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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
Maori Rock Carving Cruise
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
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
9am Early Bird Cruise : 9am Early Bird Cruise with Ernest Kemp to visit the Maori Rock Carvings. Start the day with a relaxing Cruise.
881 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Sunshine43309014048,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
We all really enjoyed it , the skipper of the boat peter was very polite and courteous, explaining the whole cruise and history and the meaning of the rock carving, he even gave my wife the opportunity to steer the boat,it was an memorable experience for me and my family we all enjoyed it very much and would highly recommend it. The crew of the boat was also great, she was also very polite and friendly .. over all the lake cruise was very enjoyable and worth while for the price.. water was crystal clear … and trust me if you get sea sickness from boat and water, you won’t with this cruise, no sea smell or rough boat ride, just an amazing experience not to be missed and will not be disappointed at all…





Martha C,,Jan 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Fantastic little cruise out on Lake Taupo, to see the Maori rock carvings. My 25-yo son and I went out on Dec 31, 2025. It was a rainy morning, but the weather cleared up just went we got out on the lake. The captain and his helper were charming people who made us feel very welcome and taken care of. There were hot drinks and snacks on offer. We waited for some kayaks and another boat to finish viewing the carvings, and then we went in close. There was plenty of time fir photos and the captain was quite knowledgeable abt the origin of the carvings, the artist, the significance and intent, etc. It was a great outing. Some of the young kids got to honk the horn of the boat, on our way back in, to celebrate the new year. That was very exciting!


Amir P,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
I wasn't happy about the booking process,I wnd up paying 36 nzd more for the same booking could be Viator fault or privider I'm not sure.
Camper605064,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Good old safe and clean boat. Helpful smiling staff, coffee and tea on board, as well as bee, wine etc. Very safe trip, stop very close to the rock with Maori carvings, plenty time and angles for everybody to take a pictures.
Santhosh P,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Had a wonderful experience with Ernest Kemp Cruises in Taupō. The cruise was smooth, relaxing, and very well organised. The crew were friendly, knowledgeable, and shared interesting history about Lake Taupō and the Māori rock carvings, which made the trip even more special. The views were absolutely stunning, and the boat was clean and comfortable. It’s a perfect activity for families, couples, or anyone wanting to enjoy Taupō from the water. Highly recommend this cruise to anyone visiting the area!


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


Operated by ERNEST KEMP SCENIC CRUISES