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
10.30am & 2 pm 2 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
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.
6.30pm Evening 1.5 hour cruise
Reviews
973 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
I love a trip on a boat...
Karyn O,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I love a trip on a boat and when it is informative as well as fun it’s even better. Thank you to the guys running this tour for your professionalism, knowledge & amusing commentary. Highly recommend 👍🏻
Perfect day out on the lake
Relax33753731850,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Im a local but had never done this trip before. My brother and I thought the 2hr trip was great. So much information was shared about our stunning lake and the lovely boat. Friendly staff and will definitely recommend to my booking.com guests in future.
Just do it!
Sightsee577975,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked this last minute and so glad we did! The crew were lovely, the boat charming, and the scenery was incredible! Great value for money, highly recommend.
Over crowded and dirty
O3309IEfionam,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Boat was over crowded. The skipper just wouldn't shut up, certain parts of her voice couldn't be heard (yay) over the noise of the boat. The windows were dirty, inside and out.
Tug Boat that could….(not stop us from having a good ol’ time)
X9972XUmichaelh,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had an awesome time! Peter was an excellent Captain, and was very knowledgeable and entertaining for two full hours. Jordan was a brilliant host, and great at bringing the Gin & Tonics! 🥂 😂 (Drink prices were very very good too!) Thanks team
10/10 so good
Mericia P,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a magical moment experience! Peter our skipper was so knowledgeable and knowledgeable entertaining; 10/10 highly recommend.
Great way to spend a couple of hours in Taupo
Sightsee11626949652,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a lovely trip. They guys who took us were super friendly and knowledgeable. It's a great way to spend a couple of hours in Taupo.
Carvings great but clean the windows!
yukonsheila,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00Carvings are wonderful. Commentary was very good. We had good weather. Two things disappointing- the boat windows were all seriously dirty or scratched , so with very limited outside seating the view was quite poor. Also could the Muzak be turned off or at least turned way down? The waves should be the soundtrack not pop songs.
A delight
Tastjames,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really lovely staff on board. The skipper explained the history of the boat and was able to explain the significance of many key features as we moved along. Jordan looked after us well by giving out cookies, answering enquiries and looking after the (extremely reasonably priced) bar. As we arrived at the carvings, we were treated to clear explanations with plenty of time to get a closer look. This trip was exceptional value for money and we are pleased we chose to sail with Ernest Kemp.
An amazing cruise
elizabethmL4886IR,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A beautiful, relaxing cruise. Friendly, informative crew, magnificent scenery and free cuppa and biscuit….perfect afternoon, thank you.
From NZ$50.00
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Operated by ERNEST KEMP SCENIC CRUISES