experience and we enjoyed well.they explain well about the journey and the Maori rock.lots of space and it was a nice ride.thankyou.
Excellent adventure!
Christine A,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Such an enjoyable experience with a very friendly and attentive crew. The waters were choppy today but the crew still made the voyage wonderful. And such a great deal for a bottle of wine and charcuterie board. Plus visiting the Māori carving was such a highlight. A big thank you to our captain and Owen!
Great trip, just the drive to the skirt is an experience.
M5394YObernardb,,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour, great service, good info, very nice staff on board, humorous and educational to equal. You have to do it.
Good trip
Ian R,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Nice trip out but didn't appreciate that the carvings were new and not original. Good commentary throughout and the tea and biscuits a bonus
From NZ$50.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by ERNEST KEMP SCENIC CRUISES